THE TRANSFORMATION OF A SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM: A Narrative of Liberation

Authors

  • Clay T. Graybeal Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, University of New England
  • Vernon L. Moore Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of New England
  • Marcia B. Cohen Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of New England

Abstract

This article provides a narrative account of the experience of three faculty members at a program that sought to transform a problem-oriented, deficit-focused social work curriculum into one based on key social work values, client strengths, and principles of empowerment. These three faculty describe the impact the process of transformation had on them, and they analyze a two and one-half year process of curriculum review and renewal. Several themes are included: a change in leadership, increased student involvement, a new emphasis on values, curriculum transformation, and some of the conflicts which arose. The authors conclude with some observations about the process and recommendations for others who might wish to transform a curriculum, and in so doing to liberate their spirits, and to rekindle or rediscover the origins of their professional commitments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Published

2014-06-12

How to Cite

Graybeal, C. T., Moore, V. L., & Cohen, M. B. (2014). THE TRANSFORMATION OF A SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM: A Narrative of Liberation. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 1(2), 56–65. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/379

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General Submissions