Experiential Learning in Dementia Care for Social Workers
Academic Year:
2013 - 2014 (June 1, 2013 through May 31, 2014)
Funding Requested:
$4,000.00
Project Dates:
-
Overview of the Project:
This project will evaluate the experiential learning of social work students as they engage in an aging- related research intervention, the Couples Life Story Project (CLSP). The CLSP focuses on older couples in which one partner has memory loss, to help them review their shared life together, learn and practice communication techniques, and focus on their strengths as partners. Student interventionists are involved in this project both as practitioners and as researchers. We will examine the extent to which student interventionists' participation in the CLSP influences their understanding of dementia, clinical skills, research, and critical reflection. To address this research question, the co-investigators will conduct in-depth interviews with student interventionists at the end of their participation in the project and analyze their responses using qualitative analysis. Findings from this project will contribute to developing creative ways of incorporating experiential learning into social work education.