The use of visual imagery and reflective writing as a measure of social work students' capstone experience

[摘要] Traditional means for social work students to share their capstone field work experiencesin the academic setting have primarily focused on articulating this experience using verbalskills, reports and other forms of written documentation. The ability of students to explainthe nuances of agency environments, clientele, the acquisition and demonstration oftransferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organizing and planning skills andcritical thinking abilities in a descriptively rich fashion is quite limited.The aim of the study is to determine the perceived meaning, and significance of students'photographed artifacts. This qualitative study incorporated an exploratory design usingvisual imagery, reflective writing techniques and photo-elicitation interviews. This processprovided students the opportunity to illustrate the depth and breath of their capstone fieldwork experiences.The study resulted in 110 participant-produced photographs taken in three domains: At theagency, Outside the agency and Personal. Six overarching themes developed from theanalyzed data: (1) safety, (2) environment and atmosphere, (3) transportation, (4)frustration and stress, (5) inspiration, coping and hope and (6) transferable skills. Thefindings reflect the unique perspective of students' capstone field work experience that canbe shared with social work students, educators, and practitioners.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University