Karen Heycox

Knowledge and interest in ageing: a study of final-year social work students

Objective:  To evaluate social work students’ knowledge of older peoples issues and their interest in working with older people in the future.

Fear of the personal: Assessing students in practicum

Abstract This article outlines three exploratory studies undertaken by staff at the University of New South Wales on the assessment of social work students in practicum, particularly those whose performance was considered marginal by staff and/or field educators. The research focused on both students and field educators. The authors argue that ‘the personal’ dimension of the practicum contributes significantly to the assessment process and experience, and moreover, that ignoring this dimension has implications for both professional competence and the quality of service to consumers.

Self-Imposed Limitations: Social Work with the Elderly

This article sets out to challenge the way social work with the elderly is presently viewed. By using the nursing home placement as the starting point, it attempts to question why social workers have this limited idea of work with the elderly. The paper states that social workers have taken this limited approach due to their own self-imposed limitations. These limitations are examined and social workers are challenged to confront these barriers and be creative in their approach to this area of social work practice.

Using observation for reflective practice with older people

This article discusses the use of observation for reflective practice with older people, particularly the benefits and challenges of this learning tool. It outlines a study with 26 third-year Bachelor of Social Work students who undertook an elective course on reflective practice with older people. Using qualitative document analysis, the authors found that while there were a range of challenges in conducting these observations; overall, the students identified both personal and professional gains from their experiences. Particularly useful were the identification of ageist practices within the setting and the development of a degree of emotionality, criticality, and reflexivity through their experiences.