Field
Education
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) identifies Field Education as the ‘distinctive pedagogy of social work education’ (AASW, 2023). Students consistently report that their field placement experiences were the most significant component of their Social Work program learning experiences. Students engage in 1000 hours of professional practice learning, comprised of two 500-hour placements, to complete their degrees.
Field Education
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) identifies Field Education as the ‘distinctive pedagogy of social work education’ (AASW, 2023). Students consistently report that their field placement experiences were the most significant component of their Social Work program learning experiences. Students engage in 1000 hours of professional practice learning, comprised of two 500-hour placements, to complete their degrees.
What is field education?
Students develop capabilities and confidence to practice as Social Workers in a range of settings
Practice learning occurs in human service, government and health organisations
Students are involved in diverse practice areas, using a range of practice approaches
Learning outcomes are tied to the AASW Practice Standards, to ensure graduate readiness for entry to the profession
There are four dimensions of practice learning that are the focus of Deakin Social Work placements.
Learning as doing
Learning as belonging
Learning as becoming
Placements incorporate activities and discussions that shape the student’s sense of self as a professional.
Learning to critically reflect
Wenger (1998) and Wilcock (2006)
Social Work Placement Coordination at Deakin
We place students throughout Australia in various organisations and practice settings. The Placement Coordinators, Social Work Fieldwork Educators and Lecturers work with students so they are ready, both academically and practically, for placement. More details on the requirements for students in preparing for placements can be found in the Bachelor of Social Work Manual and Master of Social Work Manual
By collaborating with students and organisations, the placement coordination process creates and supports learning opportunities.
Collaboration with Students:
The Field Education Placement Coordinators are responsible for sourcing and allocating all placements. Students can suggest preferences or potential organisations for the Placement Coordinators to contact.
Students are allocated to placements based on a combination of factors, including their learning needs, area of interest and the availability of suitable placement opportunities. The placement team works closely with students to match them with an appropriate agency or organisation. Placement decisions also consider geographical location, and placement organisations’ capacity.
All students must attend an interview with the potential host organisation before their placement is confirmed.
Students may also apply for a Work Based Placement for one placement in their current workplace but in a different work area with a different supervisor, through a process coordinated by the Academic Leads.
Collaboration with Organisations:
We support partner organisations through Communities of Practice, offering training and professional development opportunities, seeking feedback about and input into developing our program and regular communication during placements.