· Note similarities and differences between how you plan to apply what you have learned and how they plan to apply their knowledge in their field experiences and careers.
· Identify an additional way that your colleagues might find what they have learned useful.
Within the social work research, the following evaluation strategies can be defined: scientific-experimental, management-oriented, qualitative-anthropological and client-oriented (Osis, 2016). The scientific-experimental approach is aimed primarily at the development of the social work science and the client-oriented approach features more applied nature and is used to implement changes in the society. The management-oriented methodology helps to evaluate the effectiveness and performance of social institutions and the qualitative-anthropological connects the historical and modern observations of changes within the society.
Given the nowadays tendencies, the new field for social research emerged. These are social networks, where users leave personal information, interact with each other and comment on different political, economic or cultural events. According to the Code of Ethics for social workers, when evaluating or conducting research with the use of any technologies they should receive informed consent of the participants and ensure their confidentiality. It is essential to secure safety and prevent any harm or damage to participants` physical and mental health (NASW Code of Ethics, 2017). Another change of research environment pertains to multicultural and multiethnic societies. In these terms, the key principle for social workers should be social justice, as it encompasses social welfare for everyone (Chukwu, 2015). They should pay more attention to cultural and ethnic differences and include these insights to their researches and evaluations. “Social workers can also use research for policy reform efforts by critically examining legal and public discourse and the extent to which they comply with human rights principles” (Maschi, Youdin, Sutfin & Simpson, 2012). Currently, social workers act as the main promoters and champions of human rights and social justice.
In order to be able to provide highly qualified research or evaluation, the skills should feature transferability. It means that social practitioners should able to explain how their activity is informed by their knowledge base and being able to apply their knowledge and skills to new situations through appraising what is general and what is particular in each situation (Trevithick, 2000). The theory and practice should be effectively combined. Moreover, the special approach to the terminology should be used. It means changing terms of patient, case or subject to a client, person or consumer. Similarly, it is better to use an assessment or evaluation than diagnosis, study or examination (Cournoyer, 2017). The appropriate theoretical frames lay down the basis for effective practice.
References
Chukwu, N. (2015). Skills and techniques needed for social work practice in a multicultural Nigerian society. In Harnessing Diversity for Sustainable Development. Nsukka: University of Nigeria. Retrieved from http://283083258_Skills_and_techniques_needed_for_social_work_practice_in_a_multicultural_Nigerian_society
Cournoyer, B. (2017). The Social Work Skills Workbook [Ebook] (4th ed., pp. 1-12). Thomson: Brooks/Cole. Retrieved from https://is.muni.cz/el/1423/jaro2017/SPR820/um/Social_work_skills_-_Cournoyer_Barry_R._-_OCR1-kniha.pdf
Maschi, T., Youdin, R., Sutfin, S., & Simpson, C. (2012). Social Work Research and Evaluation: Foundations in Human Rights and Social Justice. In Social Worker as Researcher Integrating Research with Advocacy (1st ed., pp. 1-31). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education. Retrieved from https://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/samplechapter/0/2/0/5/0205594948.pdf
NASW Delegate Assembly. NASW Code of Ethics (2017).
Osis, J. (2016). Evaluation of Efficiency in Social Work Practice and Supervision: Empirical Approach [Ebook] (pp. 221- 232). Latvian Christian Academy. Retrieved from http://kra.lv/proceedings/4-2016//Proceedings%20LChrA%204%202016%20Osis%20Evaluation%20of%20Efficiency%20in%20Social%20Work%20Practice%20and%20Supervision%20Empirical%20Approach.pdf
Trevithick, P. (2000). Social Work Skills a Practice Handbook (pp. 9-28). Philadelphia: Open University Press.
Student #2 (Mark)
Research and evaluation is crucial in social work practice. The NASW Code of Ethics states all social workers should engage in research and evaluation. It is also important to prove there is evidence that a program or intervention is working (Dudley, 2014). By conducting an evaluation, you can see if there is a casual relationship between an intervention and the progress of clients. Stakeholders play a crucial role in the evaluation process and it can determine if and how much the organization will be funded.
I would apply my skills by using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). This tool will be useful to see the progress of my clients. I like this scale since it can fit the client accordingly. A lot of my clients are unique and has different needs. I also like how you work on it with the client. I think it is crucial to have the client involved in his progress and goals. The GAS would be good to use on my clients who are working on their social skills. We can determine the level of progress and adjust their goals. Overall, I feel more competent and know how to evaluate if my clients are making progress.
Dudley, J. R. (2014). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do. (2nd ed.) Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.
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