Communication in Social Work
Added on 2023-06-11
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Running head: COMMUNICATION IN SOCIAL WORK 1
Communication in Social Work
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Communication in Social Work
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
COMMUNICATION IN SOCIAL WORK 2
Introduction
Reflection is an exercise that is essential in improving the skills of a social worker. This
skill is used in developing social work communication and interviewing skills. This essay
explores my understanding of social work communication by focusing on strength-based and
anti-oppressive practices. My communication strengths and weaknesses are also identified based
on my experiences as a tutorial group member and in role plays. Lastly, strategies to improve my
communication skills are evaluated.
Understanding of Social Work Communication
Communication is an integral part of social work practices. Indeed, Dixon (2012) argues
it plays a significant role in enabling social workers to communicate with clients. Based on my
experience, communication is made easy by self-awareness. According to Dixon (2012),
effective communication occurs when the social workers understand their communication skills
and methods. Therefore, my ability to understand my communication skills allows me to use
them efficiently in social work practices. Additionally, I have learned that personal reflection
enhances individual communication. Dixon (2012) argues that individuals should reflect on their
communication within these training exercises to improve their skills. In the group level,
communication has assisted in enhancing my learning by making it easier to find solutions
through teamwork. I also learned that ethics and values govern this profession. For instance,
McDonald et al. (2015) argue that it is vital to incorporate ethics when teaching writing skills
used in social work. Generally, communication requires self-awareness and reflection.
In addition, my understanding of the use of anti-oppressive and strengths-based practices
was enhanced. I have understood anti-oppressive practices as those acts that are conducted by
social workers to liberate oppressed people in the society. These practices provide new ways of
Introduction
Reflection is an exercise that is essential in improving the skills of a social worker. This
skill is used in developing social work communication and interviewing skills. This essay
explores my understanding of social work communication by focusing on strength-based and
anti-oppressive practices. My communication strengths and weaknesses are also identified based
on my experiences as a tutorial group member and in role plays. Lastly, strategies to improve my
communication skills are evaluated.
Understanding of Social Work Communication
Communication is an integral part of social work practices. Indeed, Dixon (2012) argues
it plays a significant role in enabling social workers to communicate with clients. Based on my
experience, communication is made easy by self-awareness. According to Dixon (2012),
effective communication occurs when the social workers understand their communication skills
and methods. Therefore, my ability to understand my communication skills allows me to use
them efficiently in social work practices. Additionally, I have learned that personal reflection
enhances individual communication. Dixon (2012) argues that individuals should reflect on their
communication within these training exercises to improve their skills. In the group level,
communication has assisted in enhancing my learning by making it easier to find solutions
through teamwork. I also learned that ethics and values govern this profession. For instance,
McDonald et al. (2015) argue that it is vital to incorporate ethics when teaching writing skills
used in social work. Generally, communication requires self-awareness and reflection.
In addition, my understanding of the use of anti-oppressive and strengths-based practices
was enhanced. I have understood anti-oppressive practices as those acts that are conducted by
social workers to liberate oppressed people in the society. These practices provide new ways of
COMMUNICATION IN SOCIAL WORK 3
opposition that improve liberating approaches, which lead to social change (Baines, 2007).
Baines (2007) states that some of the oppressed groups in society may include women, black
people, and gays. On the other hand, strength-based practices encourage the use of a client’s
strengths in overcoming challenges. According to Rashid and Ostermann (2009), strength-based
methods provide clarity that allows the social worker to get a clear picture of the client's
situation. These practices are useful in the development of a solution.
Experiences of Being a Tutorial Group Member
During my learning experience, I participated in the tutorial group work as instructed by
our tutor. Group work plays a significant role in social work practices. According to Hammar
Chiriac (2014), it also enhances the ability of students to learn. Being a group member improved
my learning experience by allowing me to learn from my peers. The use of tutorials enhanced
my understanding since the tutor was able to provide additional support when carrying out the
group assignments. The group work also allowed the lecturer to divide us into small groups. As a
result, it was easier to assess individual performance and provide targeted feedback.
Additionally, the use of tutorials allowed us to simulate real social work experiences. For
example, some of us practiced interviewing clients while playing the role of a women social
worker.
My experiences when working in the group taught me some lessons. The first lesson was
on the importance of icebreakers. The icebreakers allowed us to have fun while making us
comfortable to share our experiences with each other. The second lesson was learned through
interactions with my group members. My group members assisted by providing clarity on the
issues and questions that seemed challenging. The assistance made our collaboration stronger
since we learned how to support each other. During the group sessions, we learned a lot about
opposition that improve liberating approaches, which lead to social change (Baines, 2007).
Baines (2007) states that some of the oppressed groups in society may include women, black
people, and gays. On the other hand, strength-based practices encourage the use of a client’s
strengths in overcoming challenges. According to Rashid and Ostermann (2009), strength-based
methods provide clarity that allows the social worker to get a clear picture of the client's
situation. These practices are useful in the development of a solution.
Experiences of Being a Tutorial Group Member
During my learning experience, I participated in the tutorial group work as instructed by
our tutor. Group work plays a significant role in social work practices. According to Hammar
Chiriac (2014), it also enhances the ability of students to learn. Being a group member improved
my learning experience by allowing me to learn from my peers. The use of tutorials enhanced
my understanding since the tutor was able to provide additional support when carrying out the
group assignments. The group work also allowed the lecturer to divide us into small groups. As a
result, it was easier to assess individual performance and provide targeted feedback.
Additionally, the use of tutorials allowed us to simulate real social work experiences. For
example, some of us practiced interviewing clients while playing the role of a women social
worker.
My experiences when working in the group taught me some lessons. The first lesson was
on the importance of icebreakers. The icebreakers allowed us to have fun while making us
comfortable to share our experiences with each other. The second lesson was learned through
interactions with my group members. My group members assisted by providing clarity on the
issues and questions that seemed challenging. The assistance made our collaboration stronger
since we learned how to support each other. During the group sessions, we learned a lot about
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