Library Guides: PSSY-0091 Social Service Foundations: Foundations of Practice Paper

Assignment Description

For this paper you will:

Review and analyze the social work theories addressed in lectures, course readings and in-class activities
Choose four theories that make sense to your world view and practice ideals. For each theory, you will summarize:
- The founding person(s) or school
- Its location in the development of the profession and historical period
- The key elements of the theory
Construct a one to two page personal framework incorporating these theories into your own personal practice model
Describe how these theories complement each other and how they will inform your practice

Requirements

One to two page summary for each theory
One to two page personal framework incorporating these theories
Description of how these theories complement each other and how they'll inform your practice
Use at least one non-course source per theory
APA reference list and in-text citations

Marking Rubric

Marking Rubric: Foundations of Practice Paper

Help!

Get help with researching, APA citing, and writing through the Library and Learning Curve.

Step 1: Find Credible Sources

By the end of this section, students will be able to:

identify credible sources
identify keywords to create a research strategy
demonstrate research skills
identify sources that relate to their topics
demonstrate critical thinking skills.

The library has a selection of books related to social work theory that can be used to complete your assignment. You may also use websites as your resources if they're credible.

Social Work Theory Books Available in the Library

To request these books from the library, click the linked titles and fill out the online request form. The book's details will be automatically filled out for you.

Anti-Oppressive Social Work Theory and Practice by Lena Dominelli
Call Number: HV 40 D656 2002
This book, by one of the leading theorists of social work, tackles a subject of crucial importance to students and practitioners alike: how social workers can enable their clients to challenge and transcend the manifold oppressions that disempower them (whether through poverty, disability, mental illness, etc.). It moves from a discussion of social work's purpose and ambitions to an exposition of theory and, from there, to the practice arenas of working with individuals, in groups, within organisations, and within a wider social and political context.
A Brief Introduction to Social Work Theory by David Howe
Call Number: HV 40 H69 2009
In 25 clearly labelled chapters, this book explains and discusses social work theory in a crisp, clear and accessible way. Whether you're a student, a newly qualified social worker or a 'seasoned' professional you will find plenty in this book to inform, enlighten and refresh you. Written by David Howe, one of the top British writers in social work, his simple, easy-to-read style makes this text ideal for quick reference in lectures, on placement or in practice.
Developing Research Based Social Work Practice by Joan Orme; David Shemmings
Call Number: HV 40 O76 2010
Evidence-based practice is important to all social work students & practitioners. This book offers an informative account of why research matters to good practice & the importance of being research-minded. Clear, coherent & focused, it is invaluable reading across a range of research-oriented modules in the social work curriculum.
Direct Social Work Practice : Theory and Skills by Dean H. Hepworth; Glenda Dewberry Rooney; Kim Strom-Gottfried; Jo Ann Larsen; Ronald Rooney
Call Number: HV 40 D57 2017
Considered the classic source in its field, this book prepares you for effective real-world practice. Packed with case examples, illustrations, and proven learning experiences from the authors and other social work practitioners, the book integrates the major theories and skills that direct social work practitioners need to understand and master. Part of the Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series, the tenth edition is completely up to date and thoroughly integrates the core competencies and recommended practice behaviors outlined in the 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Encyclopedia of Canadian Social Work by Francis J. Turner (Editor)
Call Number: HV 12 E53 2005
Over five hundred topics important to Canadian social work are covered, written by a highly diverse group of social workers covering all aspects of the field and all areas of the country. Practitioners, policy makers, academics, social advocates, researchers, students, and administrators present a rich overview of the complexity and diversity of social work and social welfare as it exists in Canada.
Essential Theory for Social Work Practice by Chris Beckett; Nigel Horner
Call Number: HV 40 B38 2016
Focusing on what students really need to know, this book breaks down all of the key social work theory covered across a students' training, demystifying complex concepts by demonstrating their application to real-life practice.
The General Method of Social Work Practice by Elizabeth M. Timberlake; Michaela Zajicek Farber; Christine Anlauf Sabatino; Maria O'Neil McMahon
Call Number: HV 11 M374 2002
This text describes the social work processes and stages of the General Method. Skills and techniques associated with each stage are illustrated with practice vignettes and longer practice examples, highlighting the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of generalist practice in seven field settings.
The Life Model of Social Work Practice by Alex Gitterman; Carel B. Germain
Call Number: HV 43 G47 2008
Originally published in 1980, this seminal work was the first to introduce an ecological perspective into social work practice. The third edition expands and deepens this perspective, further developing the basic premise that, by being situated within the people:environment interface, the social work profession is distinct from other service professions. The book presents the ""what"" (theories and concepts) and the ""how"" (practice methods) to help people with their life stressors and, simultaneously, to influence communities, organizations, and policymakers to be more responsive to.
Modern Social Work Theory by Malcolm Payne
Call Number: HV 40 P33 2016
Malcolm Payne presents clear and concise evaluations of the pros and cons of major theories that inform social work practice, and comparisons between them. Modern Social Work Theory is now more accessible and comprehensive than ever, offering: the most complete coverage of social work theory, from classic perspectives to the very latest ideas, including a new chapter dedicated to strengths, narrative, and solutions approaches; a host of brand new case examples showing how theories can be applied to everyday practice; new analysis of the ethical dimensions of different social work theories and what common values they share; Pause and Reflect questions to encourage you to draw on your own experience and develop your thinking; and updated Example text sections which summarize the most current thinking and help bridge the gap between introductions to each theory and more specialist writing.
Narrative Social Work by Clive Baldwin
Call Number: HV 40 B35 2013
Interest in the contribution narrative can make across many disciplines has been booming in recent years, but its impact in social work has been limited. It has mainly been used in therapeutic intervention such as narrative therapy, social work education or personal accounts. This is the first book to extend the narrative lens to explore the contribution of narrative to social work values and ethics, social policy and our understanding of the self in social, cultural and political context. The book firstly sets out theoretical concerns and then applies them to specific areas of social work, including child protection, mental health and disability. The author argues that narrative is a richly textured approach to social work that can enhance both theory and practice. As such the book will be of interest to social work students, practitioners and educators, policy makers and those interested in the application of narrative to professional practice."--Publisher's website
The Practice of Generalist Social Work by Marla Berg-Weger; Julie Birkenmaier
Call Number: HV 105 B57 2017
The fourth edition of The Practice of Generalist Social Work continues to teach students to apply micro, macro, and mezzo social work skills. This new edition strengthens the connection between the three levels of practice and is fully updated to the 2015 EPAS. This edition also contains more illustrations of theory and more context for deciding which type of intervention is a good fit. Most chapters now open with a case study and continually refer back to the case to provide additional connections between theory and real-life practice. Each chapter also incorporates a link to a Grand Challenge of Social Work from the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, which shows the connection between social work and the most significant societal challenges of today. The Quick Guides within the text offer students guidance for their field experience and practice after graduation.
Social Theory for Social Work by Christopher Thorpe
Call Number: HV 40 T56 2018
Trying to understand how the world looks through the eyes of individuals and groups and how it shapes the ways they think and act is something social workers do all the time. It is what social theorists do too. This book identifies and explains in a highly accessible manner the absolute value of social theory for social work. Drawing on the theoretical ideas and perspectives of a wide range of classical and modern social theorists, the book demonstrates the insights their work can bring to bear on a wide range of social work practice scenarios, issues and debates.
Social Theory, Social Change and Social Work by Nigel Parton (Editor)
Call Number: HV 248 S634 1996
Social Theory, Social Change and Social Work has two inter-related themes. First to account for and analyse current changes in social work and secondly, to assess how far recent developments in social theory can contribute to their interpretation. Representing the work of a range of academics all involved in research and teaching in relation to social work, it considers issues of central significance to everyone interested in the theory, policy, and practice of social work.
Social Work Treatment by Francis J. Turner (Editor)
Call Number: HV 40 S63 2017
Social Work Treatment remains the most popular and trusted compendium of theories available to social work students and practitioners. This treasure trove of practice knowledge equips professionals with a broad array of theoretical approaches, each of which shine a spotlight on a different aspect of the human condition.
The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice by Dennis Saleebey
Call Number: HV 41 S827 2013
The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice presents both conceptual and practical elements of the strengths perspective - from learning about and practicing the strengths perspective to using the strengths perspective with older adults, the chronically ill, and substance abusers.
A Textbook of Social Work by Brian Sheldon; Geraldine Macdonald
Call Number: HV 40 S54 2009
Where did professional social work originate from? How effective are social work interpretations in the lives of vulnerable people? This book provides a discussion of social work practice and its evidence-base. It strikes a balance between the need for social workers to understand the social, economic, psychological and interpersonal factors.
Theoretical Perspectives for Direct Social Work Practice by Nick Coady; Peter Lehmann
Call Number: HV 43 T42 2016
This expanded third edition of the popular textbook provides a completely revised and updated overview of the theories, models, and therapies guiding social work practice. The authors and editors use the problem-solving model of social work practice as a framework for integrating each theory with central social work principles and values.
Understanding and Using Theory in Social Work by Juliette Oko
Call Number: HV 40 O46 2011
ISBN: 9780857254986
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.

1. Complete the Evaluating Information tutorial and read through the evaluating information tips linked below. These will help you determine what are credible sources when doing online research.

Evaluating Information & Fake News
Austin Community College shows you how to choose good quality information for your research.
Evaluating Information Tips and Tricks
Learn tips and tricks to determine whether or not a source is credible.

2. Complete the tutorial linked below to help you choose search terms for your topics.

Identifying Keywords
Austin Community College teaches you about keywords and shows you how to pick the best ones to find info for your research paper.

3. Using the skills you've learned, search the library's databases and Google for information related to your topic. See below for a few recommended databases. Keep in mind you aren't limited to these databases.

EBSCOhost

EBSCOhost databases are a great place to start your search for articles. Once you open EBSCOhost, type your keywords into the search box.

EBSCOhost Databases
Search for articles and other resources related to your area of study in a variety of databases through EBSCOhost.

Federal Science Library

The Federal Science Library searches seven science-based collections from the Canadian Federal Library. Keep in mind that not all sources found in the Federal Science Library are Canadian.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar searches academic content across a wide variety of disciplines and sources.

Google Scholar
Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature. From one place, you can search across many disciplines and sources: articles, theses, books, abstracts and court opinions, from academic publishers, professional societies, online repositories, universities and other web sites.

Part 2: Cite Your Sources

By the end of this section, students will be able to:

find elements needed to create a reference list
create a reference list using NoodleTools (or other citation generator/manager)
create an outline using NoodleTools Outline or the Planning the Essay handout (optional).

To familiarize yourself with how to find the elements you need to create your reference list and with how to use NoodleTools, it's recommended you complete the tutorials below.

Finding Elements for your APA Reference
In this tutorial, you'll learn where to find the pieces of information you need to create a reference.
Creating APA Reference Lists in NoodleTools
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create your reference list using the citation manager, NoodleTools.

1. Log into NoodleTools and:

add to your reference list the sources you plan to use in your paper
create an Outline using Notecards, or use the Planning the Essay handout linked below (optional).

NoodleTools
An online tool that simplifies the process of creating and editing APA-style reference lists.

Planning the Essay
Fill in the sections of this document to create an outline for your paper.

Tutorial: How to Create NoodleTools Notecards

Tutorial: How to Create an Outline in NoodleTools

Part 3: Write Your Paper

By the end of this section, students will be able to:

write a cohesive paper
demonstrate an understanding of their topic
demonstrate critical thinking skills.

1. Write a paper, using your work from the previous steps, to discuss the topics listed in the assignment description.

For help with your writing, look at the tips, links, and tutorials on the following guide:

Writing Help