Theoretical vs Practical Learning in Social Work Studies at ACU

This essay reflects on the author's experiences and observations regarding the balance between theoretical and practical learning in a Master of Social Work program. The author contrasts their initial expectations with the realities of the course, highlighting the perceived emphasis on theory over practical application. The essay also discusses the importance of social work in addressing social issues, particularly in the context of Nepal, where there is a significant demand for skilled social workers. The author aims to leverage their social work qualification to contribute to addressing challenges such as the plight of orphans, unmanaged elderly care, and individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the need for skilled human resources and innovative approaches to social problem-solving. The author hopes to use the knowledge from the ACU social work program to contribute to Nepal's development.

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When I joined here, I got to know that the course was more theoretical than practical. I observed
that career progression was not same. When I came to Australia, I have observed the difference
that takes place between practical and theoretical coursework in the academic career of student. I
have understood the significance of social work in any job. By having the master degree, I
understood that qualification related to social work will enhance value in my career when I will
be back to my home town. I have done a study in the job sector and got to know that there is a
demand of the social workers in Nepal.
The Master of Social Work is a 2 year course in which there are 12 courses. 140 days placement
sessions are given that assist in identifying actual challenge faced in social life setting. Social
work is known as practical course that enhances the opportunity to conduct operations in the
human service sector. It is a challenging program that induces the students to create their own
knowledge and gain proper understanding of social work values and different approaches. Also,
student will become self-aware to have understanding of the individuals related with each other
and with their environment. The learning gathered from these degrees will be related
internationally. It would be easy to acquire wide range of the theoretical concepts and practical
techniques. After completing the course, we can be indulged in counseling and can search right
assistance at the time of crisis. Apart from this, we can work like disability employees and case
managers, child security employees, family relationship counselor and there are reasons that are
stated below
I have finished rural sociology and extension education unit at the time of my Bachelor Science
(Hons) in Agriculture which is concerned to the social work. I hope to attain a professional
qualification in social sector as it provides academic rigor qualification with proper knowledge
from different disciplines such as sociology, psychology, politics, and philosophy and health
education. It helps us to get opportunity to have understanding of these sectors that includes
interaction with the people, communities and societies. Just because of this work based learning,
the students can built teaching concepts and resources that enhance innovative learning and assist
to create the knowledge, skills and values that are important for counseling with the individuals.
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One of my personal interests is to study and gain knowledge regarding the scarcity of the social
workers in Nepal. The horrible situation of orphans and unmanaged elderly house and disable
individuals require a proper long term solution. My knowledge and skills in the social work will
permit me to search the solution and to improve in the different situations. It is agreed that it is
not easy to resolve these issues only by considering the efforts of the individuals, however they
can be resolved by taking certain initiatives. There are different national and international
companies in Nepal that does not have proper workers in this field.
I analyzed that social work will develop my knowledge to work and identify suitable approaches
related to organizing, planning, developing and managing. These have an important role in
resolving the issues. I have an idea that social work program at ACU will enhance the knowledge
and skills to search for the solution of the problems concerned with society.
Importantly, there is a requirement of skilled human resource as there are various social
problems which may create barriers for development. Furthermore, I will utilize the knowledge
to resolve the social problems in my country with different skills acquired during the social
work.
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