How can a social work student gain a rich learning experience? And what role do social workers play in training tomorrow’s social work professionals?
These questions and more are answered in the latest episode of the ‘Care to chat’ podcast, which explores the practice teaching role and student experience of the Practice Learning Opportunity, referred to as placement, an integral part of the delivery of the Degree in Social Work in Northern Ireland.
In Northern Ireland, social work students complete Practice Learning Opportunities, also known as placements, which are a core requirement for the Degree in Social Work. These practice learning opportunities involve students completing supervised practice in various settings such as health and social care trusts, education, justice, community and voluntary, and statutory organisations. The goal is to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing students for professional practice.
Once someone qualifies as a social worker in Northern Ireland they become part of a professional group, with a responsibility to foster and support other social workers. Practice teaching is an opportunity to do that, whilst also being an integral part of the delivery of the Degree in Social Work.
In this episode, experts in social work education, discuss how practice teaching is a vital part of the social work professional journey, both from the point of view of social work students, and of qualified social workers as an opportunity for professional growth and career development.
Joining our host Dr Wendy Austin MBE in the studio are Dr Denise MacDermott, Reader in Social Work and Subject Lead for Social Work, Ulster University, Sarah McCarthy Practice Teacher and social worker in the community and voluntary sector with Extern, Northern Ireland Practice Teacher Training Program (NIPTTP) candidate Ellen Neill who is a social worker with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, and final year social work student Emily Hill who is studying for her Degree in Social Work at Queens University.
So, what is practice teaching and what are the benefits it brings to those who are practice teachers and those who are getting support from a practice teacher as part of their learning journey?
Emily describes the vital role a practice teacher plays as she gets ready to finish up her final year as a social work student.
“So, for me Practice Teachers have been central to what I have been learning on placement. I think they have helped me find my voice, and build my resilience and be more prepared for the realities of social work – and I don’t think I would be here, where I am now, on my final placement, without the support that I have had through both my placements.”
Interested in becoming a practice teacher? If you are a social worker or organisation who employs social workers, practice teaching could be something worth considering.
The Social Care Council releases a new episode every fortnight, discussing current topics about social care and social work regulation in Northern Ireland. Download, subscribe and listen to the latest Social Care Council ‘Care to chat?’ podcast episode today here, or by searching ‘Care to chat’ in your podcast player.
Episode 2: ‘Making a difference for social work education’ – The Practice Teacher role in social work (32 minutes)
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As the Care to chat podcasts are designed with the social care and social work workforce in mind, we would like to invite suggestions of topics that our listeners would be interested to hear covered. If you have questions, suggestions or feedback about the podcast, email comms@niscc.hscni.net.