Perspectives on Social Group Work Practice


Book Description

Not simply another "how-to" book, this provocative collection of readings does not advance a single viewpoint or approach to group work. Instead, the 25 selections present the full spectrum of classic and current perspectives, providing student and practitioner alike with a sound basis for evaluating contemporary practice and for formulating a personal approach to social group work. The historical and conceptual roots of modern social group work methods are examined in Part I, "Conceptual Foundations" which contains some of the classic statements in the field. Part II, "Current Perspectives", explores the most widely influential contemporary models of group work, "social goals" perspectives, "remedial" perspectives, and "mediative" perspectives. The two-part section that concludes the volume focuses on applications: group work is first discussed in relation to family and community casework and administration; then, self-help groups and other techniques used in the fields of medicine, counseling, and psychology are surveyed in light of their implications for social workers. To encourage the reader's active participation in the development of an individual philosophy and approach to social group work, Dr. Alissi concludes each chapter with probing study questions. These open-ended questions stimulate comparisons among the methods presented and urge the reader to relate new ideas to his or her own experience in the field. Introductions to each part and chapter also stress comparative aspects. An annotated list of articles and books on the subject of each chapter allows the reader to explore it in greater depth. A stimulating and systematic exposure to the most important ideas in social group work today, "Perspectives on Social Group Work Practice" expands the repertoire of working concepts vital to contemporary practice.




Pathways to Power


Book Description

These readings offer critical perspectives and practice applications to define and illustrate an empowerment method of social work. The organizing theme, pathways to power, focuses on how people acquire and maintain power. This book goes beyond traditional practice perspectives to include methods that emphasize social justice, environmental contexts, strengths, and collaborative partnerships with clients and others. The authors of each chapter speak directly with the reader to present their concepts, reflections, and practice examples. Their voices, whether telling personal stories or conveying professional experiences are compelling; they draw readers into the material and help readers understand the context from which their view of social work practice evolves. This book covers key theoretical perspectives, including contextual social work, social justice, multicultural competence, and social constructionism. Practice methods exemplifying empowerment social work feature policy practice, community action research, self-directed group work, grassroots community change, organizational redevelopment, community collaboration, and strengths-based approaches.




Readings for Reflective Teaching


Book Description

This unique book provides the reader with a mini-library of over one hundred readings containing: --both classic and contemporary readings--international contributors--material drawn from books and journalsAn essential reference resource in its own right, Readings for Reflective Teaching also contains numerous cross-references to Andrew Pollards Reflective Teaching.




An Introduction to Group Work Practice


Book Description

This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. This comprehenisve group practice text prepares students to work with either treatment or task oriented groups, this comprehensive revised edition offers the most up-to-date research available and continues to stress the importance of developing skills in group-work. Students receive a thorough grounding in areas that vary from treatment to organizational and community settings. Numerous case studies, practice examples, and guiding principles add to the ease and readability of this popular text. Content is tied to CSWE's core competencies and practice behaviors that are necessary for generalist and specialized social work practice with groups.




Theory and Practice in Social Group Work


Book Description

Here is an important look at creative ways to successfully blend theoretical knowledge with skillful intervention in social group work. Theory and Practice in Social Group Work represents leading works in conceptual development that creatively connect practice with theory and also reflect the current diversity of interventions in group work practice. The book calls for more carefully articulated connections between knowledge and action and maps a strategy for strengthening social work curriculum and expanding group work practice. Some of the areas discussed include group work in medical and health settings, group work with people undergoing life cycle transitions, and group work interventions with vulnerable populations. A wide range of possibilities for applying theories in group work situations are presented in this thought-provoking volume. Some specific examples discussed include group work interventions with persons affected by the AIDS crisis and persons at high risk of contracting HIV, a group model for the management of chronic pain, group intervention services for the homeless mentally ill delivered through a mobile outreach team, a bingo group in an SRO hotel, group work with adults molested as children, and a model of practice for work with minority populations and communities.




Christianity and Social Work


Book Description

Christianity and Social Work is written for social workers whose motivations to enter the profession are informed by their Christian faith, and who desire to develop faithfully Christian approaches to helping.




Use of Groups in Social Work Practice


Book Description

First Published in 1975, Use of Groups in Social Work Practice seeks to encourage caseworkers to use groups as an integral part of their professional practice and assumes that no one book could entirely meet this need. The present book adopts an interactionist approach. It discusses crucial themes like group work in the British social work tradition; the North American experience; what is a group; group work and social work’s strategic purposes; tactical goals for group work; the self as a social product; the ingredients of group activity; the authority of the group worker; and the future for group work. This is a must read for students of social work.




Reading to Learn


Book Description

Fourth-graders around the country face new, high-stakes standardized tests, drawing increased attention to the need for effective literacy instruction in the upper-elementary grades. This essential book goes beyond political catch-phrases to examine what actually works in the fourth-grade classroom. After reviewing current research on upper-elementary reading instruction, the book takes readers directly into the classrooms of six highly successful teachers. Like the previously published Learning to Read, which focused on the first grade, Reading to Learn offers a rare view of the techniques and strategies good teachers use to engage students, help them develop as thoughtful readers and writers, and bolster self-directed learning and literate conversation. Bringing to life the complexities of day-to-day work with diverse students, the book provides inspiration and practical ideas for any teacher in the upper-elementary grades.




Growth and Development Through Group Work


Book Description

Examine group work's roots and fundamental beliefs to get a glimpse of the future For more than 80 years, social group work has survived difficult times—a testament to the persistence of its practitioners as well as the strength of its methods. Growth and Development Through Group Work chronicles the evolution of this groundbreaking practice through a collection of peer-reviewed papers presented at the 23rd Annual International Symposium on Social Work with Groups. The book examines practice, policy, and education issues in specific settings and populations from both theoretical and historical perspectives. Presented in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, DC, the papers that comprise Growth and Development Through Group Work reflect a heightened awareness of the importance of social action group work—now, and in the future. The book represents the best of social work’s tradition of social reform and concern for oppressed people, never straying far from the concept of the group, with its multiple helping relationships, as the primary source of change. A comprehensive overview of the field in international, intercultural, and cross-gender contexts, Growth and Development Through Group Work is equally effective for coursework or independent reading. Topics addressed in Growth and Development Through Group Work include: contributions of the late Ruby B. Pernell to the development of social group work research in support of group work education and practice group work in Germany-its development from American roots and its current advances social justice as a major objective of group work practice teaching group work mutual aid in support groups for particularly sensitive health problems psychoeducational group work contributions from Hull House as guides for the future of social group work Growth and Development Through Group Work is an invaluable resource for clinicians, neighborhood and community activists, educators and students, researchers, therapists, administrators, and anyone working in policy and/or program development.