Is the signature pedagogy still worthwhile? An empirical study of field practice experience among social work students in Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT The ability of social work education to graduate ethical, competent, innovative, effective social workers is highly reliant on the quality of the field experience. The focus of this study, therefore, is to share the reflections of Nigerian social work students about their field practice education and training. Semi-structured interview schedule based on one-on-one interviews was conducted among graduating social work students in one major university in southern Nigeria. Following the qualitative data analysis, findings illustrate that the students, while having a sense of fulfillment and pride in the profession as a result of the fieldwork education, encountered several challenges. Although involving a cohort of social work students, the findings of this study may have broader implications for social work education across the country. Consequently, suggestions are offered to social work educators, as conveyors of social work knowledge, skills, and values, to ensure that students undergo a memorable and hitch-free practicum education.