Social work placements

Abstract

This article is a reflective account of my student experiences of practice teaching whilst on placements during the Social Work Degree. I consider what and how my Practice Teachers and on-site supervisors have been able to teach me about Social Work and Social Work skills and what I have learnt about myself as a person and future practitioner. I look at what, I believe makes a good Practice teacher and how different styles of teaching have enhanced my learning. I reflect on the benefits, under the new degree, of increased days on placement and how this has helped me in applying theory, methods and models which are not always easy in the classroom.

At the time of completing this article I am three quarters of the way through my last placement of 100 days. I am undertaking my Social Work degree at the University of Northampton, which has a full time degree course of three years and a part time route taking four years. I am due to graduate with a B.A Honours degree in Social Work in July 2007.