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Understanding and Using Theory in Social Work
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Understanding and Using Theory in Social Work

Second Edition


August 2012 | 156 pages | Learning Matters
Understanding how theory informs social work practice is an area that students can find challenging and complex. This book helps students to understand how theory impacts and informs social work practice. Updated with a new introduction by the author, subjects covered include values and ethics, organisational contexts and putting theory into practice. There is a chapter on the relationship between theory and practice in social work which examines notions of empowerment and concepts of social exclusion and the distinctive role of the social work practitioner. Critical thinking exercises are built into the text to aid learning and reflective thinking.

 
Introduction
 
Introduction to Understanding Social Work Theory
 
The Relationship Between Theory and Practice in Social Work
 
Values and Ethics in Social Work
 
Social Work and its Organisational Context
 
Putting Theory into Practice
 
Conclusion

It is relevant information for social work students.

Alison Carrick
Social Work (Coach Lane), Northumbria University
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I like the fact that this book makes theory accessible and encourages social work students to integrate theory into their practice.

Ann Daniel
Department of Social Care (Landsdowne), Bournemouth University
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Like-strengths model and emphasis on wider structural issues. Also like link to social model of disability.

Anna Heyman
Social Work, Sunderland University
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I like the way that it encourages students to consider how theory is embedded in practice rather than superimposed and bolted on. Students often say that they struggle with linking theory to practed and this book encourages the notion that one can not practice without the knowledge/theory.

Clare Stone
Social Work, Central Lancashire University
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This book covers significant issues in relating theory to social work practice.It discussess these in a thoughtful yet approachable way. It would be for year 1 students, not really for my MA in ISW students.

Cordelia Grimwood
Social Work (Docklands), University of East London
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Research summaries will be very useful, liked putting theory in practice chapter (Ch 5)

David Calderwood
Glasgow School of Social Work, Strathclyde University
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It is up to date.I think the book will appeal to students. I like the activity questions and case studies dotted throughout the book

David Hicks
Social Work Department (Tithebarn Street), Liverpool John Moores University
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Provides students with an overview of theory and how it relates to S.W practice. Gives good introduction to empowerment and uses case studies to illustrate theory to practice. Sets scene re organisations which is useful for less experienced students.

Dr Audrey Roulston
Social Work Department, Queen's University Belfast
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I find the book very practical and well explained for my first year students.It discusses value and ethic very well

Dr Bridget Ng'andu
Social Work, Ruskin College Oxford
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The book provides an excellent introduction to the nature and role of theory in social work. It is unusual to find such at an introductory level. This makes the text particularly suitable for ladt year UG's. The book is also an 'accessible' read - which is again important at 1st year UG level. I find notes to dislike about the text.

Dr Denise Wolstenholme
School of Public Policy and Professional Practice, Keele University
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