Transferring MSW Education to Practice: A Qualitative Study With Public Child Welfare Employees

Ericka Deglau, Anasuya Ray, Richard L. Edwards, Nancy Carre-Lee, Talisah Harrison, Katelyn Cunningham

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study used a qualitative analysis of survey data collected from public child welfare employees (n = 168) as they completed master's of social work courses in a weekend/hybrid program, to examine their perceptions of ability to apply classroom learning to practice. The program, which combined a focus on direct practice and management, was developed in partnership with the state's public child welfare agency, during a period of systemic change and case practice reform. Findings indicate that students readily transferred knowledge and skills to the workplace, albeit with some challenges. In particular, management courses appeared to provide an important framework in understanding the organizational context of practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)304-325
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Public Child Welfare
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

Keywords

  • child welfare
  • child welfare reform
  • management courses
  • organizational context
  • professionalization
  • public child welfare/university partnerships
  • workforce development

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