Online practice course development with action research: a case example

Journal ArticleAbstract. Despite the proliferation of online courses in social work, questions still exist about learning practice skills in an online instructional environment. This paper describes a case example of an action-oriented approach to the development of an online practice course. Lessons learned from students' and instructor's perspectives are shared as well as recommendations for future research relative to course development and evaluation of online courses. The study examined student feedback with respect to their overall learning experience. Findings indicated that involving students in the design and development of an online practice course benefited both students and faculty and can be an effective teaching and learning strategy regardless of the instructional medium used

Online Practice Course Development with Action Research: A Case Example

Despite the proliferation of online courses in social work, questions still exist about learning practice skills in an online instructional environment. This paper describes a case example of an action-oriented approach to the development of an online practice course. Lessons learned from students’ and instructor’s perspectives are shared as well as recommendations for future research relative to course development and evaluation of online courses. The study examined student feedback with respect to their overall learning experience. Findings indicated that involving students in the design and development of an online practice course benefited both students and faculty and can be an effective teaching and learning strategy regardless of the instructional medium used

Reflection on teaching effective social work practice for working with Muslim communities

In many academic departments like social work, psychology, and psychiatry there is a growing consensus that teachers need to instruct students to be culturally competent especially if they are going to be effective helpers with diverse populations. Multicultural instructional counseling methods are imperative if we are to ensure that our students of counseling are well prepared to work with diverse families, particularly those from Muslim backgrounds. In this narrative the author writes about the challenges of teaching non-Muslim students effective counseling techniques with Muslim families. Culturally innovative teaching methods are illustrated to facilitate students’ learning how to be effective counselors with Muslim communities

Philanthropic zakat for the disadvantaged Recipient perspective from Indonesia

Rumah Zakat, a charitable institution, is a proactive provider of charity, enabling sustainable progress in the lives of needy recipients. This study focused on three forms of philanthropic zakat assistance: economic empowerment, health care, and tuition-free education. There were 21 participants—seven from each respective cluster. Interviewers were employed to elicit participants’ perspectives. Major findings showed economic empowerment recipients were the poor affected by the earthquake and the monetary crisis. Zakat helped them re-open their businesses. As they grew, most felt satisfied and employed jobless individuals. Recipients of health care with elementary education had a five-year grant of free health care and health education. Although the service lowered their expenses, some needed extra help with food. Participants benefitting from either program reported positive impacts on their income, health, and social lives. Most participants in the tuition-free education were satisfied with their children's schooling, the extracurricular options, and the chances for parental involvement in the social engagement. Some stated the charitable schools emphasized moral education over science; thus, they were concerned about sufficient preparation for future competitive educational levels. Recipients would benefit from the charities if three programs were altogether offered. This study suggests the integrative community development programs should be reviewed for better services