Module Descriptors
CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH OLDER PEOPLE
SOWK60108
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Peter Simcock
Email: P.Simcock@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 30
Independent Study Hours: 120
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- SEMINAR PRESENTATION weighted at 30%
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 70%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
Teacher/Student Contact Hours 30 hours
Because of its emphasis on developing an understanding of the legislative, policy and theoretical framework this module will have a combination of interactive core lectures and specialist seminars including presentations from visiting speakers (older people and service providers (60%) In order that students are enabled to use the knowledge and skills gained to explore innovative practice within their specialist setting some small group work will also be included in the module. (30%) Group and individual tutorial support will also be provided (10%)
Independent Learning: 120 hours
Independent learning time will be utilised to firstly undertake both directed reading and independent reading related to their identified service development (50%). In addition to the exploration of related literature, independent learning time will be spent in preparation for the module assessment, this will include further development of IT and presentation skills, as well as in reflective discussion with peers and experienced pratitioners (40%). Practitioners can independently access resources and support for their learning using Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) (10%).
Because of its emphasis on developing an understanding of the legislative, policy and theoretical framework this module will have a combination of interactive core lectures and specialist seminars including presentations from visiting speakers (older people and service providers (60%) In order that students are enabled to use the knowledge and skills gained to explore innovative practice within their specialist setting some small group work will also be included in the module. (30%) Group and individual tutorial support will also be provided (10%)
Independent Learning: 120 hours
Independent learning time will be utilised to firstly undertake both directed reading and independent reading related to their identified service development (50%). In addition to the exploration of related literature, independent learning time will be spent in preparation for the module assessment, this will include further development of IT and presentation skills, as well as in reflective discussion with peers and experienced pratitioners (40%). Practitioners can independently access resources and support for their learning using Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) (10%).
Module Indicative Content
The aim of this module is to enable social workers to consider the context of complex social work practice with older people. This will include an appraisal of the legislative framework which underpins practice, the national and local policies and guidance, the influence of best evidence, and service-user and carer experience and aspirations.
The voice of the older person will be central to the module and older people will contribute to the teaching and learning. The challenges of promoting quality of life, taking into account experience throughout the life course and the transitions of late life, and ensuring that these are fully embedded in holistic assessment and support will be explored.
The complexity of multi-agency and multi professional working with the aim of supporting older people in the environment of their choice will underpin the module and the tensions and opportunity for creativity at the interface of the health and social care systems will be considered.
Practitioners may come from a variety of backgrounds and will build on their current specialist experience. There will be opportunity to examine contemporary issues and challenges and to consider some of the innovations in service provision which have been developed to support the preventative and rehabilitative agenda. Service providers who have developed more creative solutions will be invited to debate the challenges and opportunities presented by the current policy drivers.
The voice of the older person will be central to the module and older people will contribute to the teaching and learning. The challenges of promoting quality of life, taking into account experience throughout the life course and the transitions of late life, and ensuring that these are fully embedded in holistic assessment and support will be explored.
The complexity of multi-agency and multi professional working with the aim of supporting older people in the environment of their choice will underpin the module and the tensions and opportunity for creativity at the interface of the health and social care systems will be considered.
Practitioners may come from a variety of backgrounds and will build on their current specialist experience. There will be opportunity to examine contemporary issues and challenges and to consider some of the innovations in service provision which have been developed to support the preventative and rehabilitative agenda. Service providers who have developed more creative solutions will be invited to debate the challenges and opportunities presented by the current policy drivers.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Seminar presentation (30%) 20 minutes - assesses learning outcomes 2 and 3
Seminar Paper (70%) 2,000 - assesses learning outcomes 1 and 2
The seminar will present a potential service development that students have planned which aims to support and improve the quality of life of older people. The seminar will be presented to their student peer group and invited members of the user and carers group. Students will also submit a 2,000 word seminar paper which provides a critical appraisal of the legislative, policy and theoretical framework that underpins their service development plan, identifying the potential impact changing agenda may have on the management of their development.
Formative assessment:
feedback from tutor and peers on presentation of problem brought to groupwork session plus tutorial support and feedback.
Seminar Paper (70%) 2,000 - assesses learning outcomes 1 and 2
The seminar will present a potential service development that students have planned which aims to support and improve the quality of life of older people. The seminar will be presented to their student peer group and invited members of the user and carers group. Students will also submit a 2,000 word seminar paper which provides a critical appraisal of the legislative, policy and theoretical framework that underpins their service development plan, identifying the potential impact changing agenda may have on the management of their development.
Formative assessment:
feedback from tutor and peers on presentation of problem brought to groupwork session plus tutorial support and feedback.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
If student is undertaking full post qualifying specialist award then must be a qualified social worker, registered with the GSCC.
Must be currently working in a relevant context to the module focus
Must be currently working in a relevant context to the module focus
Module Resources
Audio visual aids and equipment: laptop PC and data projector, OHP and flipchart, television monitor and DVD or video player.
Appropriate rooms for small group work
Peer group within action learning set
Module and personal tutor.
PC with internet access, access to Blackboard VLE
Appropriate rooms for small group work
Peer group within action learning set
Module and personal tutor.
PC with internet access, access to Blackboard VLE
Module Texts
Bond, J. (2004) Quality of Life and Older People. Buckingham, Open University Press. ISBN 033520872X
Department of Health (2005) Independence, Wellbeing and Choice. London HMSO
Department of Health (2006) Our Health, Our Care, Our Say. London HMSO
Philips, J., Ray, M. & Marshall, M. (2006) Social Work with Older People. Basingstoke, Palgrave. ISBN 1403916136
Reed, J., Stanley, S. & Clarke, C.(2004) Health, Wellbeing and Older People. Bristol,Policy Press. ISBN 9781861344212
Department of Health (2005) Independence, Wellbeing and Choice. London HMSO
Department of Health (2006) Our Health, Our Care, Our Say. London HMSO
Philips, J., Ray, M. & Marshall, M. (2006) Social Work with Older People. Basingstoke, Palgrave. ISBN 1403916136
Reed, J., Stanley, S. & Clarke, C.(2004) Health, Wellbeing and Older People. Bristol,Policy Press. ISBN 9781861344212