Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Using culturally relevant case studies to enhance students' learning: a reflective analysis of the benefits and challenges for social work students and academics

Tedam, P. (2012) Using culturally relevant case studies to enhance students' learning: a reflective analysis of the benefits and challenges for social work students and academics. Enhancing the Learner Experience in Higher Education. 4(1), pp. 59-69. 2041-3122.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: ‘Internationalising the curriculum’, ‘multi-cultural education’, ‘culturally sensitive’ education, and ‘culturally competent teaching’ are terms often used to describe teaching and learning which provides opportunities for learning about multiple and diverse contexts in which specific aspects of knowledge can be applied. In social work education, there is a growing call for an international outlook in teaching and practice learning to enhance the experiences of learners and also to prepare graduates for working in a global context. Using a case study approach, this article will explore the particular experiences of a student of Zimbabwean origin and the adoption of an African focussed example used to facilitate the particular student’s learning. In particular, Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (1977) will be discussed drawing upon themes and ideas from Africa with the aim of demystifying and making accessible social work theory to a diverse student group. The paper concludes that the use of culturally relevant case studies is an effective and beneficial strategy to engage a diverse student group and calls academics to make creative and innovative use of their skills, knowledge and expertise in the area of social work pedagogy.
Uncontrolled Keywords: African students, international social work, cross-cultural education, social work education, social work theory
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology > HV11 Social work education
L Education > LC Special aspects of Education > LC1099 Multicultural education (General)
Creators: Tedam, Prospera
Publisher: The University of Northampton
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Social Work
Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Applied Social Studies & Sociology
Date: 2012
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 59-69
Journal or Publication Title: Enhancing the Learner Experience in Higher Education
Volume: 4
Number: 1
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14234/elehe.v4i1
ISSN: 2041-3122
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/8105

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