Communication Skills for Practice
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCW1002 | Social Work | 1 | 30 | Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCW1002
- School
- Social Work
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The module introduces students to a range of theories, skills and evidence-based practice in relation to communication with service-users and carers. Students will study theories of communication and perception. They will be assisted through group work, experiential learning exercises and self-reflection to develop basic skills for interviewing and assessment. These will be augmented by learning around theories and skills concerning work in group contexts and in situations of conflict where social workers are required to exercise professional authority. Throughout the module students' attention will be drawn to the values and ethics which underpin professional practice and the broad organisation, legal and policy context in which it takes place. Students will be introduced to work with a diversity of service-user groups and required to consider the implications of this diversity for their mode of communication. They will also be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the various theoretical perspectives presented in the module alongside an ability to apply this knowledge to social work practice.
A Suitability Declaration form must be submitted to declare satisfactory DBS and health status before progression to year 2 of the programme.
Target Students
Only available for Year 1 BA Hons Social Work students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. Students must also attend Skills Days.
Assessment
- 25% Practical: Assessment of interpersonal communication skills.
- 75% Coursework: 3,000 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module aims to:Provide an overview of evidence-based practice in relation to interpersonal communication in social work practice.Provide an introduction to key theories explaining interpersonal communication.Encourage and promote reflection on the self in relation to interpersonal communication.Support the development of basic communication skills with a diversity of service-user groups in social work practice.Recognise the values and ethics which underpin professional practice in conjunction with the broad organisational, legal and policy context in which interaction with service-users and carers takes place.Learning Outcomes
- Identify the strengths and abilities of service users or carers during practice encounters. (SWE PS 1.1).
- Recognise differences across diverse communities, including the impact of disadvantage and discrimination and how these affect the communication needs of service-users and carers while demonstrating a knowledge of how to address these. (SWE PS 1.5).
- Demonstration of empathy, professional confidence and a capability to work with people to enable full participation in discussions through a knowledge of key theories of interpersonal communication and the development of core communication skills. (SWE PS 2.4).
- Knowledge of the main principles underpinning social work interviewing and assessment for adults and children and be able to demonstrate basic interviewing and assessment skills. (SWE PS 2.5).
- Establish skills in the use of information and communication technology through adapting communication skills when using this medium to engage with others. (SWE PS 3.10).
- Demonstrate suitability for continued professional training as a social worker (SWE PS 5.2).
Conveners
- Dr Siobhan Laird