This article describes the use of service-learning--with a focus on civic engagement, academic performance, and personal growth- using a mock organization. This format of service -learning is utilized in an undergraduate macro-level practice social work course. This article describes the application of the mock organization and provides insight…

This article explores a course-linked service-learning project that facilitated social-problem focused dialogues between students and men who were incarcerated in a prison. Student reflections were life-changing; listening with both their hearts and minds enhanced student learning, increasing empathy, fueling a sense of advocacy, and fostering a…

The article uses a liberation psychologies framework to develop and strengthen a social dimension to cultural humility, one that is oriented toward social transformation. First, cultural humility is contextualized as a complement or alternative to cultural competence, addressing critiques raised about cultural competence frameworks. Second,…

In the following article we argue that social work education and research ought to approach homelessness from a holistic paradigm emphasizing individual resilience and autonomy. The current lack of explicit curriculum in many schools of social work necessitates creative strategies to integrate homeless content into social work education. We offer…

This conceptual article explores the merging of service learning and cultural immersion. It presents, to social work educators, the use of "cultural service immersion" with Indigenous peoples in order to move students from knowledge to understanding the breadth of Indigenous peoples culture, ultimately increasing skills and cultural…

In recent years, overseas work-integrated learning practica have become an increasingly important part of development studies curricula in "Northern" universities. This paper examines the factors that shape pedagogical effectiveness in the provision of such programmes, focusing on the case of the Australian Consortium for…

This paper examines a developing model for building an international social work placement that meets the needs of the host agency and community first. The paper addresses the challenges for social work departments to develop a strong learning environment while also keeping primary the needs of the host community and agency.

The global nature of social problems indicates how important it is for social workers to be involved in international issues. For example, overseas experience in social work programs is in consonance with the Council on Social Work Education's emphasis on global context of social work practice. In view of this, some schools of social work are…

The authors explore the challenges inherent in traversing the multiple boundaries between sociology and social work, and the academy and the community, by examining a service learning course on hunger and homelessness taught by two sociology professors and two social workers on the staff of a community service organization. The authors draw on…

Service-learning attitudes among graduate social work students enrolled in a course on human diversity and oppression are presented. A survey was administered at the beginning and at the end of the semester to students enrolled in the course, which was taught using a service-learning approach. Among the results were believing that service-learning…

This paper articulates a curricular approach that centers on a Native American service learning course. Social work students engaged in cross-cultural immersion on a reservation in the United States. By examination of historical United States policy impacting Indian tribes and contemporary experiences that challenge basic instruction in public…

Youths at risk for violent and antisocial behavior often suffer from alienation and a lack of bonding to family, school, and community. The role of the school social worker is often to implement interventions that support inclusion and connection to these entities. Yet using a theoretical trajectory that solely supports a unidirectional flow of…

This article reports the results from a research study regarding how school social workers extend opportunities for students to volunteer, serve others, or contribute to their communities and how social workers engaged students in service activities within their roles. The results are one part of the findings of a large research study on the role…

This article describes an innovative project that combined service learning and community-based partnerships to teach macro practice skills to social work students and citizenship skills to primary school students. The partners, a small social work program, several primary schools, and an internationally recognized civic engagement program,…

This article explores the conditions under which international social work field placements may be effectively administered. The positive and negative potential of international placements is examined. A review of empirical and theoretical literature in the related fields of service learning and international volunteering reveals that role taking,…