Effective Observation in Social Work Practice

Maureen O'Loughlin
Steve O'Loughlin
Transforming Social Work Practice Series
Effective Observation in Social Work Practice
January 2015 | 112 pages | Learning Matters
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eBook
ISBN: 9781473908321
Available from January 0001
Hardcover
ISBN: 9781446282762
Available from January 0001

Description

Introducing the concept of observation to social work students can be a complex and challenging task. Assessing their observation skills and assignments can be even harder, especially if much of this work takes place implicitly, throughout their training and placements. This book will help students to grasp the fundamentals of social work observation, from the theories and methods to how these can be demonstrated in everyday practice. Skills are covered throughout, as well as effective observation work with different client groups and in different settings. The authors argue that an observant social worker is an effective and resilient one, and demonstrate this through case study material and research summaries.

Contents

Introduction

Introduction

An introduction to the theories of observation

An introduction to the theories of observation

Approaches to observation practice

Approaches to observation practice

Practical techniques for the observation of service users

Practical techniques for the observation of service users

Observation with disabled children and adults with learning difficulties

Observation with disabled children and adults with learning difficulties

Using observation in training and development

Using observation in training and development

Groups and observations

Groups and observations

Conclusion

Conclusion

Description

Introducing the concept of observation to social work students can be a complex and challenging task. Assessing their observation skills and assignments can be even harder, especially if much of this work takes place implicitly, throughout their training and placements. This book will help students to grasp the fundamentals of social work observation, from the theories and methods to how these can be demonstrated in everyday practice. Skills are covered throughout, as well as effective observation work with different client groups and in different settings. The authors argue that an observant social worker is an effective and resilient one, and demonstrate this through case study material and research summaries.

Contents

Introduction

Introduction

An introduction to the theories of observation

An introduction to the theories of observation

Approaches to observation practice

Approaches to observation practice

Practical techniques for the observation of service users

Practical techniques for the observation of service users

Observation with disabled children and adults with learning difficulties

Observation with disabled children and adults with learning difficulties

Using observation in training and development

Using observation in training and development

Groups and observations

Groups and observations

Conclusion

Conclusion

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Effective Observation in Social Work Practice

Maureen O'Loughlin , Steve O'Loughlin
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January 2015 | 112 pages | Learning Matters

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Hardcover 31/03/2026 9781446282762 $150.00
Paperback 31/03/2026 9781446282779 $72.00
180 Day Ebook 28/03/2023 9781473908321 $42.00
Lifetime 28/03/2023 9781473908321 $61.00

Introducing the concept of observation to social work students can be a complex and challenging task. Assessing their observation skills and assignments can be even harder, especially if much of this work takes place implicitly, throughout their training and placements. This book will help students to grasp the fundamentals of social work observation, from the theories and methods to how these can be demonstrated in everyday practice. Skills are covered throughout, as well as effective observation work with different client groups and in different settings. The authors argue that an observant social worker is an effective and resilient one, and demonstrate this through case study material and research summaries.


Table Of Contents:

  • Introduction
  • An introduction to the theories of observation
  • Approaches to observation practice
  • Practical techniques for the observation of service users
  • Observation with disabled children and adults with learning difficulties
  • Using observation in training and development
  • Groups and observations
  • Conclusion

Recent Product Reviews:

This is a 95 page edited book written by academics and experienced social workers and captures core skills of observation in social work. Very important book for all practitioners in social work and for students of social work.
Dr Charles Mugisha, Social Work, Birmingham City University
A timely, imaginative new social work text which is ideal for our 'new' 3rd year BA module which incorporates either a child (or adult) observation as the mode of assessment. This text provides a sound guide that covers key practice based issues in terms of relevant observational theories plus important ethical considerations of both children and older people / adults with learning difficulties observations. Perhaps a chapter focusing upon dementia care mapping would have further broadened the readership appeal and audience of this new text further?
Mr David Gaylard, Social Work Bishop Otter, Chichester University
I have adopted this for my Enabling Practice Learning post qualifying programme. I think it is clearly written and very accessible. I have recommended to our local authority partner agency training managers so that they also can purchase and keep in their libraries.
Ms Eve Rees, health sciences/social work, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Concise text that leads the reader to focus upon both practical and theoretical aspects of practice observation
Mr Mick Wilkinson, Social Work and Professional Practice, Nottingham Trent University

Recommendations