Action learning in social work education

Abstract

Social work education must address the challenges of practice while fostering a supportive environment that encourages professional curiosity and self-reflection among students. Social work placements are essential in supporting students to integrate course content with real-world scenarios, and the practice learning modules bridge the gap between academic knowledge and social work practice. It is crucial for educators to consider diverse teaching methods and create opportunities for shared learning and critical reflection. Action learning can facilitate this by providing a framework for practical learning transfer and structured reflection. Incorporating action learning sets into a social work curriculum can better prepare students for practice, strengthen their professional identity, and enhance their social, emotional intelligence and resilience.