M3: Class Toolbox Discussion
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Instructions
This module’s class toolbox discussion will focus on taking a closer look at mezzo and macro practices. Your assignment is to interview and (if possible) observe a professional social worker working with groups or communities or within social action to gain some insight into their practice experiences and how they use social work skills in their work. Make sure your interview is focused on group work or macro practice, not on what individual theory they are using to work with their clients.
Identify the method (group or macro practice) of work you focused on for this discussion. Remember your focus is on the method not the theoretical perspective being used.
Give some context for the professional you interviewed and the population or community.
What skills did they identify as most useful?
What did they describe as most challenging in this modality of work?
What was most satisfying?
What was unexpected or surprising to you in the interview/observation?
Are there aspects of this method that you see being useful to your practice?
Are there skills you have not be exposed to yet?
Are there unexpected ways of using skills you are familiar with?
Is there anything that surprised you?
If you were to provide your classmates with some insight about this method, what would you tell them?
Develop a question or make an observation about using this practice modality that you can offer to the class.
Submit your initial post by the due date. Rather than write out your responses, make a video recording of your initial post detailing what you observed and what you learned about these practice modalities.
Assigned Readings
Micro Practice
Hepworth, D.H., Strom-Gottfried, K., & Larsen, J.A. (2013). Direct social work practice: Theory and skills (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning/Brooks Cole.
Chapter 10: Assessing Family Functioning in Diverse and Cultural Contexts
Shulman, L. (2016). The skills of helping individuals, families, groups and communities. (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Part II, Social Work With Individuals, pp. 67-220.
Part III, Social Work With Families, pp. 257-294.
Mezzo Practice
Kurland, R. & Salmon, R. (1992). Group work vs. casework in a group: Principles and implications for teaching and practice. (Links to an external site.) Social Work With Groups, 15(4), pp. 3-10.
Schiller, L.Y. (2007). Not for women only: Applying the relational model of group development with vulnerable populations. (Links to an external site.) Social Work With Groups, 30(2), pp. 11-26.
Shulman, L. (2016). The skills of helping individuals, families, groups and communities. (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.
Part IV, Social Work With Groups, pp. 265-470.
Steinberg, D.M. (2002). The magic of mutual aid. (Links to an external site.) Social Work with Groups, 25(12), pp. 31-38.
Hepworth, D.H., Strom-Gottfried, K., & Larsen, J.A. (2013). Direct social work practice: Theory and skills (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning/Brooks Cole.
Exploring and Understanding Problems and Strengths, pp. 179-205.
Chapter 9: Assessment: Intrapersonal and Environmental Factors, pp. 206-239.
