ASSESSMENT PLAN
Senior year students complete 400 hours of field placement in an appropriate human service
agency. at the conclusion of field placement, students conduct post practicum colloquia,
applying their theoretical knowledge to practice. |
1999-2000 ASSESSMENT
Some of the strengths of the UNK Social Work Program, as stated by the students, include
supportive faculty, diversity is stressed in all classes, there is a focus on personal
growth and self-awareness. Areas of concern included too much writing, a need for more
faculty members, more emphasis on learning Spanish, more information on grant writing, and
more content on alcohol and other substance abuse. In response, we will continue to
require writing since previous cohorts has requested more WI courses, we have requested
additional faculty, the advisors will encourage students to gain a basic level of Spanish
however, we are not going to require Spanish for the major, and since we have limited
course offering, the Spring Social Work Conference’s topic will be related to
Substance Abuse. |
1998-99 ASSESSMENT
Students continue to report on their experiences at UNK during the SOWK 482 course.
Although the majority of comments were positive, the following suggestions were offered.
They desired more summer or night classes, additional Writing Intensive courses, more
field trips, and additional information on resume writing. Several students commented that
the quality of the program has improved, especially in the macro courses.In response to these
suggestions: one night class was offered Fall 1999, two additional courses were designated
Writing Intensive, field trips were offered in elective classes (e.g. Medical Social Work,
Rural Social Work, School Social Work, and Aging Services), and personnel from Career
Services provided information on resume writing in SOWK 482. |
1997-98 ASSESSMENT
Students during both the Spring and Fall semesters reported on their experiences as
students in the UNK Social Work Program. Suggestions for the program included more
volunteer experience and job shadowing, a need to offer additional Macro courses, clearer
criteria for Special Studies courses, a continuation of stricter admission criteria, more
information on documentation, and additional computer skills. In response to these suggestions, job shadowing
has been added to another course, SOWK 403; also changes made last year had not affected
these students. Another macro level course is not possible with the current staffing,
however students may pursue macro-level content in Special Studies. The course syllabus
and expectations for SOWK 499, Special Studies have been revised. A section on
documentation will be added to SOWK 371 and documentation will be demonstrated through
course assignments. Additional computer skills will become a part of the curriculum in
SOWK 172 and internet and e-mail assignments are being given in several courses. |
1996-97 ASSESSMENT
Students reported that overall the experience had been very positive in Field Placement.
They felt adequately prepared except for the policy segment. Their assessments for the
program included a desire for more practical exercises, more volunteer work integrated
throughout the program, and more feedback from the instructors. In response to this and and the 1995-96 student
suggestions, the faculty addressed these concerns in the following manner: volunteering
and community activity were assigned in at least three additional courses (SOWK 185, SOWK
371, and SOWK 474). The course SOWK 371 has incorporated significantly more practical
exercises and written feedback is given by the instructor at least seven times during the
semester. |
1995-96 ASSESSMENT
The students' reflections of their experiences with the UNK Social Work Program were
generally favorable. They specifically mentioned the interaction between faculty and
students as being extremely beneficial. They requested more "hands on"
opportunities to develop and practice skills. All stated that they felt prepared for the Field Placement experience
through the coursework they had completed.
The faculty will attempt to provide
additional opportunities for role plays and continue to encourage volunteerism. |
1994-95 ASSESSMENT
The students reflected on the following favorable aspects of the program:
- their inclusive experience at University
of Nebraska at Kearney and the Social Work Program was highly applicable in their direct
practice experience.
- the students had received employment with
the agency or networking agencies. They felt one reason for this occurrence was the
ability to network with the community at large and being on a job site.
- the offering of Practice III and Field
Placement I and 11 one day a week was beneficial and preferred.
- the small class size gave opportunity for
more interaction between the students and instructor.
Suggestions included:
- to develop more information in the
practice coursework on documentation, interviewing clientele, and case to case theory
application.
- to encourage future entry level students
to volunteer.
- to require students to take the SOWK
480/481 Field Placement I and II as their last semester, since it is difficult to return
to the structure classroom setting. to schedule other courses in a three hour time span
format.
Change in Practice I and 11 will be
adjusted to meet suggestion. All faculty will encourage volunteerism in their classes.
Advisors will convey to students that it is highly recommended that SOWK 480/481 be taken
during their final semester prior to graduation. |
1993-94 ASSESSMENT
Feedback from graduating students was generally favorable. They reflect that through their
practicum experience they are able to understand the importance of each of the courses. in
this experience the content of the courses merge and they are able to see how each course
will impact their careers. The program will continue to sequence the courses as done in
the past. |
|
assessment
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17 May 2005
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