Article Gold Open Access 2009

Barefoot tutors? Navigating the barriers between student, university and field in social work education

CG
Clapton, Gary
 FR
Forbes, Ruth
Journal of Practice Teaching and Learning
Journal · Vol. 9 · Issue 1 · pp. 5-19
Abstract

Bridging the gap between theory and practice has long been a challenge for social work students. Facilitating this process has also taxed practice teachers and academic tutors. In 2004, the University of Edinburgh, in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University undertook a pilot project testing and researching a change in the traditional tutor role with a view to enhancing students' integration of learning during the practicum. This paper outlines the background to and the activity and findings of the project. Then, drawing upon a discussion of the interface between psychodynamic theories and theories of education, we explore some ideas that have begun to emerge that have the possibility of enhancing the tutor role in student integration of learning.

Keywords

Author Keywords

student Relationship tutor Integration of learning

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
School of Social and Political Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
1 Baker, Amanda, What else do students need?: A psychodynamic reflection on students’ need for support from staff at university, Active Learning in Higher Education, 7, 2, pp. 171-183, (2006)
2 Learning Partnerships Theory and Models of Practice to Educate for Self Authorship, (2004)
3 Bennett, Susanne, Field notes: A conceptual application of attachment theory and research to the social work student-field instructor supervisory relationship, Journal of Social Work Education, 42, 3, pp. 669-682, (2006)
4 I and Thou, (1958)
5 Clapton, Gary, Thinking 'outside the box': A new approach to integration of learning for practice, Social Work Education, 27, 3, pp. 334-340, (2008)
6 Clapton, Gary, Bridging the theory-practice gap: Student placement groups co-facilitated by lecturers and practice teachers, Groupwork, 17, 3, pp. 60-75, (2007)
7 Clapton, Gary, Grasping the nettle: Integrating learning and practice revisited and re-imagined, Social Work Education, 25, 6, pp. 645-656, (2006)
8 Integration of Learning for Practice A Literature Review, (2004)
9 Audit of Experiential Work Based Learning Programs at Flinders University A Report of the Practicum Project, (1999)
10 Social Work Practice an Introduction, (1998)
Quick Actions
Full Text via DOI
Citation Metrics
6
Times Cited (Scopus)
References 10
Document Identifiers