Practice Learning in Social Work

Learning through practice lies at the heart of social work education, providing the opportunity for students to develop and employ the skills, experience and knowledge they need to become effective social workers. This exciting new addition to Palgrave's Practical Social Work series provides an integrated and user-friendly approach to practice learning by putting placements within a broader learning framework. Rather than treating placements as an isolated aspect of the social work degree, Practice Learning in Social Work shows how they are relevant to all aspects of the social work experience. Divided in to three parts, this book's pragmatic approach mirrors students' own journey as they progress from preparation for practice, through to actual experience, and then beyond this to support personal and professional development right up to qualification as a Newly Qualified Social Worker.With a strong emphasis on service users and carers as central stake holders, Practice Learning in Social Work illustrates the practical nature of the profession with realistic case scenarios based on real life learning experiences, reflective learning exercises and practice led research references throughout. Progress checklists, linked to the Professional Capabilities Framework, also provide readers with the opportunity to assess their own strengths and learning needs.

This clearly written and well-informed text provides social work students with a good insight into key issues relating to the important areas of practice learning. It will be a valuable resource for students progressing from preparation for their first placement to becoming newly qualified practitioners. - Melanie Parris, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Buckinghamshire New University, UK, and author for An Introduction to Social Work Practice: A Practical Handbook.

Jennifer Burton is Senior Lecturer in Social Work at Buckinghamshire New University, UK.