1. Briefing on EWP assignment

2. Topics covered today
Requirements of the assignment
Assessment criteria
Dos and Don’ts
Q&A

3. It involves ONE piece of assignment (100%) 4,500 words
Submitted via Bb on or before 27th June 2016, 15:00 UK time

4. Topic
You can choose ONE of the four case scenarios provided on the Blackboard for your focus, or you can produce your own case scenario with the agreement of your supervising tutor. The theme is to consider the link between evidence and welfare practice.
With reference to the case scenario chosen, you can select a particular focus of practice, including service user(s), problem/need identified and intervention approach, then explore in some detail the theoretical basis and evidence basis of the practice.
The work may range from the entire process of work with an individual service user (e.g. child or adult), specific work in a single case, for example: direct work with an old lady; a piece of work undertaken in a group setting (including group living).

5. Choice of topic I
You can choose to work on one of the hypothetical case scenarios on the Bb
Or a case scenario you know of or worked in the past, and agreed by your supervisor
If you decide to work on your own case scenario, please provide the case background

6. Choice of Topic II In the case of real-life practice is used
You MUST seek informed consent from your service user for using his/her information for your assignment

7. For Hypothetical cases
You still NEED to discuss in your assignment why and how informed consent can be sought
To show your understanding of what Informed Consent is and its importance

8. What does the assignment include?
It includes the following:
A case scenario or a selected piece of practice
Application of theories including those from social work, psychology, sociology and research
A clear task (or tasks) to address a welfare problem with an intended outcome
A planned intervention, justified by evidence and informed explanation of the service user’s situation
Underpinned by core ethical values in social welfare
An evaluation on the effectiveness of the process and outcomes

9. Suggested outline for the assignment
Abstract
Introduction
Case background
Assessment
Intervention
Evaluation
Ethical concerns and reflection
Recommendations
Conclusion

10. Introduction
Give a brief overview of the main points covered in the assignment
Highlight the importance and significance of the area of study chosen , e.g. increasing trend, impact on the society

11. Case Background Clearly identify the hypothetical case chosen
In own case, briefly explain the case background in the main text. More details can be placed in the Appendix

12. Informed Consent I
Discuss your consideration of seeking informed consent from your service user for using his/her information for your assignment
Explain why this will or will not be sought
Discuss how informed consent is sought and what kind of information will be given

13. Informed Consent II
The discussion can be based on your knowledge about ethical issues in social research and welfare practice

14. Assessment I Give an assessment on the case
Discuss the focus of practice or the problem you decide to work with
Spell out clearly the intervention goal(s)

15. Assessment II
You assessment must be supported by theories and research findings from:
Psychology
Sociology
Social Work
Other relevant fields
which help explain the circumstances of the service user(s) and the problems he/she/they face.
** This section may also include the law and policy context related to the case and practice

16. Tips
You can apply knowledge you have learnt from modules in this Course, e.g.
Understanding Global Societies
Welfare Rights and Legal Issues
Families & Kinship, etc., etc.
Or any knowledge acquired in past learning
Or knowledge acquired in your literature search

17. Intervention I
Select and justify with theories and evidence basis for an intervention approach relevant to the intervention goal(s) set for the problem identified
Discuss why the approach is chosen and what are its strengths in applying to your service user and the problem identified
Present an outline of the intended plan of work demonstrating the application of the intervention approach chosen, highlighting the key features of the approach
Discuss how the intervention approach is applied to your targeted service user and the problem he/she/they face
Discuss what may work or may not work in the intervention
Discuss the ethical issues/dilemma that may arise

18. Intervention II
In the situation where a case scenario based on practice experience is used, also discuss the actual intervention process, and what actually worked or not worked during the process

19. Choice of intervention approach I
Examples:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Solution focused therapy
Task-centred therapy
Person-centred therapy
Reminiscence therapy
Experiential learning

20. Choice of intervention approach II
A case approach?
A group approach?
A community approach?

21. Tips Choose one you are familiar with or interested in
you have actual experience with the target group or the work approach  more information for your reporting of the work progress, and stimulations for reflection

22. Important that the project is manageable and easy to handle
Can you work on more than one problem or use more that one intervention approach?
Preferably not
Important that the project is manageable and easy to handle

23. Evaluation I
Select and justify with theories and evidence basis for evaluating process and expected outcomes in the practice
Justify why certain evaluation method(s) are chosen and what are its strengths and weaknesses
Discuss how the evaluation will be conducted
Discuss what will be the expected outcomes
Discuss what factors may affect the evaluation process and outcomes

24. Evaluation II
In the case of a real-life practice, also discuss the actual evaluation process and outcomes

25. Ethical concerns
Examine the ethical concerns in the practice including :
Ethical values and dilemma that may arise throughout the intervention process

26. Reflection on practice
Examine and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses, ethical concerns of applying the intervention approach in your practice
Examine your own strengths, weaknesses, values, etc. that may affect the practice
Discuss the cultural issues that may be taken into consideration in using your selected intervention approach

27. Recommendations
Recommend possible modifications / adaptations in future practice related to your target group and problem identified

28. Important points
It is NOT a research study but a detailed account of evidence based welfare practice
Timing is key – students need to keep pace with their work or they will face a ‘time crunch’
Set realistic targets
Use the wealth of resources available

29. Key dates
Item
Date
Submit Indication of Interest on Topic of Assignment Form, and provide background information of case scenario to supervisor for approval if student chooses to work on his/her own case
11th April 2016 (Mon)
Submit Project Planning Form
9th May 2016 (Mon)
Submit drafts sections and make regular appointments with Supervisor for consultation
Time & dates agreed between student and supervisor
Assignment submission deadline
27th June 2016 (Mon)

30. How supervisors will help
Encourage dialogue with theory at every stage of practice
Encourage an evaluative approach to practice
Offer group or one-to-one support
Support students with access to current books and articles
Share expertise
Identify specialists who may be able to support students
Enjoy the finished product

31. Process of completing the project
Student selects task for study
Discuss with supervisor about the project
Submit Project Planning Form
More detail planning & implementation & ongoing supervision
Draft sections for supervisor’s comment and guidance
Submit complete study

32. What makes a good assignment?

33. Hallmarks of a good assignment:
Grounded in theory/research in the assessment, intervention and evaluation
Show wide reading with appropriate use of relevant sources and references
Accurate analysis of literature and evidence
Good account of practice
A coherent report with logical linkage between assessment, intervention and evaluation

34. Learning outcomes Learning Outcome Includes: LO1
Identify and justify an appropriate area of study
&
Identify and justify an appropriate piece of practice for the case including reference to policy and practice
Critically appraise a range of literature around a specific topic
Critically appraise relevant literature concerning theories of explanation, theories of intervention relevant to your practice in the case, using the literature to justify a plan of intervention

35. Learning outcomes (cont’d)
Includes:
LO2
Evaluate research designs and/or models for evaluating practice
&
Recognise ethical issues in your area of study
Develop and justify a plan of intervention in your work that evidences the integration of theory research and practice. Report on the work, including an outline of desired outcomes and explaining any changes that may become necessary.
Select and justify a model of evaluation for your practice with identified tools
Identify the ethical and value issues in your work

36. Learning outcomes (cont’d)
Includes:
LO3
Conduct an appropriate analysis and draw reasoned conclusions
to make recommendations for practice
Report on your evaluation. Demonstrate the results of your evaluation against identified outcomes.
Reflect on the process and impact of your future practice in general

37. So … It must be: Linked to PRACTICE Grounded in THEORIES
Supported with EVIDENCE

38. Remember …
Justifications are always important for the choices of what you do or plan to do
Justifications can be based on theories, knowledge and research findings, etc.
You need also to show awareness of the strengths, weaknesses and limitations of your choices

39. What causes problems Omitting any of the key contents
Failing to recognise ethical issues in your area of study
Not consulting your supervisor
Too much description/not enough critical analysis
Not much evidence support
Not a coherent report

40. How to succeed
Select a piece of work where there is a clear task that can be evaluated
Read
Keep careful notes of what you read
Decide at an early stage how you will evaluate your work
Keep in touch with your supervisor – send regular pieces of your work and use your supervision time
Make good use of library/learning resources

41. GOOD LUCK!!