INDEPENDENT LEARNING STUDIES MODULE HANDBOOK
Year: September 2010
Autumn Term:20 September 2010 – 25 February 2011
Module Code: MNMSW (Block 1)
University Module Tutors: Andrew Linton
Andrew LintonBSc. MSc.CQSWSenior LecturerSocial Work
After completing undergraduate studies in Sociology in London, Andrew completed his Masters Degree in Social Work and Applied Social Studies at Barnett House, University of Oxford.Before his appointment to the University of Hertfordshire in 1998, Andrew practiced in various social work settings including residential, statutory and voluntary organisations. His specialist academic interests are in mental health, vulnerability and diversity.. He is currently completing Doctoral research in the Department of Social Policy at London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London.
Tel: 07764 166122email:
Maria AnsbroBA, MSc CQSW Senior Lecturer Social Work
After completing undergraduate studies in Psychology in Reading, Maria completed her Masters Degree in Social Work and Applied Social Studies at Barnett House, University of Oxford. Before her appointment to the University of Hertfordshire in 1999, Maria practiced in various social work settings including residential and statutory organisations. Her specialist academic interests are attachment, risk and serious case reviews. She is registered for Doctoral research in the School of Law at Queens University Belfast.
Tel: 07764 166121email:
University Module Visiting Lecturers
The individuals above have been invited to contribute to the course presentations as a result of their specialist academic knowledge and professional expertise.
I hope that students will value and enjoy these contributions, which it is anticipated will enhance the overall course content.
All students should endeavour to ensure that our guests are treated with respect and courtesy.
External Examiners:
To be confirmed
CONTEMPORARY SOCIAL CARESocial Care Workforce Development Unit
LONDON SEMINARS
The Social Care Workforce Development Unithold a series of seminars in central London which focus on current policy, practice and research developments. . These are held on a regular basis and meetings are open to members and non-members. The seminars take place at Kings College London, Melbourne House 5th Floor,,48 Aldwych London WC2B 4LL The nearest underground station is Holborn. Presentations begin at 6.15 pm. For membership details please contact 0207-8481782
Independent Learning Studies Module: MNMSW 0056
Teaching Rooms / 10.00 – 12.30 / Lunch / 1.30 – 4.00 / TopicWeek 1 (21.09.10) / MAL321 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES & SOCIAL WORK
Week 2 (.28.09.10) / MAL321 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / THE SOCIAL & ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT OF SOCIAL WORK
Week 3 (29.09.10) / MAL321 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / INTRODUCTION TO LAW & THE LEGAL SYSTEM
Week 4 (.11.10.10) / MAL321 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / SOCIAL WORKERS,SOCIAL POLCY & THE LAW
Week 5 (.18.10.10) / MAL321 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK METHODS & SKILLS
Week 6 (01.11.10) / MAL321 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / SOCIAL WORK METHODS AND SKILLS 2
Week 7 (08.11.10) / MAL321 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / ASSESSMENT IN SOCIAL WORK
Teaching Rooms / 10.00 – 12.30 / Lunch / 1.30 – 4.00 / Topic
Week 8 (25.11.10) / MAL321 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / APPROACHES TO INTERVENTION
Week 9 (.09.12.10) / MAL321 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / CHILDREN AND FAMILIES:: THE LEGAL & POLICY CONTEXT
Week 10 (06.01.11) / MAL151 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / CHILDREN AND FAMILES:: :THE LEGAL & POLICY CONTEXT 2
Week 11 (.20.01.11) / MAL151 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / MENTAL HEALTH: THE LEGAL & POLICY CONTEXT
Week 12 (.03.02.11) / MAL151 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / ADULT SOCIAL CARE: THE LEGAL & POLICY CONTEXT
ILS & EPPD Module Review (10.02.11) / MAL151 / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / MODULE REVIEW AND EVALUATION
Court Skills Workshop (08.11.10)
StAlbans / Court Skills Workshop
St Albans / 12.30-01.30 / MAL321 / COURT ROOM SKILLS
Module Content
This module provides teaching and learning opportunities for the development of foundation social work knowledge covering Law, Social Work Theory and Methods and Social Policy. An assessed practice placement of 40 days is included within the module.
Each area of the curriculum will be taught using examples from all areas of practice whilst mindful of the commissioners’ aims to educate and train social workers for the Children's Workforce.
Assessment of this module is by a Portfolio and a Critical, Analytical and Reflective Account of the student’s learning (4,000 words) which will explore the student’s learning and developing capacity to integrate theory and practice.
The 40 day Practice Placement will be assessed by the completion of a workbook including defined tasks, 1 direct observation and a short assessment report by the Practice Assessor, making a recommendation as to the student’s competence at this stage.
This module runs concurrently with Evidencing Personal and Professional Development and as with EP&PD students will be able to identify their learning needs drawing upon their previous personal and professional experience and qualifications.
As an example, a student who has a background within the legal services may have a sound grounding in the English legal system and in Human Rights legislation. This could be evidenced by educational certificates. The student’s challenge will be to apply that knowledge within a social work ©University of Salford 2010 5
context, understanding the limits of social work autonomy in respect of decision making and court room skills as a witness.
A student with a health service background may have understanding of evidence based practice within that setting and whilst evidencing that knowledge base will also demonstrate that they can apply that knowledge in a social work context.
Within this module the student will be introduced to social work theories including assessment and the range of different ways in which interventions may be approached.. Teaching in these subject areas will provide a theoretical framework for elements of assessed practice e.g. understanding social work practice (reading case files and evaluating their content) and form a basis for skill development in interviewing, choosing appropriate intervention strategies and planning and recording sessions. This module, including the practice learning, is complemented by the elements in the module Evidencing Professional and Personal Practice concerned with preparation for practice.
Timescales
The module is delivered, together with the module Evidencing Personal and Professional Development, in Learning Block 1 from 20 September 2010 to 25 February 2011. Students will submit their work for assessment on Friday 28 February 2011.
Quality Assurance
The module will be delivered and assessed in accordance with the University of Salford Procedures and Policies for Academic Quality Assurance: Programmes and Students 2010/11. These policies and procedures incorporate the Academic Regulations for the University. A number of policies
Aims and Learning Outcomes of the module
Aims of Module:
1. To promote the development of deep and systematic understanding and knowledge of their personal and professional learning.
2. To critically explore and identify issues in their professional arena that may potentially be further developed
3. To display a comprehensive understanding of reflective processes and their application to their future learning.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced critical awareness of their chosen personal and professional learning routes using relevant evidence and a critical awareness and ability to manage the implications of any ethical dilemmas.
2. Design and evaluate learning plans and modify to reflect organisation and professional learning needs.
3. Initiate critical reflection to improve their personal and professional learning.
4. Construct scenarios in relationship to existing and novel situations to promote personal and professional learning and manage the implications of any ethical issues that may arise and work with others to formulate solutions.
5. Critically evaluate their development to identify how this knowledge will impact upon future management of their continuing professional development.
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
1. Apply a self-reflective process in the management of learning.
2. Develop a framework for continued life-long learning activities
3. Engage in communications demonstrating confidence and competence across professional and organisational boundaries.
4. Manage conflict effectively
5. Work effectively with others, where appropriate.
6. Critically analyse role of self and utilise expertise of others
7. Independent learning ability required for effective problem solving and decision-making.
©University of Salford 2010 9
8. Use of sophisticated and imaginative techniques to resolve problems/ issues
9. Engage with a range of media to communicate insight into personal and professional learning
Students will apply the following Social Work Knowledge in meeting the Learning Outcomes
1. Critically analyse the ideological and policy context of law relevant to social welfare settings
2. Critically interpret and apply law, and understand legal principles relevant to social welfare settings
3. Critically examine the legislation and policy which covers statutory social work with children in England and Wales
4. Critically analyse the law and policy-making process
5. Demonstrate developing skills in the preparation and presentation of evidence, verbally or in writing, in civil or criminal proceedings.
6. Identify, apply and evaluate a range of social work methods and interventions systematically
7. Apply social work methods to practice examples (case studies and simulations).
8. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of particular methods in different situations
9. Critically analyse and apply frameworks for the assessment of risk, in various settings, in relation to outcomes
10. Demonstrate a critical understanding of current models of assessment in children and families social work
11. Critically apply an understanding of ethics and values to complex practice situations.
12. Articulate potential professional dilemmas and conflicts in practice and how they might be resolved
13. Demonstrate developing skills in child observation
14. Demonstrate communication skills in a practice setting to include communication with children
15. Demonstrate developing skills in recording social work
Curriculum
The module curriculum covers three areas; the social work curriculum, the development of social work skills and a work based learning curriculum.
The Social Work Curriculum
There are three broad areas of curriculum taught within this module:
o Law
o Social Work Theory and Methods
o Social Policy and Sociology
Development of Social Work Skills
o Child Observation
o Understanding how social work contact is recorded & why
o Understanding of formal report writing
o Understanding of assessment and intervention methods and the rationale for
o Communication skills in practice
Work Based Learning Curriculum
o Managing own learning
o Skills analysis
o Personal and organisational goals
o Models and theories of learning
o Reflective diary and diary summary
o Learning logs / reflective journals
o Learning agreements and action planning
o Evaluation strategies
Content from within these three areas have been integrated to create a coherent module curriculum.
Module Structure and Content.
This Module is delivered of the programme over a period of tweleve weeks and delivered using a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, individual and group work and some blended learning.
The seminars scheduled on the timetable have been amended and will now take place as follows:
Schedule to be agreed
All students will be expected to make individual presentations on a selected topic to the group which count as part of the formative assessment for this module.
Those students arriving more than 20 minutes after the start of the teaching sessions should wait for a natural break before joining. Students that have previously undertaken studies in related subjects will be encouraged to use their knowledge and understanding to actively contribute to group learning and to further develop their knowledge and understanding by focusing on how this relates to specific aspects of social work.
Attendance
There is an expectation that students attend all face to face teaching and seminar sessions on every module. Non-attendance will be formally recorded and reported to the examination board and penalties may be incurred by those not fulfilling the attendance requirements. In the case of illness or other eventuality, students should notify both the university programme Administrator and the relevant module tutor. Please note that students should not sign the register on behalf of an absent colleague.
Module Assessment and Student Input.
This module is assessed by one 4,000 word coursework assignmentPenalties will be incurred for work submitted which exceeds the word limit by more than 15%. Students should choose one essay from a selection of three titles given out at the first session. It is expected that all students at level M should demonstrate in their academic work evidence of the ability to critically reflect on and evaluate social work theory and practice issues. All students are expected to complete some reading before lectures and seminars and when requested to make written and verbal contributions in seminars. The deadline for submission of the assignment for this course is Monday 28 February 2011 5pm. Please note that all students are expected to include in their assessed work explicit consideration and evidence of an ability to engage with diversity issues and anti-discriminatory practice issues.
Assignments must be submitted by Monday 28 February, 2011 5pm. Any requests for extensions should be submitted in writing on the University of Hertfordshire extension form (available from the Programme Administrator)to the Programme TutorAndrew Linton.
The Programme Administrator Cathy Staurt-Neal can be contacted by email at
Programme Administrator:
Email:
Tel: 01707- 284640
Submission of Coursework
Please submit 2 copies of each assignment. One copy should be submitted through StudyNet by the submission deadline (the StudyNet training session will explain how to do this) and post a hard copy in addition (postmark to be no later than submission deadline). The deadline for the submission of all academic and practice work is Monday 28 February 2011. Students are required to submit one electronic copy via studynet and a postal copy to be posted by 5pm on the day of submission. Failure to adhere to this deadline will automatically result in referral.
The copy you post must show both the Module Code and your Candidate No. and should be addressed to:
Cathy Stuart-Neal
Senior Administrator
Wright Building
University of Hertfordshire
College Lane
Hatfield, Herts. AL10 9AB
Please obtain proof of posting for your own records.
Important things to note
- Shortly after registration, StudyNet will ask you to confirm your agreement with the University Regulations, and also confirm you are registered on the correct modules and in the correct semester. Once you have done this, you will have access to your Candidate Number which you must use when you submit coursework. Your Candidate Number changes annually – please make sure you use the new one when you go into blocks 2 and 3.
- Extension Request Forms are available from the Postgraduate Office reception, and should be submitted to the Programme Tutor for approval. Please identify all modules for which you are requesting an extension.
- If you have a major problem and need to request a Deferral of your study, please contact your Personal Tutor in the first instance. Deferral requests are submitted to a special panel and decisions taken by the Board of Examiners when they meet to consider the modules in question. Request forms are available from the Postgraduate Office and relevant evidence must be enclosed in the envelope on which the form is printed. This must be sealed and handed back to the Programme Administrator. Deferral requests are dealt with in strict confidence.
- Email addresses are issued to you following Registration. Please note that email communications from the University will be sent to this address only, and not to a private email address, so please check your university email account regularly.
- Postal addresses. When you registered, you were asked to enter your Home address and various other possible contact addresses. Please bear in mind that postal communications from the University during your period of study will use your Home address entry. If you change your address, it is your responsibility to amend this through StudyNet.
- Results. Following the Board of Examiners’ meeting at the end of each block, your results will be shown on StudyNet. This usually happens within a few days of the Exam Board. Please resist the temptation to contact the Administrator in the meantime, as the results will be published as soon as they are confirmed, and the Administrator is unable to give results verbally.
Programme Teaching and LearningGround Rules
Respect for difference
Respect that this is a learning environment and that we have different things to learn as individuals
Individuals are responsible for their own learning
Take care of yourself and others in the group
Try to criticise the idea not the person
Give individuals space to learn
Students are required to sign the attendance registers
Be on time at the beginning of teaching, during breaks and discussions.
Observe confidentiality in respect of information that is shared, while looking after yourselves in terms of what you disclose to the group.
Individuals should participate as fully in discussions as this enhances the learning experiences of all.
Feel free to request clarification at any time.
Mobile telephones should be switched off positions during sessions.
Lecture/Seminar Timetable
Monday 28 February 2011 (5pm) / ASSESSMENT DEADLINEStudyNET: Module Website
StudyNET is the University’s designated Managed Learning Environment (MLE). The system allows learning and interaction to take place in a structured and managed way. Facilities include access to email, discussion groups, & module lectures and related resources.
There are two elements to StudyNET; the Portal, which is the main point of entry into the system, and the Module Websites that are accessed via links from the Portal.
To access the Independent Learning Studies module website, remember that the module ref No is MNMSW (Semester A 2010) and the full name of the module is Independent Learning Studies (Semester A).
StudyNET is accessed over the Internet using a browser (such as Internet Explorer or Netscape). It is available to you anywhere you have access to the Internet, whether this is in your probation office or at home. You can connect directly to StudyNET at:
On the initial StudyNET page you are given three main options:
- Your Personal Portal
- Learning and Information Services
- Voyager
Click on Your personal Portal to get into StudyNET. You will be asked for your username and password; otherwise, you cannot proceed further into StudyNET. You should already have you username and password. If not, you can get it from the Learning Resources Center (LRC) at the University at Hatfield. Enter your username and password and click on “OK” to enter StudyNET.