The Social Work Discipline hosted a successful academic-industry partnership workshop at the Unite Building that was attended by social work supervisors from different organisations including the Departments of Health and Social Development and non-governmental organisations.
The aim of the workshop, held under the theme of (Re)-igniting Social Work Industry-Academic Partnership: The future of Social Work was to conduct a contact evaluation and feedback process as part of the norms and standards for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.
Social Work lecturer, Dr Maud Mthembu explained, ‘During the four-year degree, students are required to complete a minimum of 700 hours’ work integrated learning, also known as field practice. In fourth year, the Discipline places more than 150 students in different agencies in KwaZulu-Natal and outside the province, in order to meet more than 400 hours of work integrated learning. Agency supervisors provide guidance and support to students during their time in the field. They are expected to provide detailed student evaluation and feedback relating to professional development, conduct and practice.’
During the workshop, social work supervisors from different organisations offered feedback on various aspects of the BSW Programme, including field placements, supervision, preparation of students for practice, theory, course content, ethics, Higher Education Institutions-placement relations and community projects.
‘The agency supervisors gave very insightful evaluative reflections and presentations on the field placement programme. Some of our fourth-year students who were placed at MA’AT Institute, also shared their experiences and their highlights,’ said Mthembu.
