Critical Thinking for Social Work (Post-Qualifying Social Work Practice Series) - Softcover

Brown, Keith; Rutter, Lynne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 184445049X ISBN 13: 9781844450497

Publisher: Learning Matters, 2006

Synopsis

Critical thinking is a vital skill for social workers, especially in the areas of learning and development. Part of the Post-Qualifying Social Work Practice series, this book enables readers to develop their critical thinking ability and apply this to everyday decision making, as well as to reflect on their competence. It supports social workers who are studying for post qualifying social work awards and is also a valuable text for students on pre-qualifying social work programmes.

About this title

About the Authors

Keith holds professional qualifications in nursing, social work and teaching; and academic qualifications in nursing, social work and management. He has worked in the education and training field for over 30 years, working for three universities and three local authority social work departments. Currently he is the Director of the National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice at Bournemouth University and the Director of the Centre for Leadership Impact and Management at Bournemouth. In 2005 he was awarded the Linda Ammon Memorial Award, sponsored by the then Department for Education and Skills, a prize awarded to the individual making the greatest contribution to training and education in the UK. His main academic interest lies in the fusion of academia and professional practice to help improve professional thinking and practice.

Lynne specialises in professional educational development within post-qualifying (PQ) and continuing professional development (CPD) programmes at the National Centre for Post Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice at Bournemouth University. Here she has helped design and develop a number of units for both health and social care markets. She facilitates learning about critical thinking, professional reasoning and judgement, evidencing professional learning, leading and enabling others, and service improvement methodology. Lynne’s professional and research interests focus on the nature and development of professional reasoning and judgement, and her Professional Doctorate has helped create a unique set of assessment criteria for their development and evaluation within academic written work.

From the Back Cover

Critical thinking as a process can appear formal and academic, and far-removed from everyday life where decisions have to be taken quickly in less than ideal conditions. It is, however, a vital part of the social work process. This book takes a prgmatic look at a range of ideas associated with critical thinking, particularly those linked with learning and development. It is a practical resource to help you to critically reflect on your practice, with insight and tips on how to demonstrate your competence. Focusing in turn on learning, critical reflection, writing and, lastly, critical practice itself, the book is full of activities and questions to help you develop your own ideas and perspectives.

As a guide to writing assignments, the book provides vital support for all students studying for Post-qualifying Social Work Awards, especially those undertaking the Consolidation Phase or PQ Part 1. By covering a core aspect of practice, the book will also be valuable to students undertaking the social work degree.

Edition details

• Publisher: Learning Matters
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 184445049X
• ISBN 13: 9781844450497
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 64