2001 by the City
University of Hong Kong. All rights reserved. Index: L1 / School Social Work / Children and Young People / Mid-placement Self-evaluation / 70149124
Keywords: Learning by doing / agency / person in environment / knowledge, skills and values of social worker / professional self-development
Abstract: This is a mid-placement self-evaluation report written by a first placement student. The student is place in a secondary school setting under the Link Project arrangement between the university and the secondary school. (In the Link Project, the student is placed directly with the school rather through a social work agency working within the school.)
Introduction
The days working in the X Secondary School are valuable for me! This placement provided me opportunities for consolidating my knowledge and skills in real practice, testing out various theories, examining my own values and exploring my strengths and weaknesses as a professional social worker.
My expectation on the placement
"Learning by doing and reflecting" is my ultimate goal! At the personal level, I expected that through learning, I could enrich my knowledge, experiences, skills, broaden my horizon, increase my personal awareness/development and break through my own limitations. I expected to gain knowledge about the school, the school social work services for adolescents; explore the working strategies in secondary setting; and the balance between social work professional service delivery, the school's policy/culture and it's pattern of service delivery. Also, I would try my best to perform not only the role of a student social worker, but parallel with the role of a professional social worker too. I would continue to test out theories; understand different aspects of secondary school students (such as their needs, difficulties and how various systems affect them); draw on a broad range of social science knowledge in conceptualizing the roles, analysing issues and understanding the dynamic of various systems (such as how family, school, peers and even mass media are influencing the students in our society). These actions fit my learning needs and allow me to identify the more appropriate services for teenagers, as well as fulfilling the expectation of the school. Through putting in efforts, I hope that there would be certain degree of improvement on my weaknesses too.
At the agency level, I expected that I would have better understanding of the administrative procedure of a traditional secondary school. My ability to build up mutual trust and harmonious relationship with the staff is also expected. It is hoped that a certain degree of resources and guidance could be provided for the convenience of our work. Although it is optional for the agency to accept our suggestions or opinions, however, it is our obligation or responsibility to voice out what we have observed, both the positive and negative aspects. It is hoped that my suggestions can benefit the students and the school.
Areas that I have learnt most/areas that I have improved most
During mid-placement, it is time for me to reflect and consolidate my learning experience. I would focus my learning on knowledge, skills and attitudes in order to become a professional social worker. With regards to the integration of knowledge with practice, I had tried my best to use the daily log and supervision sessions for discussion and reflection on my own experiences. First of all, I have gained knowledge on adolescents' psychological and social needs, such as seeking other's attention and recognition, searching for independence and own identity and admiration for the idols (both idols in the mass media and idols in school—the big sisters). Also, I have learnt a lot on designing a systematic intervention plan and program means according to the stated objectives. The task-centered group work approach, the solution focus therapy, etc are being used in guiding my practice. There are plenty of opportunities for me to practice indeed. Moreover, I had a deeper understanding of the importance of social work values and code of ethics, including confidentiality and acceptance, etc. They are important in the ethical aspect. I had a few chances to experience the ethical dilemmas arising from working in a school setting.
I had learnt quite a number of skills, including interpersonal skills with students, colleagues, supervisor and fieldmate. "Interpersonal skill is a knowledge and an art!" Respect is necessary but not sufficient! For students, especially students with resistance, I discovered that actively approaching them in a kind and genuine manner is important. A good sense of humour and the perseverance in making repeated contacts is essential for bridging the gap between us. Also, a flexible attitude towards students of different ages is definitely an advantage. In addition, trust is also needed in the working relationship with colleagues, supervisor and field partner. At the beginning of the placement, I feel a bit difficult to co-operate with my field partner as we were having different working style, attitude and values. However, I realized later that the only solution for this was to be more assertive and voice out and discuss my concerns with her openly. Mutual-support, understanding and trust (亙諒、亙讓、亙信) is my ultimate goal in the relationship. The relationship with supervisor and authority figure is not an easy one to maintain. I used to be accepting at first, however, with time, I realised that the correct attitude should be "open but not offensive, tactful but not covering up" (直不至於犯, 而婉不至於隱耳) I had learnt to be more assertive!
I have improved in my negotiating skills too! Through experiences, I found that the most important point was to stick to my principles firmly, voice out my own difficulties show understanding and appreciation towards others' efforts, listen to others' argument clearly and think before you agree or disagree. Certain degree of flexibility in approaches can increase the possibilities of making comprises and reaching win-win situation.
In running a program, the smaller matters should never be neglected! I understand that even matters, such as the availability of water, newspaper and the misunderstanding between partners can influence the smooth running of the program. So, planning and rehearsal are very important. I believe that a capable social worker must be a good planner who not only focuses on the main contents but also on the minor details.
Concerns about attitudes: I understand that a social worker should not be an obedient follower or teacher. Instead, we should stand on the side of the students, help others to lower their biases and prejudices towards the so-called "trouble makers". Though what we can do maybe limited, however, it is our responsibility to change the school and family systems for the better, so that the students will have a positive influence through their interaction with these systems.
I am more careful on "hearsay" and have improved my ability to explore and question for the truth. I know that we should not make comments on anything that is not fully understood, because it is an ethically irresponsible act. "The fact is not equal to the truth!" (事實不等如真相). Actions should be taken to search out the truth indeed.
I had a deeper understanding on the term "person-in-environment"! Before the placement, I know that a human being is being influenced by their surrounding systems such as their family, school and peers. However, I failed to recognised the complexity of the ecological system. During my observation and practice, I discovered that the interrelated and interdependent relationship between human being and their social/physical environment. The behavior is often not simply due to individual personality, but the result of the interactions with the environment and different systems. Family, school policy, personal achievement and peers are all contributing to the difficulties of youngsters. Thus, changing the other systems would have an impact on the students. It makes our effort in changing other systems around pupils more meaningful!
I recognized that everyone would have their strengths. A student with poor discipline and school achievement may be very helpful and kind. Thus, I would be more focus on the strengths rather than the weaknesses of students now.
My own strengths as a social worker
Through others' observations, opinions, my own reflections, I had identified a few of my strengths. First of all, while I am a staff, I respect the schools' culture and religion, follow school's policy, understand its limitations, participate in the agency's life formally and informally and understanding my role, etc.
Secondly, as a professional social worker, I am responsible, reliable, self-demanding, self-motivating, willing to accept other's opinions and willing to put efforts in improving my weaknesses, such as learn to be critical and sensitive towards different issues. With regards to values, I respect client and people around me, this can be reflected in my readiness to listen to their opinion and comments, to allow self- determination, to trust them and to delegate responsibilities to them. I understand the importance of confidentiality, knowing that it is our obligation to protect client's privacy, for ethical as well as legal reasons. I would continue to follow it in the future.
My own weaknesses as a social worker/ Areas that I need more attention
With the help of my supervisor and my own reflection during joint/individual supervision and the writing of my daily log, I am able to explore a few areas which I need to improve on.
Firstly, I do not have enough confidence. This can be seen in my worrying on my work, questioning of my actions and seeking of my supervisor's opinions. I think the reasons for that may be because I am still inexperienced. In the coming period, I would continue to participate and engage in various programs, face different obstacles, make use of every opportunities to gain experience. Through accumulating more experience and knowledge, I hope that I can be more confidence in the future.
Also, I believe that I need to improve on my critical mind/independent thinking. My accepting character sometimes makes compliant. Thus, I will try my best to explore, question issues and use my "heart" to listen and analyse more deeply.
Moreover, I have to be more flexible and creative. I think it can be improved by reading more reference books and simply "think" more! Time management is also needed to be improved. I think drawing up schedule or timetable can help in this aspect.
My feelings towards the placement
The placement is full of happiness and sadness (甜苦參半). I feel joy when I see the students' cheerful and confident faces; when I hear that they have solved their problems; when they share their joy with me; and when I see their development and accomplishment of tasks. I feel sad or I worry when I am not satisfied with my work; when I experience students' resistance; and when I know that they are being frustrated by difficulties. "No pain, no gain!" Regardless of whether I feel happiness or sadness, my experiences and knowledge are enriched from them! Also, I am impressed with my supervisor and field partner. I very much appreciated my supervisor’s effort in helping me to break through myself and the mutual respect and support developed between my field partner and I.
My comment towards the placement setting regarding suitability and learning opportunities
The level of exposure for placement students is indeed high in this placement setting. With regards to learning opportunities, we have the opportunities to make contact with students, parents, staff, principal and school social worker through various school programs and events such as the parent's day, the school anniversary and the parent-child program (親子活動日). We were able to maximise and broaden our learning by participating in these events and making contacts with different people within the school community. Also, though there are limitations on the flexibility of programs organized, however, it is a challenge for me to explore and expand on our 'practice spaces'. The tolerance and availability of our 'practice space' depend on our effort to test them out.
The availability of resources for our work is rather good. There is a separate room for us to work, computers for staff, budget for our activities, etc. All of the above contributed to the convenience of our work. Most staff are helpful and willing to give us a helping hand, so that we can work in a harmonious environment.
Learning should be a life-long process! Fieldwork placement is a cornerstone for me to practice and enrich my experiences. I treasure this experience and I am sure that my learning would continue during the coming second half of the placement period and in the future.
Written and revised by: 70149124 (Student)
Instructor: T Y Lee
Copy Edited by: Phyllis Chee
Commented by: Phyllis Chee
Copyright
2001 by the City
University of Hong Kong. All rights reserved.