Introduction of Active Learning to the Class “Basics of Consultation Support and Specialist Jobs” Which is a Subject of the National Examination for Social Workers, and Evaluation Thereof

Abstract

It is important for students enrolled in a social worker training course to pass the Japanese National Examination for Social Workers. On the other hand, passing the examination is merely a prerequisite for starting a career as a social worker. The author considers that teachers and instructors in a social worker training course need to provide education not only for helping students pass the national examination but also for guiding them to acquire knowledge and skills that allow them to thrive as social workers after graduation. It goes without saying that guiding students to pass the national examination is the premise of the course; however, it is still necessary for students to acquire knowledge of other fields such as medicine, law, aged care, disability care, and family and child welfare, in order for them to survive and thrive as social workers. In this paper, the author reports an example in which active learning was introduced to a class, entitled “Basics of Consultation Support and Specialist Jobs.” The class teaches one of the specialist subjects of the Japanese National Examination for Social Workers. The class is also one of the subjects of a social worker training course, which has been knowledge-oriented to date.