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Beyond the Classroom

Learning Social Work Law in Practice

University of Sussex, England s.braye{at}sussex.ac.uk

Michael Preston-Shoot

University of Bedfordshire, England, michael.preston-shoot{at}beds.ac.uk

Amanda Thorpe

University of Bedfordshire, England, amanda.thorpe{at}beds.ac.uk

• Summary: This article draws on the findings of two research studies: the first a systematic research review and survey of current education practice in teaching law to social workers; the second a `user review' involving focus groups with a range of stakeholders in practice learning for social work students.

• Findings: Although law is recognized as an important component of social work practice, much of the focus on how social workers learn about law has, to date, been upon classroom-based learning. Law often has a low profile in practice, despite the rich opportunities it offers.

• Applications : Building from evidence of poor alignment between classroom learning and practice, the authors present an analysis of the barriers and opportunities that exist for enhancing the profile of law in the practice arena and conclude with indicators for the development of good pedagogic practice and improved practitioner confidence.

Key Words: education • law • placement • learning • social work • practice

References

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Journal of Social Work, Vol. 7, No. 3, 322-340 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1468017307084074


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Braye, S. Articles by Thorpe, A. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?