Social Work Theory and Practice - Making the Links
Our experience is that many students on the social
work degree can be intimidated by the word 'theory'. This immediately
inhibits effective learning about theory. Theory in social work
is about how we relate to others and how we make sure that we are
providing effective services. It is important that theory is not
seen as the preserve of academics or senior social workers. Through
understanding and applying theory to social work practice our work
with service users can become far more effective and person centred.
Lots of people think that theory is something purely
academic, with no link to "real life". Many social work
students cover theory at university, but begin their practice learning
experience intimidated by the idea of how to apply theory to their
practice and especially concerned about how to demonstrate the links
they have made in their assignments and reflective accounts..
Practice learning is about relating the ideas learned
in University to the practice setting. However, in order to link
theoretical knowledge to practice, students need a firm grasp of
the fact that theory is something everybody uses every day in social
work and that theory has a clear link to common sense/what works/real
life or whatever the phrase of choice is. Without this, theory can
become something which seems abstract and this develops the idea
that theory is something you learn at University and then forget
when you enter the "real world" of work.
The Requirements for Social Work Training
state that all social work programmes must:
"Ensure that the teaching of theoretical knowledge,
skills and values is based on their application to practice."
(Department of Health 2002)
Whilst the basic aspects of social work theory
will be taught in the University setting, practice learning is about
you transferring your knowledge and applying theory to your practice,
and you will need to demonstrate that you can make the links in
your written work.
What is theory?
It is our view that social workers in the field
and social work students on placement are applying theory every
day. However, they may not realise it, and they may not be able
to describe the theory or name it.
Theories in social work are nothing more than an
attempt to explain situations and social relationships. Theories
have been developed since it became clear that there were similar
patterns or repeating cycles of behaviour both in an individual's
life and in the lives of lots of different people. Since theories
have been expressed by academics and social scientists, they often
use an academic language. Don't let that put you off. Theories are
life dressed up! Many theories actually have a very straightforward,
accessible message even if you sometimes have to look beyond the
jargon.
There has been some debate about what actually
constitutes a theory. Generally, a theory helps to explain a situation
and perhaps how it came about. In science, a theory is seen as helping
to:
** describe (eg: what is happening?)
** explain (eg: why is it happening?)
** predict (eg: what is likely to happen next?)
Sometimes theories are also seen as helping to
control a situation and bring about changes.
Social Work Theory and Practice Learning
In supervision discussion, placement assignments,
portfolios etc you need to be able to describe the situation you
are working with, explain why you think this came about, what you
can do to bring about change etc. In doing so, you will be drawing
upon some form of theory. You may, however, not always be aware
of this.
Whenever you are considering theory, we would urge
you to:
1. Recognise that no single theory
can explain everything: When a person engages in an action (or inaction)
the reason for their behaviour can be rooted in a range of causes
or motives.
2. Related to the first point,
recognise that some theoretical approaches just don't work with
some people. Applying Brief Solution Focused Therapy can be really
effective with some people. For other people, it leaves them cold.
3. Take a critical approach to
theory. If it doesn't "work", why not? Can you adapt aspects
such that it is helpful?
4. Always apply the value base
to theory - much of the theory used in social care practice and
social work is drawn from outside of the profession. Theory may
have its roots in education, psychology or management. As such,
it may not incorporate social work values and you should take responsibility
for applying these.
5. And finally, never be intimidated
by theory. You use it every day.
Why do we need to apply social work theory
to practice?
Whilst individual social work theories have different
purposes, using all kinds of theory in our work offers us, as social
workers, some important things.
** Theories can help us to make sense of a situation.
Using theory, we can generate ideas about what is going on, why
things are as they are etc. For example the information obtained
as part of an assessment can seem like a jumble of information -
applying theory can help "make sense" of the information.
** Using theory can help to justify actions and
explain practice to service users, carers and society in general.
The aim is that this will lead to social work becoming more widely
accountable and ultimately more respected.
** In work with individuals, making use of the
theories which may relate to their specific situation will give
us more direction in our work with them.
** Using theory can give an explanation about why
an action resulted in a particular consequence. This can help us
review and possibly change our practice in an attempt to make the
consequences more effective.
It is clear then, that theory is important in practice
- both for work with service users and for social work to be more
valued in society.
* * *
For the ideal reference guide
that addresses students' anxieties about social work theory and
how theory relates to their practice learning experiences, see Social
Work Theory and Practice from http://www.KirwinMaclean.com
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