Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

There are two basic reasons for including this unit in the MSW and locating it at the beginning of your studies. First, the MSW pivots around the AASW Practice Standards for Social Work [2003], AASW Code of Ethics [2010] and the AASW Education and Accreditation Standards 2009. You must have a deep knowledge of the standards and code and develop a capacity to reflect on and align these against your current competencies. Second, post graduate study and social work practice requires that you understand and apply appropriate research skills in a variety of contexts. You must be highly professional in both research, the dissemination of outcomes and the utilization of contemporary information, communication and presentation technologies. These two reasons provide the justification for including this unit at the commencement of your MSW.

Aims

This unit aims to have you thoroughly familiar with the professional requirements of social work practice and to equip you with the reflective, professional, scholarly and technical skills essential for successful postgraduate study and sustained learning.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Interpret the AASW Practice Standards for Social Work [2003], AASW Code of Ethics [2010] and the AASW Education and Accreditation Standards 2012 to reflect on knowledge of the profession and the competency framework
2. Apply knowledge of AASW Practice Standards for Social Work [2003], AASW Code of Ethics [2010] and the AASW Education and Accreditation Standards 2012 to personal / professional learning goals
3. Demonstrate knowledge of relevant qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
4. Apply selected research methodologies to a contemporary social research project 5. Demonstrate expertise in using contemporary information, communication and presentation technologies.

The Unit Outcomes are aligned with the following AASW Standards: AASW Education and Accreditation Standards - 2.0; 4.1.2; 4.1.3; 4.1.4; 4.1.5 AASW Practice Standards for Social Workers - 5.3; 5.4; 6.1; 6.2; 6.3; 6.4; 6.5

Content

This unit covers the following:

• practice standards and ethical codes relevant to social work practice


• collaboration, negotiation and completion of Personal Learning Plan


• introduction to a variety of social research methodologies and evidence based practice


• application of appropriate research methodologies to selected social / professional issues


• exploration and use of information sources relevant to study and social work practice


• introduction to, and use of, communication, presentation and collaborative technologies


• development of personal professional E-portfolio.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit uses a purposely constructed blended environment integrating virtual and campus learning and teaching. To support the transition to postgraduate studies, you will begin with an intensive, on-campus workshop allowing engagement with staff and peers, a review of MSW objectives and AASW policy documents, the development of a Professional Learning Plan and identification of research projects. The virtual mode includes audio, video, and written material placed on Blackboard allowing you to learn in a flexible, mobile mode through podcasts, vodcasts, participation in Blog and Wiki discussions and downloading of text files. You will be required to use contemporary communication technologies including Skype and Google Chat and participate in collaborative sessions via online collaboration technologies. With the support of teaching staff, you will apply research skills and methods to a social issue. You may work collaboratively with a small group of colleagues, however, assessment will still be submitted individually.

Assessment

This Unit contains assessment items which link your personal and professional competencies with the AASW Practice Standards and provide opportunities for developing the skills for successful Post Graduate study. There is a particular emphasis on ensuring the relevance of assessment to authentic learning, professional practice, real world challenges and contemporary issues. Students will be required to attend and contribute to the initial planning workshop.You will be provided with formative feedback through a draft submission of Assessment 1 to support your interpretation of the standards and make connections to the experiences you bring to this course of study. Constructive feedback will be incorporated into your assessment development as the semester progresses. Networking and supporting each other through study groups is designed to support the building of your identity as a social worker, and in recognition of the diverse backgrounds you bring to this course.

Assessment name: Professional Learning Plan
Description: You are required to write a comprehensive Professional Learning Plan [PLP] which incorporates the AASW Practice Standard for Social Workers and AASW Code of Ethics. You must place information from your PLP into your ePortfolio.

Due dates: Draft by email to r.daniels@qut.edu.au by Friday Week 7 of the academic calendar. Final submission, including ePortfolio link, by email to r.daniels@qut.edu.au by Friday Week 11.

Feedback: This item is formative and summative. Generic feedback will be provided by a unit Wiki and specific feedback by Elluminate and Skype discussion.

Note: The following documents are available under the Assessment folder on the Unit Blackboard Site:
- MSW Professional Learning Plan Pro-forma
- Guidelines for the Professional Learning Plan
- Criteria for the Professional Learning Plan
- AASW Practice Standards for Social Workers 2003
- AASW Code of Ethics 2010 and AASW Education and Accreditation Standards 2009
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 7 & 11

Assessment name: Collaboratvie Research Proj.
Description: You are required to produce a Research Portfolio and may work collaboratively in small groups on your chosen research topic. However, the final critical literature review is to be submitted as an individual piece of assessment. These groups may be formed for sharing of information and support only. The portfolio includes short papers, an annotated bibliography and a short research project on a contemporary social issue. You must demonstrate competence in use of a wide range of information sources, communication technologies and the application of appropriate social research methods.

Due dates: Draft research question by email to j.macknight-king@qut.edu.au by Week 4 of the academic calendar Final completed Research Portfolio by email to j.macknight-king@qut.edu.au

Feedback: This item is formative and summative. Specific feedback will be provided to you on your research question in Week Seven. Other feedback or assistance will be given during the semester via ICTs or pre- arranged meetings.

Note: The following documents are available under the Assessment folder on the Unit Blackboard Site:
- Full outline of the assessment requirements
- Criteria for Research Portfolio.
Relates to objectives: 3, 4 and 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Australian Association of Social Worker [2010] Code of Ethics. Available at:
http://www.aasw.asn.au/audience/educators

Australian Association of Social Worker [2003] Practice Standards for Social Workers. Available at:
http://www.aasw.asn.au/audience/educators

Australian Association of Social Worker [2009] Education and Accreditation Standards at:
http://www.aasw.asn.au/audience/educators

International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) [2005] Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles. Available at:
http://www.ifsw.org/p38000324.html

Thompson, N. (Ed.) (2009). Practising social work: Meeting the professional challenge. Basingstoke [England]: Palgrave Macmillan.

Yegidis, B. L., & Weinbach, R. W. (2009). Research methods for social workers (6th ed.). Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.

You will have access to various electronic Databases hosted through the top