Perceptions of a human rights lens in relation to the training of social work field educators

Abstract

Use of a human rights (HR) framework in direct social work practice is gaining traction in social work education. A gap remains, however, regarding its application within field education. This study seeks to fill the gap in knowledge regarding field educators’ understanding of and training in use of a human rights lens. Using a qualitative-dominant, mixed-method, quasi-experimental design, the study explores the extent to which the introduction of a human rights-based approach to social work impacts both the attitudinal positioning of field educators (preceptors) in a small clinically based MSW program toward HR based clinical practice, and the integration of this approach to their pedagogical practice with MSW-level field students. Participants were administered the Human Rights Lens in Social Work (HRLSW) scale as both a pre- and posttest, provided a training on human rights concepts, and participated in a focus group discussion. Although there was only a small improvement in scores, participants reported qualitative evidence that the training started a shift in their thinking. Participants also indicated that more training would be well received.