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1. Helping Students Apply Theory to Practice NCSSS Orientation for Field Instruction
Susanne Bennett, PhD
Fall 2008
2. 2 “The map is not the territory.”--Gregory Bateson
“There is nothing so practical as a good theory.”--Kurt Lewin
“There is no theory that is not beset with problems.” --Karl Popper
3. 3 NCSSS takes theory seriously Our foundation HUMAN BEHAVIOR & THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT (HBSE) and THEORY & PRACTICE courses introduce many theories to first year students
Clinical and Combined concentrators choose one advanced clinical theory: psychodynamic, cognitive/behavioral, or transpersonal
4. 4 What’s so great about theory? Theory makes the difference between a professionally educated social worker and a trained technician
Technicians can be trained to implement particular techniques in particular circumstances
Professional social workers educated in theory can think what to do under varying circumstances
5. 5 What is “Theory”? A system of thought & interrelated concepts based on inductive & deductive reasoning
The relationship between concepts
is expressed as hypotheses
which are tested or testable
and are intended to explain or predict phenomena
6. 6 What is the purpose of theory? It helps us organize our thoughts, interpret the world, & evaluate our actions It explains & predicts Human behavior (micro) The impact of social structures (mezzo) Social problems (macro) It directs research & informs policy It guides practice It gives credibility to the profession