Teaching Field Social Work

Abstract

This chapter explores the brief history and recent developments in the area of field social work in Ukraine. Approaches and challenges in field instructions are revealed. Key research questions are: What characterizes the field training in social work today in Ukraine? What should be done to meet the international standards? The chapter is based on the analysis of the interviews with social work educators and students. It is also grounded on empirical literature on social work education in the country, review of relevant legal documents and academic programmes. The chapter’s focus is the experiences and perceptions of the social work educators and students within the context of the vast philosophical and ideological changes in the post-Soviet era of social work development. Important considerations are given to the impact that the international actors (Western drivers) have on the development of national post-Soviet approaches to organizing social workers’ field placements and to the content of the newly emerged academic programmes. Contradictions between inherited paternalistic, welfare model of social work (that could be regarded as indigenous for Ukraine) and innovative empowering approaches (widely supported by the international donors), as well as their implications for social services, are discussed with regard to the management of social work education, national educational policies and local peculiarities of learning practices. The chapter is ended with suggestions on how to build up the field education with regard to the national context and students’ peculiarities.