Learning from user perspectives

Abstract

A possible pathway to make critical reflection a part of a learning culture in social work is by reflecting on practice. The case is based on findings from a job centre, where the focus was on initiating and strengthening learning processes aimed at upgrading skills among service users. The research project was designed as participatory practice research, in which the researcher in collaboration with the social work professionals designed and conducted observation and supervision within the existing legal and organizational frameworks of the job centre. Building on co-creation in all parts of the organization, the management’s wish was to ensure the service users’ sense of ownership, eventually resulting in the enhancement of the service users’ empowerment. The chapter argues that critical reflection is created from several perspectives, including collaboration between research and social work practice, and that reflection must be anchored in the experiences of service users, professionals and researchers.