__smbhome.uscs.susx.ac.uk_dm50_Desktop_Lefevre_Learning journeys to effective communication with children_Final accepted CFSW with tables.pdf (908.03 kB)
Learning and development journeys towards effective communications with children
There are continuing concerns about the quality of social workers' communication and engagement with children. This has led to a focus in England on whether qualifying courses prepare students sufficiently for practice. Although research has uncovered the capabilities social workers need to engage and communicate effectively with children, there has continued to be limited evidence in relation to which pedagogical approaches might best enable students to develop capability. This paper attempts to address some of this deficit by reporting in-depth case study findings from a larger longitudinal study into the factors that supported a cohort of students in England in learning to communicate with children. Case analyses are presented in respect of two participants whose learning journeys were emblematic of many in the cohort. Their trajectories draw attention to the significant role that pre-course experience with children can play in the development of students' self-efficacy and in providing a rich source of experiential learning that can be built upon. Suggestions are made for how qualifying courses might provide alternative experiential learning opportunities, including role play, child observation and opportunities for reflection on pre-course experience with adults to help students establish the transferability of their learning.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Child and Family Social WorkISSN
1365-2206Publisher
WileyExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
22Page range
86-96Department affiliated with
- Social Work and Social Care Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes