Discussion 1: Translating Knowledge From an Evaluation Report

Instructors and professors often comment that they learn much more about their subject matter when they begin to teach it. When they try to explain the topic to someone else they begin to connect concepts in new ways. They anticipate questions that students might ask, consider different viewpoints, and think more critically.

For this Discussion, take the perspective of someone who is instructing his or her colleagues and sharing your understanding of research methods and program evaluation.

To prepare for the Discussion, select an evaluation report from this week's resources. Consider how you would present the information to a group of colleagues.

• Post an analysis of how you would present the results of the evaluation to a group of social work colleagues.

• Identify the background information that you think they would need and the key message of your presentation.

• Explain the strategies that you might use to meet your colleagues' interests and goals. Identify questions that your colleagues might have and what their reactions might be.

Reference (use 3 or more): Hendricks, G., & Barkley, W. (2012). Necessary, but not sufficient: The McKinney-Vento Act and academic achievement in North Carolina. Children & Schools,34(3), 179-185.

Law, B. M. F., & Shek, D. T. L. (2011). Process evaluation of a positive youth development program: Project P.A.T.H.S.Research on Social Work Practice,21(5), 539-548.

Mallett, C. A. (2012). The school success program: Improving maltreated children's academic and school-related outcomes. Children & Schools,34(1), 13-26.

Reupert, A., Foster, K., Maybery, D., Eddy, K., & Fudge, E. (2011). 'Keeping families and children in mind': An evaluation of a web-based workforce resource. Child & Family Social Work,16(2), 192-200.

Discussion 2: Contemplating Your Future

The NASW Code of Ethics makes a number of statements about social workers' responsibility to study, use, and engage in research and evaluation. In the past, many social workers had difficulty thinking of themselves as knowledgeable and capable in research, despite completing the required research course in school. Think of yourself as a part of a new breed of social workers. You are completing your education at a point in time that places great emphasis on both research and evaluation. You also have greater access to published research than ever before. Research knowledge and skills are like muscles-if you do not use them, they will atrophy. You have an ethical obligation as a social worker to exercise and flex your research muscle. Consider how the NASW Code of Ethics guides your professional research.

• Post an analysis of how you can apply new knowledge and skills related to research and evaluation, acquired in this course to your future career.

• Identify specific knowledge and strategies and how you intend to apply them.

• Identify those skills that you believe will be most applicable to achieving your future goals.

Reference (use 3 or more): Hendricks, G., & Barkley, W. (2012). Necessary, but not sufficient: The McKinney-Vento Act and academic achievement in North Carolina. Children & Schools,34(3), 179-185.

Law, B. M. F., & Shek, D. T. L. (2011). Process evaluation of a positive youth development program: Project P.A.T.H.S.Research on Social Work Practice,21(5), 539-548.

Mallett, C. A. (2012). The school success program: Improving maltreated children's academic and school-related outcomes. Children & Schools,34(1), 13-26.

Reupert, A., Foster, K., Maybery, D., Eddy, K., & Fudge, E. (2011). 'Keeping families and children in mind': An evaluation of a web-based workforce resource. Child & Family Social Work,16(2), 192-200.

Discussion 3: Future Career Goals

What are your short- and long-term professional goals? Do they include moving into a leadership and management position? Transitioning from clinical to administrative roles is not uncommon in social work practice. It is useful, however, to think about relevant skills, knowledge, and professional experiences that will prepare you for the transition. In addition, you should consider the personal benefits and challenges of assuming a leadership role.

• Post your thoughts about your future career goals, your interest in moving into leadership or management positions, and the benefits and challenges of a social work administrator's role.

References (use 2 or more): Gothard, S., Carnochan, S., Regan, K., Samples, M., & Austin, M. J. (2012). Becoming a manager in nonprofit human service organizations: Making the transition from specialist to generalist. Mack Center on Nonprofit and Public Sector Management in the Human Services. School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley.

Discussion 4: Perspectives on Leadership

What is a leader? This may seem like a simple question, but an individual's response to the question may depend on the individual and his or her situation. Leadership contains elements of personality, personal characteristics, skills, and knowledge. Leadership can be demonstrated within human services organizations as well as in the organizations' interactions with stakeholders in the community.

As you consider all you have explored about leadership in this course, what new perspectives have you gained regarding this topic? Consider how you might apply your discoveries to your career planning and development.

References (use 2 or more): Gothard, S., Carnochan, S., Regan, K., Samples, M., & Austin, M. J. (2012). Becoming a manager in nonprofit human service organizations: Making the transition from specialist to generalist. Mack Center on Nonprofit and Public Sector Management in the Human Services. School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley.