Studying for your Social Work Degree

"I consider this an excellent book for students throughout their degree studies - also for practice teachers/educators to use with students; and indeed for their own CPD." (Lecturer, Anglia Ruskin University)
I liked this book. It explained complex issues clearly with good examples and case studies. Although some sections were quite brief I think students will find it very helpful to develop their understanding of concepts such as reflection, critical thinking, and links between theory and practice. -- Allan Rose * drupal *
Helpful and clear introduction to social work degree -- Anna Fairtlough * drupal *
This is an excellent introduction to issues, practical theoretical and ethical for undergraduate social work students. It is a very clearly written - excellent case etc material. It is very strong on research issues - often ignored for undergrad social work students. A very useful book. -- Cordelia Grimwood * drupal *
Activities and case studies will be useful for students. Chapter 5 will be useful in terms of developing critical analysis skills. -- David Calderwood * drupal *
An excellent text that students can use across all 3 years of their degree -- David Saltiel * drupal *
Like the fact that it makes no assumptions and will meet needs of students with carying degrees of experience and knowledge. Covers actual appraisal rules and relective practitioner writing skills which students often struggle with. -- Dr Audrey Roulston * drupal *
There are a number of chapters relevant to a range of modules on both our Social Work degree and Foundation Degree Working with Children, Young People and their Families. Chapters 8 and 12 will be recommended to Year 3 social work students doing their dissertation. Chapters 4, 5 and 7 will be useful reading for Year 1 FD students working on their study skills and developing their role as reflective practitioners. Chapters 6 and 10 will be useful background reading for both Year 1 and 2 students on their Developing Practice modules. -- Dr Bob Pitt * drupal *
The book is helpful for new students and those already studying for a qualification in social work. -- Dr Bridget Ng'andu * drupal *
A useful and timely book for students on social work courses, covering key areas for effective studying. -- Dr Diana Bourn * drupal *
This is an excellent text that addresses many of the concerns facing new social work students. In particular it identifies the tensions between practice and theory, the shift to an independent learning environment, and the importance of being a research informed social worker. Many students, particularly the mature, find academic requirements challenging and alien. This book highlights many of these issues and reassures students providing them with practical examples for application. -- Dr Kim Robinson * drupal *
Clear, concise and student friendly. -- Dr Liam Foster * drupal *
This is an excellent introductory text and good for social work to incorporate in their reflective practice. This will be recommended to students applying for course as well as those attending. -- Helen Casey * drupal *
Re Studying for Your Social Work Degree - an excellent study skills book which social work students should find extremely useful.
Re Effective Leadership, Management & Supervision in Health & Social Care - a good guide for both qualified social work professionals and for practice educators who undertake supervision of social work students in a wide range of practice placements. -- June Morell * drupal *
The book is clear, concise and accessible. The task make assists with reflective process to aid student learning. Like Case Studies, the journey of SW from the beginning, the reference to Topps 2002, GSCC, PDP, real experiences from diverse situations. -- Lesley Parish * drupal *
I think it′s an excellent foundation for beginners and essential reading throughout the course. I′ve recommended it to students who are finding it helpful, relevant and an essential guide. -- Mary Murphy * drupal *
A good introductory text - covers all the issues. Useful for foundation phase. -- Mary Smith * drupal *
I love the straight forward advice and easily understood points. The case studies are extremely helpful. It explains difficult points in an understandable way. -- Miriam McGillycuddy * drupal *
I have recommended this book to both first year and final year students. It is accessible, to the point and takes the students through the full three years of their degree. It ensures that first years are off to a good start with guidance on writing academically, these skills are then developed through the following chapters on critical writing, learning whilst on placement and becoming a research informed students. A worthwhile purchase for all students. -- Miss Emma Perry * drupal *
An enjoyable read. Provides a very good insight into whatis required of students undertaking our social work degree. -- Miss Gero Kaur * drupal *
The occupational standards and outcomes at the start of each chapter. The text is a readable book, enabling the student to develop the skills and gain the confidence required to meet the standards required of a degree student. -- Mr Dave Mason * drupal *
This book has a clear and easy to follow structure, with each chapter being well signposted. The inclusion of views / comments from social work students is both informative and useful.
Clear practical guidance is given throughout, complimented by relevant suggested activities. Core elements of key areas / concepts are outlined and discussed in a manner that is easy to follow and understand. One example of this in the book is Chapter 5 on critical thinking and analysis. This is a complex area, yet it is addressed in a manner that is most accessible and informative. -- Mr David Lane * drupal *
This book should help prepare students for their studies. -- Mr Gerwyn Henderson * drupal *
A helpful wide ranging introduction which we widely recommend. -- Mr Ian Mathews * drupal *
useful supplementary reading for student social workers -- Mr John Barraclough * drupal *
An excellent, very useful text for new students and relevant to all three years of a social work degree course. -- Mr John Presland * drupal *
Sound overview of important aspects of social work training particularly values, theory and critical analysis. Good emphasis on academic skills and clearly accessibly written. Basic text but very helpful on this Introductory modul and will complement the teaching programme -- Mr Peter Ayling * drupal *
Good step-by-step approach -- Mr Richard Bartholomew * drupal *
Useful for year 1 students just starting the degree in Social Work -- Mr Robert Wu * drupal *
Very interesting text which the students find accessible -- Mr Roger Southard * drupal *
This book is a must read - I really like the subjects and topics that are covered and the focus of Reflective Practice (which all students strugge to get their heads around). I also liked the mix of academic and practice skills information. Very good for years 1 and 2 - year 3 students will need more depth. -- Mr Sam Miller * drupal *
A helpful book to the social work entrant -- Mr Stefan Brown * drupal *
Basic, accessible, useful. -- Mr Steven Bamlett * drupal *
It is comprehensive and basic - very much for the reader who is struggling to synthesise all of the demands made upon them by the programme. -- Mr Steven Bamlett * drupal *
Very useful study skills book for social work students, particularly mature students who have been away from education for a while. Valuable case studies and activities. -- Mrs Angela Pike * drupal *
Again, an excellent update to a book which will be highly recommended to social work students throughout their degree. -- Mrs Bec Buss * drupal *
This accessorie text book on how to study will be useful for undergraduates in our ′preparing for life long learning′ modules. It teaches the new student the various study skills, thinking and writing skills required of them. While the dissitation section is useful I think it is a gap not to address empirically based dissertations. -- Mrs Beth Weaver * drupal *
It does what it says on the cover-addresse all aspects of becoming an adult learner/social work student, in one place! -- Mrs Dale Van Graan * drupal *
I like the way this book covers key ideas well, simplifies without minimising and leaves the reader interested to find out more -- Mrs Fiona Wilkes * drupal *
Essential reading for students intending to undertake the social work degree. The book covers all aspects of the course, is easy to understand seting out skills needed both academically and as an individual. -- Mrs Jean Pippard * drupal *
It provides an excellent complementary text for our study skills module. -- Mrs Kay Wall * drupal *
Excellent guide for SW students. -- Mrs Mandy Moore * drupal *
An informative guide for any student who wants to be guided through a SW degree programme and to achieve the best possible but individual outcome. It′s also not ′heavy going′ as some similar texts can be. -- Mrs Nieca Boynton * drupal *
A helpful and well structured text for new students. It introduced them to the ′basics′ in an accessible way. -- Ms Anne Ritchie * drupal *
Good chapters on reflection and research. -- Ms Caroline Lee * drupal *
The research summaries and case studies are very helpful. -- Ms Ceri Anwen Jones * drupal *
A comprehensive guide to the requisite skills for successful academic progress. Adapted specifically for social work students it covers topics such as reflection as well as writing and research skills. -- Ms Elisabeth Hunter * drupal *
The book ′does what it says on the tin′. It is very practical and clearly set out. -- Ms Elizabeth Lefroy * drupal *
Easy to read. -- Ms Eve Rees * drupal *
Excellent overview. Especially like preparing for placement chapter and chapter 7 on reflection. Will use especially with PLO1 (BA & MA). Useful pointers for students at start of PLO1 in area of anxiety! Also like Chapter 3 on theory into practice. -- Ms Fleur Duke * drupal *
This book will, I feel, help students to explore some of the significant foundational issues and principles that underpin social work practice. -- Ms Frances Gander * drupal *
This book covers a lot of issues that confuse people new to HE. It provides a good introduction for undergraduates starting out. It also deals with complexity. -- Ms Georgina Koubel * drupal *
The book sets out the key areas that should be the main focus for students. -- Ms Jackie Daniel * drupal *
An easy read which gives good general backround information. I have also advised students attending for interview for the BA and MA Social work courses that it is a worthhile read -- Ms Jenni Tuck * drupal *
I think this is a good ′all round′ book. It gives the student an excellent feel about what it means to be undertaking a Social Work Degree. It takes a student from being a new learner, to the expectations required of a final level student who is ready for their initial first post, as a professional social worker. -- Ms Julie Lawrence * drupal *
This book provides a concice overview and linking to research - making connections, learning about ethical dilemmas and how to reflect on these linked to appropriate case studies. Chapter on becoming an independent learner is effective and full of complete ideas. -- Ms Linda Cameron * drupal *
Useful overview for new social work students. -- Ms Liz Pell * drupal *
Introduced key terms and provides good overview of what to expect. Like the case studies. Easy to read in chunks. -- Ms Martine Wilkinson * drupal *
As studying for a degree can be a daunting prospect to some students, I feel this book will be a useful tool. Some students have not been in higher education previously so the guidance contained within this book on aspects of applying theory to practice, ethics, critical reflection etc in social work are really practical. Good all round introduction to the social work degree program. -- Ms Michelle Evans * drupal *
Excellent text to intrduce students to the BASW. Useful references, tasks and activities to promote reflective thinking and critical analysis -- Ms Rachel Mcmanus * drupal *
It is a very good book and ideally suited to this group of students who are new to both studying and to social care. -- Ms Sally Riggall * drupal *
This book is a useful guide the academic practices which underpin the social work degree. It is particularly useful from the transferable skills perspective. Even though there is a specific association with social work in the case studies, the chapters on becoming an ‘independent and autonomous learner’, and on ‘critical analysis and understanding and developing reflective practice’ will have relevance to most undergraduate students regardless of their discipline. The chapter on becoming a research informed student is a timely one with the move towards expanding this area in the social work field. In summary, this book provides useful reference material which will be useful to social work students throughout the three years of their course. -- Ms Sue Watling * drupal *
a useful easy to use text.Useful for students new to the social work degree and for those out on plo -- Ms Susannah Mccall * drupal *
a useful easy to use text.Useful for students new to the social work degree and for those out on plo -- Ms Susannah Mccall * drupal *
Very useful in with regards to relating theory to practice and developing critical analysis/ understanding. Might also want students to read original E.g. Schon/Thompson -- Ms Tina Eadie * drupal *
Sound study skills book- not too overwhelming. Specifically focuses on social work rather than mere general study skills. -- Ms Wendy Lowe * drupal *
Very well laid out. Very good/easy sectionalised format (reader friendly). Particularly excellent section on applying learning to the placement experience. Innovative/appropriate questions format - facilitates learning. -- Nevil Wyatt * drupal *
Useful update to previous edition -- Philip Gilligan * drupal *
very well presented, structured and written. Suffers from a lack of precision in places. Much improved from the first edition and a useful text. -- Professor Brian Taylor * drupal *
I recommend this to all students who start our programme and also to students who come to our Open Days as it covers study skills for social work students and new practitioners. It is the only book I know of which does this. -- Ros Day * drupal *
I think this book addresses some of the key issues that students repeatedly face and will therefore be a great source of support and discussion. -- Ruth Hami...