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ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY / INSTRUCTOR: / Juliana HarmsLCSW ACSW
C-ACYFSW
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK / OFFICE: / Rachel Cooper 310
Semester / Fall 2015 / OFFICE HOURS: / By Appointment
Course: / SWK 326 / CELL PHONE: / (309) 824-9039
Section: / 04 / EMAIL: /
Day: / Thursday / Location: / Fell Hall 112
Time: / 3:00-5:00 PM
SOCIAL WORK SKILLS LABORATORY-SWK 326
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Laboratory course that teaches interpersonal social work practice skills. Three (3) semester hours.
Prerequisites: SWK 221; SWK 223 or concurrent registration required; concurrent registration in SWK 325 required; majors only.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
SWK 326 (Social Work Skills Laboratory) presents and provides structured practice of the fundamental interpersonal skills required for effective social work practice. The course teaches interviewing and critical thinking about interview processes, and focuses primarily on using those skills with individuals. The model, process, and skills learned in this course serve as the foundation for culturally-competent, generalist practice and all subsequent practice courses. The course shares an ecological, strength-based, problem-solving approach with the other courses in the methods practice sequence, and is the complement to SWK 325 (Generalist Practice with Individuals).
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER COURSES
SWK 326 (Social Work Skills Laboratory) and its complementary course, SWK 325 (Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals), provide the foundation for the practice sequence. The course presents the fundamental processes and interviewing skills of social work practice.
Course Goals:
The goals for student learning of this course are to:
1. Assist students in gaining awareness of self and others in the helping relationship.
2. Enable students to identify and respond to nonverbal behavior.
3. Develop students’ interviewing skills.
4. Help students apply social work values to the helping process.
5. Increase student skills in the helping process with diverse clients.
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Recognize interviewing pitfalls.
2. Articulate the effect of each pitfall on interviews.
3. Engage the client in a helping relationship.
4. Demonstrate basic interviewing skills: reflection of feeling, paraphrasing, open- and closed-ended questions, clarification, summarization, information giving, interpretation, confrontation, and goal negotiation.
5. Demonstrate assessment skills.
6. Demonstrate attending/non-verbal behaviors.
7. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity through diverse case scenarios.
REQUIRED READINGS
Main Texts (Available for purchase at the University Bookstore and Alamo II):
Cummins, L., Sevel, J. & Pedrick, L. (2012). 3nd Edition. Social works skills for beginning direct practice. Needham, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
*Fontes, L. A. (2008). Interviewing Clients across Cultures: A Practitioner’s Guide. New York: Guilford Publications. {eBook accessible at http://carli.eblib.com.libproxy.lib.ilstu.edu/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=352281}
Additional readings may be distributed during class.
~~The Julia N. Visor Academic Center, a division of University College, provides free one-on-one writing assistance for any course. Students can receive help with brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, citations (APA/MLA/AP/Chicago), and grammar.
Vrooman (between Manchester and Hewett dorms) 309-438-7100
– Mon-Thurs, 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Fri, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sun, 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
– www.ucollege.IllinoisState.edu/tutoring/writing~~
EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
As adult learners, students are expected to read all assigned readings and to complete website assignments and exercises prior to class. All workbook exercises must be completed prior to each scheduled study session. The following are self-directed study activities that students should undertake to assist them with learning and utilizing the material covered in this course: read assigned readings for each class (see course schedule); read other related materials; make notes on readings; discuss readings, view the website, www.mysocialworklab.com, complete web site materials and class lecture material with other students; and schedule consultation time with the instructor as needed.
Plagiarism, cheating, and all other forms of academic misconduct are not only considered a violation of university regulations, but are also considered a serious breach of the ethical code of conduct for the social work profession. Students are expected to remember that they are in the process of becoming professional social workers. As such, they are expected to abide by the ethical standards of the profession. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics is available to students on the Internet at www.socialworkers.org
Any student needing to arrange a reasonable accommodation for a documented disability should contact Disability Concerns at 350 Fell Hall, 438-5853 (voice), 438-8620 (TDD).
Be sure to turn off all cell phones during class and skills practice sessions. Participation points will be deducted for each time a student is found using electronic devices without the instructor’s consent. If this is a recurring pattern, student will lose participation points.
ASSIGNMENTS
The following assignments are designed to facilitate and measure student progress on the student learning objectives of this course. Workbook exercises, DVD recorded interviews and critiques, participation in class and study sessions, an individual meeting with the instructor, and a “pitfall” quiz are required.
All written and DVD recorded assignments are due on the date assigned and are to be typed, grammatically correct, and checked for spelling. One letter grade will be deducted from your assignment for each day the assignment is late.
In this class, students role-play various client situations. There is no requirement to disclose any personal information in the course of the role-plays. Disclosure of sensitive, personal information in a role-play is not encouraged; however, if you choose to do so, it is essential to remember that you are learning skills and the classroom is not a therapeutic environment. If any situation is unclear, consult the instructor for assistance.
Participation/Attendance (42 points, based on 3 points per session)
Due: Weekly at all class and skills practice sessions
Learning social work interviewing skills requires regular practice with feedback. Therefore, attendance and participation are required and constitute a large percentage of your grade.
Attendance is required and will be taken at the beginning of the class session and at each Skills Practice Session.
More than two absences in a sixteen-week course will result in a lowered grade for the class. Additionally, repeated tardiness or leaving class early will result in a lowered grade.
Each student is required to participate in a weekly Skills Practice Sessions (this is part of the organized class structure). These sessions are facilitated and coordinated by an assigned student leader. If an assignment is provided in the group, make sure all names of group members are on the assignment prior to handing it in at the end of class.
Workbook exercises (25 points)
Due September 24: Workbook pages 316-334 (10 points)
Due October 15: Workbook pages 351-361 (5 points)
Due November 19: Workbook pages 334-351, 361-367 (10 points)
DVD recorded interviews (80 points)
Due October 1: DVD #1
Due October 22: DVD #2
Due December 3: DVD #3
Three DVD recorded interviews with three written critiques and two transcriptions are required. All DVDs, critiques, and transcripts must be submitted in a folder, and the DVD should be in the envelope provided, or in a case with your name. Assignments submitted without a folder and DVD envelope/case will not be accepted.
You can schedule your DVD recording sessions in the School of Social Work Laboratory, Rooms 318 and 321 in Rachel Cooper. Your instructor will provide you with 3 DVDs. Taping hours are from 8:00-4:30, Monday-Friday. Should you have any questions about the School of Social Work Laboratory, the secretaries, Robert or Anne can be contacted at 438-3631. If you cannot arrange recording times during the day, you may use your own recording equipment as long as: a) you have prior approval from the instructor; b) you have access to video recording technology that can provide adequate video and audio presentation of the interview; c) every group member is in agreement.
Individual meeting with the instructor (CR/NC)
An individual meeting with your instructor is scheduled to: provide feedback through review of DVD recording #2. An additional meeting may be arranged if more guidance is needed.
Quiz (20 points)
The Quiz will cover skills described in the book, demonstrated on website and in class.
In-class on November 5
Additional Assignments: Additional readings and assignments may be assigned during the semester to provide students with additional information and assess students’ comprehension of the course content.
GRADING
The course grade is based on the demonstration of your professional development; that is, the integration of knowledge, values, and interviewing skills.
Evaluation of your interviewing skills will be based on: three DVD recorded interviews; the critiques of DVD recordings 1, 2, and 3; the quality of participation in class discussion and activities; the Quiz; the successful completion of the weekly workbook exercises.
Grades will be assigned in accord with the following scale. Students must achieve the full value of the lower end of each subscale to be awarded the corresponding letter grade.
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 79-70%
D 69-60%
F 59% and under
Grades will be assigned using the following formula:
– Class Participation/Attendance 42 points
– Workbook Assignments 25 points
– DVD recording #1 20 points
– DVD recording #2 20 points
– DVD recording #3 40 points
– Midterm Quiz 20 points
Total 167 points
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Modification of Course Schedule: During the course of the semester it may be necessary to make announced changes in course requirements, schedule and assignments. Any changes will be discussed with students in class or via the student’s e-mail account. Please be sure to monitor your ISU e-mail account for information regarding the course.
Week 1:
/ General topic: Introduction to course.Day and Date:
/ Thursday, August 20Learning
Objective: / Overview of the course, expectations, requirements, etc.
Week 2:
/ General topic: Introduction to Interpersonal Skills, Attending Behavior, and Nonverbal CommunicationDay and Date:
/ Thursday, August 27Learning
Objective: / Describe interpersonal skills and how they are used in the helping process. Understanding the nature of attending behavior.
Required
Readings: / Cummins, L., Sevel, J. & Pedrick, L. (2012). 3nd Edition. Social works skills for beginning direct practice.
Chapter 5, Attending Behaviors pages, 80-85.
Fontes, L. A. (2008) Interviewing Clients across Cultures: A Practitioner’s Guide.
Chapter 5, Beyond Words: Nonverbal Communication in Interviews, 80-110
Website: View Attending Behaviors
Workbook: Attending Behaviors Checklist, page 315.
Week 3:
/ General topics: Introduction to the social work interview: Reflection of Feelings and Interview PreparationDay and Date: / Thursday, September 3
Learning
Objective: / Demonstrate basic interviewing skills: Reflection of Feelings
Required
Readings: / Cummins, L., et. al., Chapter 5, pages 87-93.
Frontes, L. A., Chapter 2, pages 14-38.
Workbook: Complete Reflection of Feeling section, 319-324.
Website: View Reflection of feelings
Week 4:
/ General topic: Introduction to the social work interview: Open-Ended Questions, Close-Ended Questions, Biases, and Boundary IssuesDay and Date:
/ Thursday, September 10Learning
Objective: / Demonstrate basic interviewing skills: Open-ended and Close- ended questions.
Required
Readings: / Cummins, L. et. al., Chapter 5, pages 93-97.
Frontes, L. A., Chapter 3, pages 39-55.
Website: View Open Ended and Close Ended Questions
Workbook: Complete Open Ended Questions section, 324-331.
Week 5:
/ General topic: Introduction to the social work interview:Lead-in Responses, Paraphrase, and Interviewing across Cultures
Day and Date: / Thursday, September 17
Learning
Objective: / Demonstrate basic interviewing skills: Lead-in responses and paraphrase.
Required
Readings: / Cummins, L., et. al., Chapter 5, pages 85-87.
Fontes, L. A., Chapter 1, pages 1-13.
Website: View Paraphrase
Workbook: Complete Paraphrase section, pages 316-319.
Week 6:
/ General topic: Introduction to the social work interview:Clarification and Interview Tone
Day and Date:
/ Thursday, September 24Learning
Objective: / Demonstrate basic interviewing skills: Clarification
Required
Readings: / Cummins, L. et. al., Chapter 5, pages 97-98.
Frontes, L. A., Chapter 4, pages 56-79.
Website: View Clarification
Workbook: Complete Clarification section, pages 331-334.
Turn in Workbook Pages 316-334
Week 7:
/ General topic: Introduction to the social work interview: DocumentationDay and Date:
/ Thursday, October 1Learning
Objective: / Demonstrate basic interviewing skills: Written documentation
Required
Readings: / Frontes, L. A., Chapter 10, page 228-252.
Assignment
Due: /
DVD #1
Week 8: / General topic: Introduction to the social work interview: PitfallsDay and Date: /
Thursday, October 8
LearningObjective: / Recognize interviewing pitfalls and understand how each common error affects social work interviews, with special emphasis on cultural variances.
Required
Readings: / Cummins, L., et. al., Chapter 7, pages 119-128.
Website: View Pitfalls
Week 9:
/ General topic: Introduction to the social work interview: PitfallsDay and Date:
/ Thursday, October 15Learning
Objective: / Recognize interviewing pitfalls and understand how each common error affects social work interviews, with special emphasis on cultural variances.
Required
Readings: / Cummins, L., et. al., Chapter 7, pages 129-141.
Website: View Pitfalls
Turn in Workbook Pages 351-361
Week 10: / General topic: Introduction to the social work interview: Common Dilemmas and Misunderstandings in Cross-Cultural Interviews
Day and Date: / Thursday, October 22
Learning
Objective: / Frontes, L. A., Chapter 12, pages 280-302.
Required
Readings: / DVD #2
Turn in Workbook on Pitfalls pages 351-361
Week 11:
/ General topic: Individual meetings with professor for consultation of DVD 2Day and Date:
/ Thursday, October 29Learning
Objective: / Recognition of personal strengths and areas needing improvement in interviewing skills.
Required
Readings: / Review for Meeting
Assignment Due: /
Individual Meetings
Week 12:
/ General topic: Introduction to the social work interview: SummarizationDay and Date:
/ Thursday, November 5Learning
Objective: / Demonstrate the basic interviewing skill of summarization
Required
Readings: / Quiz
Cummins, L et. Al., Chapter 6, pages 101-103
Website: View Summarization
Workbook: pages 334-340
Week 13:
/ General topic: Introduction to the social work interview: Information Giving and ConfrontationDay and Date:
/ Thursday, November 12Learning
Objective: / Demonstrate the advanced social work skills of information-giving and confrontation
Required
Readings: / Cummins, L. et. al., Chapters 6, pages, 104-111
Website: View Information Giving and Confrontation
Workbook: pages 341-347
Week 14: / General topic: Introduction to the social work interview: Interpretation and Review
Day and Date: / Thursday, November 19
Learning
Objective: / Demonstrate the advanced social work skill of interpretation
Required
Reading: / Cummins, L. et. al., Chapters 6, pages, 111-116
Workbook: page 348-351, 361-367
Turn in workbook pages 334-351, 361-367
Week 15: / Thanksgiving Break. No Class.
Day and Date: / Thursday, November 26
Week 16: / General topic: Introduction to the social work interview: Termination
Day and Date: / Thursday, December 3
Learning
Objective: / Demonstrate basic interviewing skills: Termination
DUE: / DVD #3
Assignment for DVD #1