Making the Most of Your Social Work Placement

Doctor Paula Beesley is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Academic Practice Lead at Leeds Beckett University, educator, researcher and author. Her teaching interests include critical thinking in communication skills, practice skill development and placement modules. Her research interests focus on pedagogical development. Her doctoral study identified a model of Collaborative Experiential Learning (Beesley, 2023) to support students on practice placement develop knowledge and skills. More recently, she has undertaken pedagogical research exploring the learning experience and environment for students with reasonable adjustments, inclusion of role play in teaching, the experiences of newly qualified social workers, and most recently exploring student poverty.

This book highlights the importance of collaboration between the student and the PE, offering concrete ideas for students to actively take responsibility for their learning on placement. Contributions from real students bring the placement process to life, and overall, I think the book is written in a way that is accessible and motivating for students.

• IntroductionChapter One - Getting to know yourself as a learnerChapter Two - Fulfilling the university process within a placementChapter Three - Establishing a relationship with your practice educatorChapter Four - Cultivating a relationship with service users and carersChapter Five - Understanding your social work skills, knowledge and values in your professional practiceChapter Six - Enhancing your ability to critically reflectChapter Seven - Responding positively to constructive feedbackChapter Eight - Evidencing your capability on placementChapter Nine - Writing your academic assignmentChapter Ten - Conclusion