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ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Using Service Learning to Teach Social Welfare Policy

Mink, Tarin L.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243281610

Abstract Details

2009, Master of Social Work, Ohio State University, Social Work.
Few studies have addressed the impact of using a service learning pedagogy in teaching social work policy courses. The majority of literature in social work about service learning has focused on micro classes and skills. This study focused on BSW students’ and community partners’ experiences in a bachelor’s level social work policy class taught using an intensive service learning project. The class was taught using a hybrid model of transitional classroom techniques (i.e. lecture, discussion, readings) and service learning. For the purposes of this study, a mixed methods study design was utilized in an attempt to discover the students’ participation in policy-related tasks and activities after the class ended and to determine the impact of service learning on the students’ overall feelings of competency regarding their macro level skills. Community partners who participated in the service learning projects were also interviewed to understand their feelings about the projects themselves. Sixteen students were enrolled in the social welfare policy course and participated in the pre-test data collection in which qualitative data was collected from the students through their weekly logs, an end of class focus group, and the university-wide instructor evaluations. Nine students volunteered to participate in the post-test follow-up study 15 months later and were interviewed about their experiences in the class and engagement in macro practice since the class ended. Three of the four community partners who participated in the research study chose to participate in the follow-up study and were interviewed to assess the value of working with the students. Results of the study indicated that the students did report engagement in policy related tasks and behaviors since the conclusion of the social welfare policy course. Students also reported increased competency in their macro and policy related skills after completing the service learning projects. Community partners provided favorable results regarding their participation in the service learning projects. The purpose of this study is to provide additional research regarding the use of service learning in teaching social welfare policy. The findings add to the limited literature base on this topic and a proposal for future research and implications for social work education is offered.
Thomas Gregoire, PhD (Committee Co-Chair)
Sarah Twill, PhD (Committee Co-Chair)
Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, PhD (Committee Member)
121 p.
Social Work
service learning; social work; policy education

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Mink, T. L. (2009). Using Service Learning to Teach Social Welfare Policy [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243281610

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Mink, Tarin. Using Service Learning to Teach Social Welfare Policy. 2009. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243281610.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Mink, Tarin. "Using Service Learning to Teach Social Welfare Policy." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243281610

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1243281610
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© 2009, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.