First and second year social work students and service learning
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(Published version)
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2010
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Kruger, M.L.
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Working paper
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A new Teaching and Learning Framework (Lee 2007) was recently adopted by the University of South Australia. The theme of this framework is experiential learning, as a means of increasing student engagement in their learning. This paper focuses on one of the three core elements of experiential learning, that of service learning. In its broadest sense service learning is a means of meeting community need (Bringle & Hatcher 1996). However, it may also be a way of meeting a learning need. From the author’s experiences in social work education, students within the first two years of the social work program struggle to make the link between what is taught in the classroom and what happens in the real world. It is suggested that through service learning experiences, students are better able to make a connection between social work theory and practice; thereby increasing their understanding of course content and gaining a broader appreciation for human service work. I propose that social work students in the first two years of their full time study should engage in academic service learning activities to better enhance their learning in the classroom.
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Copyright 2010 Mellissa Kruger