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Effective Observation in Social Work Practice
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Effective Observation in Social Work Practice



December 2014 | 112 pages | Learning Matters

Introducing the concept of observation to social work students can be a complex and challenging task. Assessing their observation skills and assignments can be even harder, especially if much of this work takes place implicitly, throughout their training and placements. This book will help students to grasp the fundamentals of social work observation, from the theories and methods to how these can be demonstrated in everyday practice. Skills are covered throughout, as well as effective observation work with different client groups and in different settings. The authors argue that an observant social worker is an effective and resilient one, and demonstrate this through case study material and research summaries.

 
Introduction
Nicky Ryden and Steve O’Loughlin
An introduction to the theories of observation
Nicky Ryden
Approaches to observation practice
Nicky Ryden
Practical techniques for the observation of service users
Jackie Hughes and Bronwyn Roberts
Observation with disabled children and adults with learning difficulties
Nicky Ryden
Using observation in training and development
Steve O’Loughlin
Groups and observations
 
Conclusion

Useful as a teaching aid but not as recommended reading

Dr Lucy Hanson
Social Work Department , Care and Justice, Liverpool Hope University
January 12, 2016

A timely text, helpfully mapped to the PCF which assists students.
A lot of literature in this field is dated, so refreshing to see a current text in an easily digestible format.

Ms Donna Price
Dept of Childhood, Social Work & Social Care, University of Chichester
September 1, 2015

This is a 95 page edited book written by academics and experienced social workers and captures core skills of observation in social work. Very important book for all practitioners in social work and for students of social work.

Dr Charles Mugisha
Social Work, Birmingham City University
July 2, 2015

A timely, imaginative new social work text which is ideal for our 'new' 3rd year BA module which incorporates either a child (or adult) observation as the mode of assessment.

This text provides a sound guide that covers key practice based issues in terms of relevant observational theories plus important ethical considerations of both children and older people / adults with learning difficulties observations.

Perhaps a chapter focusing upon dementia care mapping would have further broadened the readership appeal and audience of this new text further?

Mr David Gaylard
Social Work Bishop Otter, Chichester University
June 25, 2015

Useful for students and practice educators, clear links to professional standards, accessible writing style

Ms Marie Lebacq
Social Work And Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University
October 20, 2015

I have adopted this for my Enabling Practice Learning post qualifying programme. I think it is clearly written and very accessible. I have recommended to our local authority partner agency training managers so that they also can purchase and keep in their libraries.

Ms Eve Rees
health sciences/social work, Cardiff Metropolitan University
February 11, 2015

Concise text that leads the reader to focus upon both practical and theoretical aspects of practice observation

Mr Mick Wilkinson
Social Work and Professional Practice, Nottingham Trent University
January 22, 2015

Maureen O'Loughlin

Maureen is an Independent Social Work Consultant who was formerly the Director of Social Work programmes at the University of Leeds. She has substantial experience working with children and families as a social worker and a Guardian ad Litem. She now undertakes independent assessments for court proceedings in a variety of areas and continues her interest in adoption through chairing a local authority adoption panel and the Independent Reviewing Mechanism. More About Author

Steve O'Loughlin

Steve is an Independent Social Work Consultant, but he was previously Practice Co-ordinator for the Social Work programmes at the University of Leeds where he developed the practice curriculum for the new social work degree at the University. He currently acts as an Independent Practice Assessor for qualifying students, practice teachers and post-qualification awards. He is an experienced fostering and adoption worker and undertakes independent assessment for a number of agencies. More About Author

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ISBN: 9781446282779
£28.99
ISBN: 9781446282762
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