Views of practice educators about the framework for assessing students on placement.

What is it about?

Practice education is a central part of both undergraduate and postgraduate social work training yet the assessment component of placement learning is often overshadowed by university based academic teaching and assessment. The research paper presents information from practice educators and other social work professionals about their experiences of assessing students using PCF and the impact this had on their personal and professional development. The paper also refers to work currently being done by the British Association for Social Work (BASW) in consultation with social work partners and stakeholders, to refresh PCF and the Professional Standards for Practice Education (PEPS).

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Photo by Sebastian Muller on Unsplash

Photo by Sebastian Muller on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The research and the ongoing work by BASW to raise the profile and strengthen the support and professional standards for practice education is vital. Practice educators have a complex and multi-layered role which is pivotal to the social work degree and to the ongoing assessment and support of newly qualified social workers, yet there is very little mentoring, guidance and opportunity for their professional development. The research aims to champion practice educators, promote the importance of a national steer for social work practice education and to raise public and professional confidence in social work.

Perspectives