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Study Skills for Social Workers
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Study Skills for Social Workers

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May 2010 | 288 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Study Skills for Social Workers offers an accessible insight into the practical use of skills for study in a professional social work context. Engaging with students on their journey through the undergraduate or postgraduate qualifying course, it uses relevant case material from academic and social work perspectives to demonstrate the connection between study and practice. The book is comprehensive in its coverage of the core study skills, including guidance on:

  • Effective writing
  • Successful communication
  • Reflective study
  • E-learning
  • Learning in the workplace
  • Understanding feedback.

Written in a student-friendly style, Study Skills for Social Workers is interspersed with activities and exercises to enable students to practice and improve their skills as they move through the text. Also included is a glossary, and model answers to sample questions.


 
Introduction
What Does This Book Aim to Do?

 
Will this Book Help me Pass the Course?

 
Key Features of this Book

 
 
Thinking about Learning
Where are You Now as a Learner?

 
Learning as a Child or as an Adult?

 
How does Learning Happen?

 
Learning Styles

 
Skim the Surface or Dive in at the Deep End?

 
Common Learning Obstacles

 
Your Learning Goals

 
Be SMART!

 
Tackling Boredom and Frustration - Head on!

 
Further Reading

 
 
Self-Management and Organization
Timekeeping

 
Working Independently

 
Organising Independent Study Space

 
Avoidance Strategies and Procrastination

 
Stress and Stress Management

 
Useful Resources

 
Further Reading

 
 
Learning in the Workplace
Work-based Social Work Courses

 
Working with Colleagues

 
Skills for Managing Change

 
Communication, Confidence and Understanding

 
Support and Guidance

 
Useful Resources

 
Further Reading

 
 
Learning Online
What is E-learning?

 
What Sort of Technologies Might You Be Using?

 
How Will E-Learning Be Used?

 
Effective Use of Online Learning Environments

 
Doing Research Online

 
Independent Learning Online

 
Online Collaboration and Group Work

 
E-assessment

 
Useful Resources

 
Further Reading

 
 
Researching, Reading and Critiquing
What is Research?

 
How is Research Relevant to Your Course?

 
Projects and Dissertations

 
Quantitative and Qualitative Research

 
Searching the Literature

 
The Six-step Search Strategy

 
The Snowball Technique

 
Effective Reading and Note-taking

 
Writing about Research

 
Foregrounding your 'Writer Voice'

 
Planning a Research Project

 
Useful Resources

 
 
Writing Effectively
Why is Writing so Important?

 
Improving your Writing Skills

 
Support for Students with Specific Learning Difficulties

 
Your Previous Experience of Writing

 
Getting used to 'Academic Writing'

 
Writing at Higher Education Level

 
Types of Academic Writing

 
Writing Essays

 
Other Types of Writing

 
Further Reading

 
 
Referencing Effectively
Referencing is a Learnable Skill

 
The Key to Successful Referencing

 
Why Are You Asked to Use Referencing?

 
Referencing in Practice

 
Reference Lists

 
Referencing Exercises

 
Other Referencing Tips

 
Further Reading

 
 
Communication and Awareness Skills
Service-users, Carers and Communication Skills

 
Developing Your Confidence in Communicating

 
Communication and Social Work

 
Ensuring Accuracy - Information Fit for Purpose

 
Listening

 
Active Listening

 
Verbal Communication

 
Non-verbal Communication - Observing Communication Through Behaviour

 
Eyes - the Mirrors of the Soul?

 
Presentations

 
Awareness

 
Further Reading

 
 
Using Feedback Effectively
Personal Development Plan

 
Why Feed Back?

 
Feedback on Your Assignments

 
Feedback from Service-Users and Carers

 
Feedback from Colleagues

 
Feedback from Peers

 
Dealing with Criticism

 
Further Reading

 
 
Reflection in Social Work
They 'Why' and 'What' of Reflection

 
A Tool for Reflection

 
The GSCC Codes of Practice (2002)

 
Reflection and Accountability

 
Suggested Answers

 
Useful Resources

 
Further Reading

 
 
Developing Social Work Portfolios
Portfolios

 
E-portfolios

 
Core Skills Portfolios

 
The Continuous Professional Development(CPD)Portfolio

 
Practice Portfolios

 
Further Reading

 
 
Computing Principles and Concepts
Social Work and Computing Skills

 
The Basic Concepts of IT

 
Managing Files Effectively

 
Using Databases to Access Information

 
Database Fundamentals

 
Computing and Assistive Technologies

 
Computing in Social Work Practice Settings

 
Data Protection Issues

 
Useful Resources

 
 
Computing Skills Workshop
Help Options and Online Resources

 
Features in Microsoft Office 2007

 
Word Processing

 
Presentation Software

 
Part 1: Authoring Your PowerPoint Presentation

 
Part 2: Delivering Your Presentation

 
Using Spreadsheets

 
Using Basic Formulae in Excel

 
Creating Charts and Graphs in Excel

 
Useful Resources

 
Further Reading

 
 
Index

Supplements

SAGE Study Skills hub
Visit the SAGE Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

Excellent text, demonstrates the basic skills needed for social work. Easy for students to adopt and implement skills throughout their practice.

Miss Ella Malton
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE And FE
April 4, 2017

Gives an excellent guide to students studying Social Work, supports them to develop study skills for their degree programme.

Mr David Childs
Social Work , Birmingham City University
October 28, 2015

This book will give students insight into the field of social work and enhance there study skills. It clearly breaks down complex issues so the student will have a more sound understanding.

Miss Ella Rachael Malton
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE & FE
September 18, 2015

A basic book useful to some who need additional help in studying especially those who have returned to study after a long break

Graham Ixer
Health and Social Care, Winchester University
June 19, 2015

Although the book title states that it is for social workers, it is equally relevant to the community workers and social care practitioners that I work with, which isn't always the case. The coverage of subjects is wide-ranging and thought provoking.

Mrs Jackie M'Cartney
School of Care, Runshaw Adult College
August 4, 2014

Excellent book. The format of activities and reflection points translates very well into seminar content. Extremely student friendly

Ms Cat Meredith
Faculty of Health, Social Work & Educ, Northumbria University
June 18, 2014

Brilliant for tutors and learners alike. All the information needed is included and helps the learner improve.

Miss Fiona Hennah
Dept of Care & Continuing Education, Ystrad Mynach College
November 20, 2013

An excellent text for students embarking on the Social work pathway. Not just for Undergraduate level. Some of the content is relevant to those at Access level. I will be recommending this to both Access and undergraduate students.

Ms Gerri Capper
Access to Higher Education, Warrington Collegiate Institute
April 21, 2012

Excellent book that lays out practical skills for students wading through their Social Work courses, assisting in how to prioritise their workload while building confidence that the task is achievable.

Highlights the range of tasks to be completed in an effective and easy to understand manner.

Gavin Millar
Family and Community Studies, Anglia Ruskin University
April 12, 2012

I have handed this book around to students in practice tutorials, and suggested they may want to take a look at it. It has been especially useful with my first year BSc tutees. I particularly like the study exercises.

Ms Emma Inch
School of Applied Social Science, Brighton University
November 21, 2011

Sample Materials & Chapters

Introduction

Chapter One


For instructors

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