Research Note—Globalization and Social Work: Influencing Practice Through Continuing Education

Abstract

This study determined the effect of a continuing education (CE) program on increasing social workers’ knowledge about global issues and subsequently influencing decisions for future practice. Thirty-eight participants took a CE course (3-session face-to-face or 1-month online) on global issues. Social Work Practitioner Globalization Survey was used to test participants’ (1) knowledge about globalization and global references, (2) belief about the importance of globalization for making practice decisions, and (3) intent to seek global knowledge in the future. Pre- and postcourse data from 32 respondents showed increases in knowledge, belief, and intended action toward the use of globalization knowledge in social work practice. Findings help social work educators justify and plan curricula that infuse globalization and global issues as curriculum components.