Module Descriptors
UNDERSTANDING EVIDENCE TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
SOWK60224
Key Facts
School of Health, Science and Wellbeing
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Elizabeth Boath
Email: E.Boath@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 30
Independent Study Hours: 120
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 70%
- SEMINAR PRESENTATION weighted at 30%
Module Details
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Qualified social worker, registered with the GSCC.
Must be currently working in the relevant context for specialist practice route.
Must be currently working in the relevant context for specialist practice route.
Module Resources
Audio visual aids and equipment: laptop PC and data projector, OHP and flipchart.
Appropriate rooms for small group work
Specialist peer group
Module and personal tutor.
PC with internet access, access to Blackboard VLE
Appropriate rooms for small group work
Specialist peer group
Module and personal tutor.
PC with internet access, access to Blackboard VLE
Module Learning Strategies
Teacher/Student Contact Hours 30 hours
Because of its emphasis on developing an understanding of the methodological and ethical considerations of both researching and critically reading research this module will have a combination of interactive core lectures and discussion (50%).Small specialist group work and specialist seminars will be utilised to support students in developing skills and strategies to critique research and evidence within their own specialist area of practice (40%). Group and individual tutorial support will also be provided (10%)
Independent Learning: 120 hours
Independent learning time will be utilised to firstly undertake directed reading, critiquing literature ready for group discussion and discussing topic of relevance with an experienced specialist practitioner (40%). In addition to this exploration of related literature, independent learning time will be spent in preparation for the module assessment (40%). Practitioners can independently access resources and support for their learning using Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) (20%).
Because of its emphasis on developing an understanding of the methodological and ethical considerations of both researching and critically reading research this module will have a combination of interactive core lectures and discussion (50%).Small specialist group work and specialist seminars will be utilised to support students in developing skills and strategies to critique research and evidence within their own specialist area of practice (40%). Group and individual tutorial support will also be provided (10%)
Independent Learning: 120 hours
Independent learning time will be utilised to firstly undertake directed reading, critiquing literature ready for group discussion and discussing topic of relevance with an experienced specialist practitioner (40%). In addition to this exploration of related literature, independent learning time will be spent in preparation for the module assessment (40%). Practitioners can independently access resources and support for their learning using Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) (20%).
Module Additional Assessment Details
Seminar Paper. 2000 words. 70%
Plus Seminar presentation summarising findings and the implications for social work practice. 30%
assesses Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 3
The seminar paper will summarise the literature and research findings relating to a specific area of their practice, selected by the student as relevant to developing their professional knowledge and skills. The practitioner will then present the paper to a small group of their fellow students and members of the service user and carer group who have supported the module and teaching staff. The presentation will draw on their review of the literature and will demonstrate their ability to understand and articulate the available evidence. It will also enable the practitioner to explore the application of the research in their practice and the implication of their findings for future social work practice
Formative Assessment:
Feedback on seminar plan and a portion of writing
Feedback on critiquing skills during small group work
Plus Seminar presentation summarising findings and the implications for social work practice. 30%
assesses Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 3
The seminar paper will summarise the literature and research findings relating to a specific area of their practice, selected by the student as relevant to developing their professional knowledge and skills. The practitioner will then present the paper to a small group of their fellow students and members of the service user and carer group who have supported the module and teaching staff. The presentation will draw on their review of the literature and will demonstrate their ability to understand and articulate the available evidence. It will also enable the practitioner to explore the application of the research in their practice and the implication of their findings for future social work practice
Formative Assessment:
Feedback on seminar plan and a portion of writing
Feedback on critiquing skills during small group work
Module Indicative Content
The aim of this module is to introduce social workers to research in the context of their chosen specialist social work practice area. In order to achieve this aim the student will develop awareness of research methodologies relevant to social work and the ability to analyse, interpret and apply research findings to practice. This will build upon the reflective, critical, analytical and evaluation skills developed in consolidation. The practitioner will firstly be introduced to:
The place of research within social work practice
Ethical considerations within social research and social work in particular
Research methodologies and design (strengths and weaknesses of specific methods of research relevant to social care and social care practice)
Approaches for reviewing literature on specialist social care and practice related topics
Identification and understanding different sources of data, evidence and literature
Conducting a critical review of evidence relating to specific topic
Applications of findings from research and theory to support evidence based practice
Critical awareness of the different approaches to a specific issue and the insight to weigh up the differing perspectives
Strategies to support effective communication
The place of research within social work practice
Ethical considerations within social research and social work in particular
Research methodologies and design (strengths and weaknesses of specific methods of research relevant to social care and social care practice)
Approaches for reviewing literature on specialist social care and practice related topics
Identification and understanding different sources of data, evidence and literature
Conducting a critical review of evidence relating to specific topic
Applications of findings from research and theory to support evidence based practice
Critical awareness of the different approaches to a specific issue and the insight to weigh up the differing perspectives
Strategies to support effective communication
Module Texts
Abbott, P. & Sapsford, R (1998) Research Methods for Nurses and the Caring Professions, 2nd edition. Buckingham, Open University Press. ISBN 0335196977
Bell, J. (1999) Doing your Research Project: a guide for first time researchers in education and social science, 3rd edition Buckingham, Open University Press .ISBN 0335203892
Gomm, R. & Davies, C. (2000) Using Evidence in Health and Social Care. London, Sage. ISBN 0761064959
Hek,G. & Moule, P. (2006) Making Sense of Research: An Introduction for Health and Social Care Practitioners, 3rd edition. London, Sage. ISBN 141292362X
Bell, J. (1999) Doing your Research Project: a guide for first time researchers in education and social science, 3rd edition Buckingham, Open University Press .ISBN 0335203892
Gomm, R. & Davies, C. (2000) Using Evidence in Health and Social Care. London, Sage. ISBN 0761064959
Hek,G. & Moule, P. (2006) Making Sense of Research: An Introduction for Health and Social Care Practitioners, 3rd edition. London, Sage. ISBN 141292362X