Social Work Education, Service Learning, and Community Partnerships

Abstract

A current emphasis in higher education, and in social work education includes components of the evolving “scholarship of engagement” (Boyer, 1996). This view encompasses the notion that universities can be entries to larger society, and therefore a point of connection for faculty and students to engage in the solution of social and community problems, and move toward an inclusive and civil society (Fogel & Cook, 2006). Additionally, university partnerships can go beyond educational goals for students and provide an avenue by which faculty are able to mix research and service work with their teaching using service learning. Social work education is particularly well positioned to consider these pedagogical ideals. Given social work’s historic focus on social justice and vulnerable and oppressed groups, a thoughtful consideration of pedagogical best fit is warranted in 2012.