My Journey in Social Work Graduate Studies - What I Have Learned
‘Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice’ ( Anton Chekhov).
My graduate studies began in 2013 when I was enrolled into the Social Work program. My Social Work Practice is in transition in reference to Canada and North America. The MSW training here has given me the opportunity to deconstruct and reconstruct many aspects of Social Work practice, keeping in mind the Canadian Social Work Practice perspective. My learning has been based on many things including class seminars, practicum, group studies, academic readings and interactions with diverse people here in Calgary. I learned social work considering the socio-cultural nature of my learning environment. I have developed professional skills in interviewing, communication, therapeutic alliance, counseling, assessment, problem-solving, critical thinking, intervention, facilitation and organization which have enhanced my effectiveness. I have been able to bring about positive outcomes and facilitate change in the lives of people.
In developing these skills, I created a toolbox of knowledge that will aid me to have a comprehensive understanding of theory and research and will help me understand people and their situations, and formulate plans of action appropriate to the circumstances they encounter. This involves understanding how lived experiences are perceived, understood and communicated by people and their impact on behavior and life situations, both positive and negative.
In my graduate studies, I learned about the nature of my chosen profession (Social Work) and how Social Workers can work to impact changes in the lives of people and to influence society. I have learned that Social Work is about human rights and social justice (NASW, 2005) and the way that I can use relationships as a foundation for intervention.
My graduate studies began in 2013 when I was enrolled into the Social Work program. My Social Work Practice is in transition in reference to Canada and North America. The MSW training here has given me the opportunity to deconstruct and reconstruct many aspects of Social Work practice, keeping in mind the Canadian Social Work Practice perspective. My learning has been based on many things including class seminars, practicum, group studies, academic readings and interactions with diverse people here in Calgary. I learned social work considering the socio-cultural nature of my learning environment. I have developed professional skills in interviewing, communication, therapeutic alliance, counseling, assessment, problem-solving, critical thinking, intervention, facilitation and organization which have enhanced my effectiveness. I have been able to bring about positive outcomes and facilitate change in the lives of people.
In developing these skills, I created a toolbox of knowledge that will aid me to have a comprehensive understanding of theory and research and will help me understand people and their situations, and formulate plans of action appropriate to the circumstances they encounter. This involves understanding how lived experiences are perceived, understood and communicated by people and their impact on behavior and life situations, both positive and negative.
In my graduate studies, I learned about the nature of my chosen profession (Social Work) and how Social Workers can work to impact changes in the lives of people and to influence society. I have learned that Social Work is about human rights and social justice (NASW, 2005) and the way that I can use relationships as a foundation for intervention.
My working Tools