Achieving HBSE Competencies through Service-learning

• Main Authors: Sarah E. Twill, Kathy Elpers, Kathy Lay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Indiana University School of Social Work 2011-04-01
• Series: Advances in Social Work
• Subjects: service-learning; human behavior in the social environment curriculum; CSWE competencies
• Online Access: https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/advancesinsocialwork/article/view/1174

Service-learning pedagogy allows social work educators to create meaningful learning opportunities for students and better prepare them for practicum, while at the same time, meeting a community need. This paper outlines the relevance of incorporating service-learning into the social work curriculum, specifically the human behavior and the social environment (HBSE) area. Using Bloom’s taxonomy as a guide, the authors propose how the CSWE competencies and practice behaviors specific to HBSE may be assessed using service-learning pedagogy. An example is reviewed to illustrate how service-learning can assist faculty and students achieve the HBSE competencies and practice behaviors. Finally, implications for service-learning as a pedagogical strategy for social work education are discussed.