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Full-Text Articles in Social Work
Increasing Aging Content Within The Social Work Curriculum: Perceptions Of Key Constituents, Stacey Kolomer, Terri Lewinson, Nancy Kropf, Scott Wilks
Increasing Aging Content Within The Social Work Curriculum: Perceptions Of Key Constituents, Stacey Kolomer, Terri Lewinson, Nancy Kropf, Scott Wilks
Nancy P. Kropf
This mixed methodology study examines the perceptions of key constituents regarding methods for effectively integrating aging content into the foundation curriculum of the BSW and MSW program at the University of Georgia School of Social Work. Students were asked to complete a survey to determine their perception of geriatric content that existed within the foundation coursework. Following an analysis of the survey results, eight semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted with a purposeful sample of students, faculty, field instructors, social work alumni, older adults from the community, and representatives from aging agencies. The intention of these focus groups was to …
An Infusion Model For Including Content On Elders With Chronic Mental Illness In The Curriculum, Nancy Kropf, Sherry Cummings
An Infusion Model For Including Content On Elders With Chronic Mental Illness In The Curriculum, Nancy Kropf, Sherry Cummings
Nancy P. Kropf
Older people with chronic mental illness (CMI) are experiencing longer life expectancies that parallel those of the general population. Due to their experience of having CMI, these older adults present unique issues that affect service delivery and care provision. Content on this population is often omitted in the curriculum, which leaves students unprepared to practice with these clients. This article proposes an infusion model that can be used in baccalaureate or graduate foundation courses to increase exposure to elders with CMI.
Strategies To Increase Student Interest In Aging, Nancy Kropf
Strategies To Increase Student Interest In Aging, Nancy Kropf
Nancy P. Kropf
Due to changing demographics, all social workers will have experience working with older clients and their families within professional roles. Unfortunately, social work education continues to lag in preparing students to be effective in practice with aging clients. Several strategies are presented with the goal of increasing student interest in the field of aging. At the program level, initiatives include using experiential learning, infusing aging content into required courses, and enhancing faculty capacity in aging. In addition, social work programs can build collaborations within the university setting and practice community. Overall, the goal is to present aging as an exciting …
Future Training And Education Recommendations For Rural Gerontological Social Workers, Nancy Kropf
Future Training And Education Recommendations For Rural Gerontological Social Workers, Nancy Kropf
Nancy P. Kropf
With the increasing number of older adults, social work students need to be prepared to work with this population in a variety of settings. Rural areas may have high concentrations of older adults including those who age-in-place, and those who relocate to retirement areas in small towns and rural communities. Within the curriculum, content on health care, economics, and leadership/decision making need to be included to prepare students for practice in these areas. In addition, programs need to actively seek students who have an interest in working within more rural practice settings.
Service Learning As A Transition Into Foundation Field, Nancy Kropf, Mininder Tracey
Service Learning As A Transition Into Foundation Field, Nancy Kropf, Mininder Tracey
Nancy P. Kropf
Service learning is a pedagogical method to bridge classroom and community experiences for students. Although social work education has historically emphasized this connection through internship experiences, service learning can fill a different function within the curriculum. This article proposes a service learning experience to assist graduate students with the transition into their foundation field placement. Beneficial outcomes of using service learning as an educational bridge are discussed for students, faculty, and the social work program.