Singapore University of Social Sciences

Reflective Practice and Cultural Competencies

Reflective Practice and Cultural Competencies (SWK211)

Applications Open: To be confirmed

Applications Close: To be confirmed

Next Available Intake: To be confirmed

Course Types: Modular Undergraduate Course

Language: English

Duration: 6 months

Fees: To be confirmed

Area of Interest: Social Services

Schemes: To be confirmed

Funding: To be confirmed

School/Department: S R Nathan School of Human Development


Synopsis

The understanding of “self” and its relationship with others is critical in social work practice. The understanding of one’s personal beliefs, values and biases is a first step in appreciating the importance of multi-cultural identities in the lives of clients and how it will influence one’s attitude and beliefs about clients. There are two main components to the course. The first component consists of a journey of self-awareness through experiential learning and the second component consists of using the insights gained to understand how the “self” interacts and relates to people who have different ages, genders, ethnicity, religions, physical abilities, cultural practices and socio-economic backgrounds. Through a constant practice of self-reflection towards inter-cultural value differences, the course aims to introduce respectful, cultural competent social work practices among diverse social groups.

Level: 2
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January

Topics

  • Personal values and principles.
  • Personal crises and challenges.
  • Inter-personal differences.
  • Reflection and reflective practice.
  • Reflective practice in social work.
  • Methods of reflective practice.
  • Challenges of reflective practice.
  • Empathy and cultural competency
  • Working with “difficult” clients.
  • Managing diversity in groups.
  • Reflective practice in social service/social care organisations.
  • Manageralism and discretionary power.

Learning Outcome

  • Identify and locate personal values within broader socio-economic contexts.
  • Explain key concepts related to reflective practice and cultural competencies.
  • Discuss the importance and challenges of reflective practice in social work.
  • Discuss the relationship between personal values and the role of social workers under various contexts.
  • Identify personal experiences and attributes that shape one’s own values.
  • Demonstrate different ways of practicing reflexivity as a social worker.
  • Develop skills and strategies to engage with “difficult” clients.
  • Illustrate how social workers balance between personal, professional, organisational and social values.
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