Prepared for practice? Exploring and evaluating the first six months of post-qualified practice in social work

Project report

Nix, I., Cooper, B., Davis, R. and McCormick, M. 2009. Prepared for practice? Exploring and evaluating the first six months of post-qualified practice in social work. Milton Keynes, UK The Open University.
TypeProject report
TitlePrepared for practice? Exploring and evaluating the first six months of post-qualified practice in social work
AuthorsNix, I., Cooper, B., Davis, R. and McCormick, M.
Abstract

This project explores how effective the Social work degree has been in enabling graduates to feel prepared for the practice of social work. Quantitative and qualitative data from online questionnaires and interviews with twelve graduates revealed that graduates perceived they were more confident, despite coming from a background where they were already practicing. They identified ways that this confidence (including in ICT and IL skills) has contributed to their preparedness for practice and their willingness to shape and challenge practices. Areas of practice where graduates felt least prepared included working with hostile service users. In terms of ICT skills development, variations in systems and technologyrelated practices resulted in tensions between the degree providing supportive guidance which fit particular software or social work settings compared with less supportive generic guidance which might be more widely applicable. IL skills were perceived to have more generic applicability.

PublisherThe Open University
Place of publicationMilton Keynes, UK
Publication dates
Print2009
Publication process dates
Deposited26 Nov 2021
Completed30 Oct 2009
Output statusPublished
Copyright Statement

© 2009 The Authors

Additional information

Final Project Report PBPL 63

Web address (URL)http://oro.open.ac.uk/23098/1/cooper%2810%29.pdf
LanguageEnglish
Institution nameThe Open University
Department namePractice-based Professional Learning, Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
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