Approaching uncertainty in social work education, a lesson from COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic intensified feelings of uncertainty about the future. Although uncertainty is not a new phenomenon for social workers, the uncertainty that has been produced due to COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented. Hence, there is a further requirement for the integration of uncertainty in social work education and practice. Social work education should play a pivotal part in articulating and developing knowledge to respond to uncertain circumstances. Therefore, social work educators should be prepared to include uncertainty in curriculum development and pedagogical approaches. Also, collective actions should be central in social work efforts to face uncertainty and disruptions that target the most vulnerable people and populations.