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Article
Progress in a social work writing course: Self-efficacy, course objectives, and skills
Journal of Social Work Education
  • Jane D. Woody
  • Mary G. Zeleny
  • Henry J. D'Souza
  • Jeanette Harder, University of Nebraska at Omaha
  • Jacqueline Reiser
  • P.eter Szto
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Disciplines
Abstract

Although instructors express concerns about social work students’ writing skills, little research has been conducted. One remedy is a social work-focused writing course. This study assessed a required writing course with a sample of 49 baccalaureate students. From online pre- and post-test surveys, two student outcomes improved significantly: self-reported scores for writing self-efficacy and competence in course objectives. On-demand writing samples improved significantly based on anonymous rating by the course instructors; however, blind ratings found gains but not at a significant level. Improved outcomes were not associated with demographic or background characteristics. We discuss limitations of the study and implications for social work education.

Citation Information
Jane D. Woody, Mary G. Zeleny, Henry J. D'Souza, Jeanette Harder, et al.. "Progress in a social work writing course: Self-efficacy, course objectives, and skills" Journal of Social Work Education Vol. 50 (2014) p. 507 - 524
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jeanette-harder/11/