A Critical Appraisal of the Relevance of Field Work Practice in Social Work Education in Nigeria

Abstract

Field work practice is a vital tool in moulding professional Social workers. Social work education has the primary aim of preparing the social work student for professional practice which focuses on the transaction between people and their social environment. This affects their ability to alleviate distress and realize individual as well as collective goals. The social worker assesses situations and plan interventions to facilitate and enhance the coping ability of people. This paper examines field work practice as a basis for social work education. The authors review extant training needs of students and conclude that field education is not radically different from the extant policies and has potential effect on professional development. If solution to the problem of ethical conduct is to be desired, it is essential to effectively utilize the knowledge in field education. Ultimately, rather than leaving the students on their own, the field instructors should be reckoned with in guiding the students as partners and collaborators.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1328