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Index: L1 / School Social Work/ Children and Young People/ Final Self-evaluation / 70149124
Keywords: Learning by doing / knowledge, skills and values of social worker / practice space / ethical dilemmas / professional self-development

Final Self-evaluation

Abstract: This is a final 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.)

Student's Self-Evaluation Report (End-placement)
Introduction
This placement is a valuable and memorable experience for me. It provided me with an opportunity:

- to consolidate my classroom learning in practice
- to test out various theories and values
- to experience and deal with ethical dilemmas
- to explore my strengths and weaknesses
- to fine-tune my social work skills and
- to help me become more mature, both as a social worker and an adult (which is useful for my later development).

Discussion
My expectation on the placement
    My ultimate goal in the placement is learning through doing, making mistakes and reflecting. I expect the placement to be hard for me because I am still an inexperienced student worker and not mature enough. The knowledge, skills and attitude for a social work professional and an adult need to be developed over time and effort. So, I have prepared myself to meet the challenge.

    Firstly, on the knowledge aspect, I would like to understand various behaviors and difficulties of adolescence such as their psychological, physical and social needs and the influence of family, school and peer on their development. I understand the importance of theories and models in guiding my practice. Thus, I have decided to apply social work values, theories and skills in my work. Theories such as task-centred group work approach, solution-focus therapy and social learning theory are tested and applied in my day to day practice. Knowledge on the school administrative procedure and culture is expected too.

    Skills are essential for social work practice. In this placement, I would like to practice listening skills, questioning skills, relationship skills, assessment skills, intervention skills and writing skills, etc. The above are needed in both casework and group work. The integration of skills in casework, group work and community work are expected as they are all concerned with making contact with people.

    I am also concerned about my personal development. I expected to have an awareness of my strengths and weaknesses so as to have improvement on them. Also, I would like to have some "break through" for myself. Lastly, I hoped to not only maintain a trustful relationship with the students, but also expected to build up a harmonious and trustful relationship with my supervisor, colleagues and field partner. Though I understand the interpersonal relationship is two-way, however, I know that my politeness, honesty, responsible attitude can contribute to it.

Areas that I have learnt most/Areas that I have improved most
    After more than four months of placement, I think it is time for me to reflect and consolidate my learning experience. Generally, I would focus my learning in the knowledge, skills and attitudes areas. It is because they are the important cornerstones for the social work profession.

    As a saying goes, "Knowledge needs to be experienced deeply, then can it becomes our own wisdom". During placement, much reflections are conducted in order to gain more knowledge. First of all, many testing out behaviors are experienced throughout the placement, including challenging the norms of the group, using a sad face or angry face, comparing between previous placement workers and us in order to test our patience, authority, acceptance and endurance, etc. Also, some resistance from students is experienced. I think as a result of their testing out behaviors and resistance, I have figured out some techniques to handle them. Resistance may be due to different reasons, including past experiences, wanting to attract attention or the bad attitude or manner of the social worker himself/herself, etc. Thus, I would evaluate my own attitude or manner, find out the reasons for their resistance and be persistent in showing a warm, genuine, congruence and accepting attitude. Through experiencing resistance, I am now more confident in handling them in the future.

    Secondly, I gained much understanding on the psychological, physical and social needs of the adolescents. I have also an understanding of their difficulties. While handling some enquiry cases, I recognized the influence of family on adolescents, such as parenting style, spouse conflict and even inter-generational interaction. Children are influenced by their physical and social environment. Their family, peers and school systems have very deep impact on them too. The family, especially, has very long lasting impact and influence on the adolescents. The more I experienced, the more I felt my lacking of knowledge on family therapy. I think as a school social worker, some knowledge on family therapy is needed since many difficulties the adolescents face have roots in the family and therefore needs intervention at the family level.

    Thirdly, conceptual framework is essential in guiding my practice as a professional social worker. Quite a number of theories and models are applied in my group work or casework practice, including task-centred group work approach, solution focus therapy and social learning theory. Now I have a much clearer understanding on those theories as compared to before. Also, I know that in applying those theories, we need to modify them in order to fit them into the target group and the cultural context as well. I am glad to find that I have improvement in using system theory (such as self, family, school and community) and ecological theory to view practice issues and in assessing the cases.

    Fourth, I have the opportunities to test out my values in the placement. Some ethical dilemmas are experienced too. Ethical dilemma is a new concept to me. It is really hard to for me to handle the conflicting principles. I have encountered some difficult practice situations and struggled with the conflicting values such as following school procedures versus acting in sympathetic and responsive ways when students seek our help without permission from teachers; and an incident when the students pleaded with us. I have gained some knowledge in these aspects which I believe is very useful.

    Lastly, some concepts and knowledge concerning evaluation are learned, including "CIPP", evaluation methods such as natural observation, questionnaire setting, etc are done to assess the evaluation and changes on service users.

    Relationship building skills are very important in social work practice. First of all, I have learnt how to build up trustful relationship with students, colleagues, supervisor and field partner through the placement. The role as a placement student is very different from being a daughter at home or a student at the university. I have to perform the social worker role in the eyes of the students and colleagues, the student role before my supervisor and the partner role with my field partner. I need to engage with much more people than before. I discovered the key to being accepted is to actively approach them in a kind, polite and genuine manner. Putting on a smile, initial social chat and a certain degree of self-disclosure can lower others' tension and defense as well. The ability to develop interpersonal relationship is a wisdom that is not easily learnt. Much more training is needed.

    Secondly, many enquiry cases encountered demanded listening skills, showing empathy and acceptance, etc. I found myself becoming more sensitive in listening. I am more able to identify the important wordings from long conversations. Also, I understand the importance of using different senses in casework or group work, that is, eyes to observe, ears to listen, mouth to speak, heart to feel, brain to think or analysis, etc. I think a social worker really needs to be able to have eyes that can see in four directions and ears that can listen to eight directions (a Chinese saying).

    Thirdly, I realized the appropriate use of authority in the relationship with service users is sometimes needed. Although social worker should not be the authority figure, it is necessary to use certain authority. The use of power should be consistent so as to allow service users to understand the meaning behind it. I think that a social worker should be able to say "no" to service users and have his/her principles.

    Fourth, some skills on assessment are learned. On assessment, I had used different means to gather information about service users, including natural observation, opinions from teachers and parents, etc. Also, multiple perspectives such as family, peers, school achievement, physical health, past experience are used to assess service users' difficulties. I am more able to assess and interpret the difficulties of service users from different perspective systemically now.

    Finally, certain degrees of intervention skills are recognized. In dealing with the service users who were experiencing family difficulties, I found that it was really not enough just to work with the student alone. Instead, it is important to work with the social network around the student. I think with the help from teachers, school social worker and parents, the intervention would be much more effective.

    With regards to attitudes, firstly, I found that my great "break through" was being more assertive and active towards different people, including my supervisor, colleagues and students. I used to be passive and thought that asking questions, raising difficulties or sharing my views might imply a kind of incapability. With the encouragement and support from my supervisor and personal reflection, I realized the importance of being assertive in learning and social work practice. I am more curious and able to appreciate the assertiveness in learning is the way to accumulate knowledge. I am now more willing, open and active to speak out my difficulties, questions, feeling to others, actively approach students, always wear smile in my face, etc. The change means a lot to me, as it is an evidence for me to confirm my potential in challenging own weaknesses. Knowing that "I can do it" gives me motivation, confidence and courage to improve on myself in the future.

    Secondly, having contacts with and developing a deeper understanding of the students being labeled as "trouble makers" in school, I have gained some insights and reflection on them and the school policies. Students under the strict school system are under a lot of pressure. The school welcomes those students who accept or follow school regulations. While those who have relatively poor academic achievement, who have a careless personality and who violate rules are being viewed negatively. This has serious consequences on the students' self-esteem. They may start to act in ways that fulfill the image given to them by the school or they may just want to draw more attention by continuing to violate the school regulations. Everyone has his/her own personality and working style, I do not think that social worker needs to force the students to follow the rules or simply "shape" them to fit schools' expectation. I should stand on the side of the students as they are my service users and to think from their perspective. In my opinion, certain degree of help should be provided for those students, but not to "shape" them. Instead, through casework or group work intervention, to let them experience success and achievement that they rarely receive before.

    Thirdly, I used to be bounded by and over-emphasized on the pattern and outcome of the group before. Through placement and a lot of reflection on leading groups, I realized what is most important is not the pattern, length and content of the group. Instead, the importance is to meet the students' needs with the ultimate goal of using the group process to help others develop. The content and structure are only the means to achieve the ends, however, they are often being confused as ends. I understand that I have to often remind myself not to fall into this big trap in the future. Also, I recognized that process and task goal can both help others to develop. I am able to appreciate the importance of process now.

    Fourth, I am now more optimistic towards different issues. I used to think negatively before. Through     discussions with my field partner and supervisor and my own reflections, I suddenly found myself using a more positive perspective to view things. I think this changes is beneficial for my social work practice too. It is because a positive attitude on social worker can act as an example for service users.

    Finally, I realized I have become more confident in expressing myself, co-operating with others and in my own potential. I know that though there are a lot of mistakes in my work. However, I can learn from the mistakes I have made.

My own strengths as a social worker
    I have heard "success is the development of strengths, failure is the accumulation of weaknesses". In order to improve on myself and be successful, I need to be aware of my strengths/weaknesses and to put in effort to reach the target. Through the placement, I am fortunate that certain strengths can be identified through reflection, help from supervisor and my field partner. I have tried my best to develop my strengths and make use of them to complete the tasks in an efficient and competent manner too.

    First of all, as a staff role, I was able and willing to respect school culture and regulations, understand their difficulties and limitations, and be accountable to the school authority. I understand "learning needs to be active", thus, I make use of every opportunity to make contact with the students and staffs and to develop a deeper understanding of the school.

    Secondly, as a professional social worker, I was able to be persistent and patient in handling difficult situations. Certain beliefs I hold are definitely supporting my effort, such as human beings have the potential to change and that service users can feel my acceptance, genuineness and empathy if I am approach them wholeheartedly. Also, I understand that much more tough cases are ahead if I am a social worker. Thus, I have to train myself not to give up easily in the presence of obstacles or resistance.

    I was aware of the importance of social work principles, including confidentiality, non-judgmental attitude and self-determination to service users, agency and myself too. It is not only a legal issue that I have to keep the personal data of service users confidential, but an ethical one as well. I recognized my strengths as follows: responsible, punctual, willingness to put effort to achieve the goal and improve myself, self-demanding, initiative, motivation to learn and open to criticism and different opinions. I have to make full use of these qualities in order to be a capable social worker.

    In my mind, I believe that one of the main qualities to be a social worker is the commitment and enthusiasm towards the social work profession. I am willing to devote time and effort to learn. I feel great joy when I see small changes in clients. My ultimate goal is "to help clients to help themselves" and even to the point of clients helping others. In fact, in the helping process, I am aware that it is not only the service users who have gained, but I have gained a lot of insights (both professionally and personally) too. Social work is a "human profession"! Workers need to have "feelings". I am able to feel others misery and happiness, which would be definitely beneficial to me to become a competence social worker in the future.

My own weaknesses as a social worker/Areas that I need more attention
    "The first step in solving the problem is to identify the problem"! I know that in order to improve myself, figuring out my weaknesses is necessary and essential for planning the actions to be taken.

    Firstly, I have to improve my problem-solving skills. Sometimes I found I did not have enough preparation for the programs. I know that a capable social worker must be a good planner. It is because he/she has to manage many issues and work under a heavy workload. Thus, good preparation is needed. In fact, good time management is important in this aspect. I have to learn to draw up a time schedule and to follow it. I am sure that during the second placement, I will be able to improve in this aspect.

    Secondly, it will be beneficial for me to have more practice on my skills such as skills in conflict management, confrontation and micro-counseling skills. I have an idea of practicing social work skills during this coming summer holiday with a few classmates. I hope that this can help me to fine-tune my skills. Alhough the models and theories are abstract, they can be very useful in guiding social work practice. I think I have to further develop my ability to integrate various conceptual frameworks to guide my practice. I think to integrate theories into practice is not just applying them, but to use them efficiently and effectively in guiding my practice. I had read quite a number of reference books during placement and tried to apply various theories or models in the group. However, I think more effort is needed in this aspect.

    Lastly, I have to be more flexible and creative. I understand that a social worker needs to manage different situations and handle different types of cases and groups. Thus, he/she has to be flexible, so as to adjust well in different practice situations. A social worker has to "open" himself/herself. Though I have recognized some "break through" on myself, however, I am sure that there is room for changes.

My feelings towards the placement
    I remember a sentence in the fieldwork handbook that says "enjoy life and learning". Although I have experienced sadness, disappointment and students' resistance and misery, my overall feeling towards this placement is still positive. It is because I believe that if there is no pain, there is no gain. Learning and experience should be gained through doing and reflecting. So I would try to view the sadness from another perspective that represent a kind of learning and training for me.

    I have a bit of regret on the short period of the placement. Time is definitely needed to see the improvement of service users, to break down service users' resistance and to build up trustful relationship with the students and colleagues. Sadly, when these things are in placed, the placement is almost over. I understand that there are limitations and difficulties for longer placement. Thus, I would view it as a way to push us to make use of every minute in placement to learn.

    The placement means a lot to me. On one hand, it is necessary and beneficial for training me to be a capable and confident social worker. On the other hand, it is definitely helpful for my personal development too. In my mind, it is not just a task that I have to finish but rather a chance for me to have a personal break through, to develop my professional competence, to enjoy the happiness of learning/improving and to gain insights on being an adult in facing the complicated world.

My comment towards the placement setting regarding suitability and learning opportunities
    The level of exposure for placement students is high indeed. Regarding learning opportunities, we contacted students during programs, lunch hours, after-schools, etc. Parents were met during parent's day, school anniversary, parent-child programs and contacted over the telephone. We would also communicate with the school social worker and guidance team members who were helpful and willing to give us a helping hand.

    In the school, we can run developmental groups, educational groups and groups with a focus on parent-child relationship. These groups have to be approved by the school. Mass programs are organised in order to learn to work with different parties involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the program. Though casework is not recommended to be undertaken by placement workers under the Link Project arrangement with the school, however, we can handle individual cases through different means such as through the groups. I believe learning opportunities are not only given by others. It should be actively seek out by the student social worker. The "practice space" depends on oneself to test and expand the boundary.

    The availability of resources for our work is rather adequate. There is separate room for us to work, computers for staff, budget for our activities, etc.

    The working environment in the school is good and very suitable for first placement students. However, I understand that the cases we are only the minor ones. On one hand, the tough cases are handled by the school social worker, on the other hand, the students are generally having less behavioural problems than other higher band schools. In many other schools, students have great difficulties and behavioural problems. Thus, in order to train and equipped myself to the harsher environment outside this school, I will try to gain more experiences.

Conclusion
    I believe that knowledge, skills, enthusiasm or commitment are three pillars of social work. The placement helps me to equip well and gain more experience so as to face the challenges ahead. I have no doubt that this placement is fruitful for me to develop my professional self and to become a mature adult with the help of supervisor, field partner and colleagues. I have put in effort to learn too. I am sure that what I have learnt is useful for preparing me to be a capable social worker 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.

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