The Social Work Practicum: Preparation for Practice

This print textbook is available for students to rent for their classes. The Pearson print rental program provides students with affordable access to learning materials, so they come to class ready to succeed.
For courses in Social Work Practicum / Field Experience in Social Work.
Theory and practice combine to help students understand, structure, implement, and evaluate practicum experiences.

The Social Work Practicum helps prepare students for professional practice by providing a structured and yet individualized map for gaining the competencies required of social work professionals. The format integrates theory and practice to walk readers through the process of acquiring knowledge, developing skills, and enhancing social work values at both the BSW and MSW levels. The author highlights social work practice themes and Council on Social Work Education competencies and behaviors in a concise and usable way, viewing all of these topics through the lens of practicum. The chapters are sequenced to allow for ongoing professional development, while clarifying expectations for applying knowledge and providing experiential learning opportunities that lead to professional growth.

The 8th Edition includes an increased emphasis on the preparation for social work practice. The author has expanded and updated information on diversity and working across differences; the use of technology; working with involuntary clients; social work theories and models; communication skills; and the planned change process.

This title is also available digitally as a standalone Pearson eText. Contact your Pearson rep for more information.


About the Author
About our authors

Professor Cynthia Garthwait has taught at The University of Montana since 1988, serves as BSW Program Director, and has served as Chair and Practicum Coordinator. Cindy is the Coordinator of the interdisciplinary Gerontology Minor. She is involved with the Montana Geriatric Education Center, which trains students in interdisciplinary health-related clinical sites, faculty in geriatrics, and health professionals in an interdisciplinary approach to geriatrics.

She is Co-Chair of the Institute for Gerontology Education, working with other faculty and staff on campus to increase the availability of aging content on campus. She is the Director of the Gerontology Fellows Program for BSW students, geared toward preparing social work graduates for intergenerational practice.

She works with MSW students enrolled in the Hartford Scholars on Aging for students wishing to acquire advanced training in gerontological social work. She provides consultation and training to health facilities and housing facilities serving older adults.