Dilemmas in Social Work Field Education: Decision Cases

Field education is a crucial part of social work training, but there are few resources available to help prepare field educators. This anthology presents decision cases that depict the experiences of social work field educators and students, showcasing the complex dynamics of the field and highlighting a range of dilemmas. The cases can help field educators develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and facilitate in-depth discussion during training or continuing education.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Field education is a fundamental component of social work, serving as the primary preparation for professional practice. Its success hinges on the guidance and assessment of students by field educators, including field instructors, task supervisors, preceptors, and faculty field liaisons. Despite its significance and complexity, there are limited resources available to orient and prepare field educators.

This anthology presents a collection of decision cases that capture the real-life experiences of social work field educators and students. These cases showcase the intricate dynamics of field education and highlight a diverse range of dilemmas encountered by novice and experienced field educators. The dilemmas encompass various aspects, such as interpersonal boundaries, emotional reactivity, initiative, expectations, role confusion, inadequate performance, accountability, interpersonal conflict, personal values, and impairment.

The cases presented in this anthology depict how other field educators have navigated these challenges, with varying degrees of success. They serve as a valuable tool for facilitating in-depth discussions among field educators during their initial training or ongoing professional development. Through guided discussions of these cases, field educators can enhance their supervisory competence and confidence, while also developing essential problem-solving and critical-thinking skills related to their multiple roles as instructors, supervisors, mentors, advisors, colleagues, and role models.

In addition to the decision cases, an accompanying instructor manual provides comprehensive information for each case, along with guidance for field directors on implementing the case method of teaching. The manual also includes additional resources for further exploration.

By utilizing this anthology and its accompanying resources, field educators can better prepare themselves for the challenges and rewards of this educational role, ensuring that they can thrive in their roles and continue to serve the profession effectively.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231201445