Aotearoa New Zealand field education practice

Type of content
Chapters
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
Routledge
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2022
Authors
Hay K
Chilvers D
Maidment, Jane
Abstract

This chapter will draw on recent literature and practice experience to discuss the nature of field education in Aotearoa New Zealand. Social work education in this country is provided by academic institutions that are approved by the Social Workers Registration Board. The field education curriculum is therefore shaped by both the regulatory body and the tertiary institutions. Significant numbers of students undertake field education annually which places pressure on industry and raises concerns as to the quality of student experience. Although the importance of field education is undisputed it remains poised in a liminal space between the tertiary education and social service sectors where it is not sufficiently resourced by either. This affects the provision of practice placements as well as the establishment of long-term cross-sector partnerships. Significant events such as the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and recent terrorist attacks have exposed students to different field education experiences signalling the need for programmes to be responsive. Examples of creative learning opportunities in diverse environments, including in indigenous contexts, will be described. Drawing upon recent research, we comment on student and field educator experiences of supervision in the field. Recommendations to further develop social work field education in Aotearoa New Zealand relate to resourcing, infrastructure and quality, support for field educators, and assessment.

Description
Citation
Hay K,Chilvers D,Maidment J (2022). Aotearoa New Zealand field education practice. In Baikady R, Varoshini Nadesan S, Islam MR (Ed.), The Routledge Handbook of Field Work Education.: 1-1. Routledge.
Keywords
Aotearoa New Zealand, field education, partnerships, learning opportunities
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Fields of Research::44 - Human society::4409 - Social work::440999 - Social work not elsewhere classified
Fields of Research::39 - Education::3901 - Curriculum and pedagogy::390114 - Vocational education and training curriculum and pedagogy
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