Written By, Casey L. Brooks
Tarleton State University
Department of Social Work
BSW-Student Learner
Tarleton State University
Department of Social Work
BSW-Student Learner
Social Work students enter into their Junior Year at Tarleton State University required to take a multitude of classes. Practice I (Micro Practice) is taught by previous Tarleton graduate, Dr. Nathalie Jones. As a student entering Micro Practice one should have experiences with community partners that were established in a previously required course, Service Learning.
Those experiences along with other required courses help to prepare for junior level courses. Micro Practice course focuses primarily on the Code of Ethics as established by National Association of Social Workers (NASW) as well as the Generalist Intervention Model (GIM). Prior to taking this course one may not be fully prepared for the interventions that takes place while working with clients.
While learning the different areas of the GIM one will become better prepared as to how to begin establishing rapport with clients, how to develop a plan that fits the client’s needs as well as how to conclude and terminate the relationship. In Micro Practice Dr. Jones prepares student's for real world experiences as well as text based techniques. Learning through real world experiences allows students to mature and grow academically.
While taking this course you will gain insight on the natural challenges that social workers face each day as well as how to be effective in the social work field and how to keep moving forward while facing challenges. Entering the course is intimidating, one may feel that classroom techniques cannot be applied to daily living. However, Dr. Jones teaches in an effective manner that proves otherwise. Feeling overwhelmed by GIM while taking this course and completing Process Recordings is normal. However, having guest speakers that teach about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and how they affect others along with training's pertaining to cultural competence are a few of many areas that are covered while taking this course.
Academically, after taking this course students will better understanding various topics covered and feel better prepared while working in the field of social work upon graduation. Everything learned in this course will prepare students to advocate & use brokering skills in an ethical manner.