Recent Practice Experience of Social Work Methods Faculty

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the extent ofpractice experience of graduate social work faculty members teaching methods courses. A survey of 705 faculty members produced 365 us able responses. The group reported a mean of 8 years' post-MSW practice experience, but a mean of 12.3 years had elapsed since the faculty members had been involved infull-time practice experience. Sixty-eight percent reported that they were currently involved in social work practice on a regular basis. The most common methods of secunng practice experience were supervision of social work students in a field placement (55% of the respondents) or private practice (41% of respondents). There was strong agreement among the group that current social work practice experience was important for teaching (only 4% indicate it was not important), yet 65% of the respondents indicated that their school did not encourage faculty to secure current practice experience.