Developing social work education : theoretical uncertainties and practical challenges

The main aims of this critical analysis are to demonstrate that the submitted seventeen papers comprise a body of work that satisfies the requirements for the degree of PhD by Published Works. Focusing on papers that have been most significant in my learning trajectory, the submission evaluates the contribution of the published works to the advancement of social work education and the current educational reform process in the UK. Together with exploring uncertainties and challenges that present barriers to improving qualifying education, the critical analysis considers how obstacles to development might be overcome. In addressing the submission's main theme of developing social work education the critical analysis focuses on three sub-themes that have been recurring areas of interest in my work: • The value and utility of key educational paradigms including reflective practice and evidence-based practice both from a theoretical perspective and based on learners' operational experience of these concepts; • Student experience of qualifying level social work education and different stakeholder perspectives on the quality and effectiveness of provision: • The challenges and opportunities for promoting social justice, producing critically reflective practitioners and delivering a functional training agenda. The submission begins with a thematic overview of my published works. This is followed in Chapter two by an analysis of values and theoretical ideas that have informed my research and publications. Chapter three outlines the origins of particular papers and discusses the interrelationship between the collected works. Chapter four critically evaluates the methodological approaches used in research projects on which papers are based. Chapter five presents a critical appraisal of the significance and originality of the corpus and its contribution to scholarship. The submission concludes by reflecting on my learning and indicating possible directions for future research and theoretical development.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo