Empowerment of Student Social Worker-Reading between the Lines

Abstract In the last two decades, in particular social work, educators and practitioners have been dealing with issues such as race, class, gender, sexuality, age and (dis) ability which are critical to understanding people’s lives, contemporary issues and possibilities for change. Fieldwork is a central component in social work education. Many students perceive their field education as the most important part of their studies wherein they gain experience in direct practice and develop their professional identity. Many Schools of Social Work struggle to find the ‘best fit’ between learning in the field and in the classroom. Although supervision is the key to student learning, it is essential to understand the perspectives of students at various stages of learning on field related issues. Moreover, students are encouraged to question ‘cherished beliefs and assumptions ’ by becoming witnesses to social injustices. Being a professional requires learning life-long skills which further requires a different kind of investment on the part of educator. Self-assessment and peer assessment among supervisors and faculty must be encouraged. One also needs to discuss the tension and power relationships between ourselves and our beneficiaries. The million dollar question is as to where are our service users and clients positioned within fieldwork. The paper attempts to throw light on some of these dilemmas and suggest possible ways of addressing the challenge. Qualitative Research Methodology has been utilized in this paper. It has involved an understanding of processes, events and relationships in the context of the social and cultural situation