Integrating theory and practice

Abstract

This paper explores the theme of theory for practice in social work education, taking as its focus the application of a theoretical model called the Three-Stage Theory Framework for relating theory to practice during practicebased learning for social work. The article is derived from a research study carried out over a period of six months and presented for academic award in March 2005.

The study demonstrates that the Three-Stage Theory Framework does indeed provide a useful resource for student learning which is currently lacking in social work training; that the process of using the Framework has benefits for student learning, for the development of practice teaching and for social work education in university and in practice. The study also shows that the Framework is flexible, developmental and can be used in different ways for a range of learning styles, stages of training and contexts for learning.