Abstract
This study examined BSW, MSW and PhD social work students’ (N=72) critical thinking skills using the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST). Social work students who tested as more open to experience on a personality inventory, took chemistry in college, and reported having both parents with a college degree had higher critical thinking skills. There was a trend toward higher levels of critical thinking as academic levels increased. Implications and recommendations are discussed for social work classrooms, field practica, and admissions.
Highlights
National education reports since the 1980’s have emphasized the role of higher education in developing students’ critical thinking skills (Tsui, 1999)
The Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) of the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) (2008) reflect this national interest in the importance of critical thinking by identifying critical thinking as one of the 10 core competencies social work students must master during their professional education
The purpose of this study is to add to the knowledge about whether demographic and/or personality variables are related to critical thinking skills and to determine the levels of critical thinking skills attained by social work students at the baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral levels
Summary
National education reports since the 1980’s have emphasized the role of higher education in developing students’ critical thinking skills (Tsui, 1999). This policy statement identifies critical thinking as crucial to social workers’ ability to: distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom; analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation; and demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues. Social work students need to learn how to assess client problems using a complex biopsychosocial model and how to implement interventions at multiple levels. They are being trained to collaborate within interdisciplinary settings with professionals whose
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
