Problems Social Workers Experience Among Social Work Students in Field Practice

Abstract

One of the most important and indispensable elements of social work education is social work practice. For this reason, it would be beneficial to identify the problems that prevent students from being active and productive in the practice period and to offer solutions. This research aims to identify the problems social workers experience with social work students in field practice and develop solutions to these problems. In this study qualitative research design was used to indicate experiences of 140 social workers as institutional supervisors. The study focused on three main open-ended questions. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with social workers. According to the findings, the most relevant problems that social workers encounter with the practice students are absenteeism and non-compliance about institutional rules, problems with open-plan education programmes, indifference and reluctance during the practice period. To prevent these problems, the social workers came up with suggestions, such as academic supervisors monitoring students more frequently, students having learning motivation and being idealistic, developing students’ communication skills. The findings obtained from this research will contribute to planning a more effective and productive practice period and having a qualified social work education through increasing awareness about problems encountered during the practice process.