A study explored the differences in educational background and role approach among 80 social-work-educated and non-social-work-educated field instructors. Overall, few differences were found, suggesting that the profession's mandate for social-worker-provided field instruction needs to be reexamined. (Author/MSE)

Outlines a transactional model for addressing the underrepresentation of key areas in advanced clinical courses in human behavior in the social environment (HBSE), looking at social work's understanding of the biological and spiritual aspects of human beings. The transactional model is distinguished from other reductionist or interactionist models…

This document is a manual for a social work field placement program. The social work field placement is described as a learning experience designed to translate the students' interests, interpersonal abilities, and academic knowledge and theory into the capability of enabling others to solve problems. Expectations of skills to be learned in the…

Field education of Latino social work students is examined for areas of potential cultural conflict affecting development and incorporation of the social work role, with special consideration given to the family's importance in the Latino culture. The need for a supportive learning environment is discussed, and cross-cultural dynamics of…

Describes rationale, organization, and requirements of urban/rural mini-semester, a field experience program which provides social work students at Elizabethtown College (Pennsylvania) with an appreciation of both rural and urban social welfare systems. Suggests how other colleges/universities, regardless of size, could implement this curriculum…

A social work education model integrating classroom instruction and field experience, adapted from learning theory positing a four-stage learning cycle, is described. Instructors (in either classroom and practicum) begin with a specific practice situation and, with students, engage in a process of cognitive and personal associations to arrive at…

An international study investigated social work field instruction in 51 countries and the educational context in which it occurs. Results are reported, including (1) general findings concerning program affiliation and size, student age, program length, placement, field instructor affiliation and training, and payment patterns; and (2) summaries of…

A survey of 121 undergraduate and graduate social work students and 96 field instructors found that many students had experienced verbal and physical abuse and that most instructors had experienced verbal abuse and physical violence. Although students received some instruction on safety, practicum agencies often had no safety policies. Curriculum…

A model for assessing the readiness and potential of undergraduate social work students for field education is presented, and issues to consider in implementing such a model are identified, including faculty and university support of and student response to the professional gatekeeping process. One university's experience is discussed. (Author/MSE)