Personal Development as a Critical Practitioner
argumentative Essay
2278 words
To what extent do you consider that you have already started to develop the approaches of a critical practitioner? Analyse and evaluate your progress using examples from your work to illustrate your arguments. Introduction For the purpose of this assignment I will consider how I have already started to develop as a ‘Critical Practitioner’. By this statement I would put forward how I am being ‘open minded’, use a ‘reflective approach’ that takes account of ‘different perspectives, experiences and assumptions’ (Glaister cited in the reader pg 8). I will discuss how my practice has developed and has been influenced by K315 course materials such as Barnett’s three domains of critical practice, action, reflexivity and analysis (Barnett cited in Glaister in the Reader p. 13) as key aspects of understanding the complexities involved in practicing critically. I will also discuss the importance of Glaister’s three pillars of everyday practice, ‘Forging of relationships’, ‘empowering others’ and ‘making a difference’. (Glaister cited in the reader pp. 17-21). I will analyse and evaluate my progress using examples from my practice learning opportunity in a Criminal Justice setting which will illustrate ways in which I have begun to demonstrate the autonomy required of a qualified worker, ‘respecting others as equal’s and the ‘open and not knowing approach’ (Glaister cited in the reader pp 12-14) whilst working to SiSWE standards. I will conclude by demonstrating why as a Critical Practitioner and reflective thinker I have been able to make informed judgements that seek to empower the service user, allowing them to take account of their views whilst balancing the complexity of professional power issues. I will begin by discussing ‘J’... ... middle of paper ... ...actice in social work interviewing – keeping the child in mind”. Milton Keynes. The Open University. Open University (2011) K(ZW) 315 Critical Practice in Social Work, CDA1, Panel Discussion on Critical Practice (Tracks 1-5), Milton Keynes, The Open University. Maclean, S. & Harrison, R. (2008) Social Work Theory: A Straightforward Guide for Practice Assessors and Placement Supervisors. Kirwin Maclean Associates, Staffordshire SiSWE (2003) Standards in Social Work Education The Framework for Social Work Education in Scotland http://www.scotland.gov.uk/publications/2003/0116202/17016 [accessed 12.3.2011] Smale, G. and Tuson, G. (1993) Empowerment Assessment: Care management and the skilled worker, London, NISW. Thompson, N (2005) Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice, Palgrave, MacMillan (Second Edition) Hampshire (Supplementary Course Reader)
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes and evaluates their progress using examples from their work to illustrate their arguments.
- Explains that they will analyze and evaluate their progress using examples from their practice learning opportunity in a criminal justice setting.
- Introduces themselves as a student social worker who would see ‘j’ at least once per week and work towards building trusting relationships.
- Explains their role as a link worker to make an assessment, using the ‘questioning’, ‘procedural’ and ‘exchange’ models of assessment.
- Explains that they took time to critically reflect on ‘j’s presenting situation, one which could potentially be ‘constraining’ or as an ‘opportunity’ to move forward.
- Concludes that they have developed their ability to move on in their journey from student to social worker by being adept at understanding and exploring language, not using technical jargon, but speaking to clients in a way they will understand.
- Explains that as they begin to practice, they need to develop and refine skills by building on a value base of critical practice to identify how these processes may be applied in practice situations.
- Explains that they were aware of limitations and resources of the service, and weighed up the issue of representativeness and reverse face tokenism.
- Explains that empowerment, the second pillar of critical practice, is a critical practitioner able to understand and address the power imbalance and oppressive forces.
- Cites barnett, r., and barrett, s. in changing lives: report of the 21st century review.
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In this essay, the author
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In this essay, the author
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- Asks how has your mental health been over the years. for each age group circle one of the following:
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