Class Descriptions

Program Evaluation and Applied Research

SW678

Credits:	3
Prerequisites:	SW507

Course Description

This course will provide content on the logic of inquiry and the necessity for an empirical approach to social work practice. The process of formulating appropriate research questions, research design, sampling, methods of data collection, procedures to assess and improve the validity and reliability of data and measures, and the ethics of scientific inquiry will be addressed. As consumers of research, students will learn to locate, assess and critique research studies so as to draw appropriate inference, particularly as it affects diverse populations. In addition, this course will provide students with an introduction to evaluation practice as a method of assessing social work practice, strengthening clients, communities, and service systems. Students will have an opportunity to plan an evaluation project, collect, analyze, report and interpret results. This course will help students understand social work practice through the critical examination of methods and approaches associated with decision-making, critical thinking, and ethical judgment.

Objectives

Examine how program evaluation and research inquiry is used by social workers to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness (Essential 25, 44; EPAS 1, 4, 5, 9).

Discover how to use evaluation and research to support anti-racist practices and social justice (Essential 44, 45; EPAS 1, 2, 3, 5).

Create a logic model to describe a program's operational processes and outcomes (Essential 21; EPAS 7, 8).

Design an outcome evaluation plan of a social work practice, program or intervention, including the selection of standard scales and/or culturally responsive outcome collection methods (Essential 27, 44; EPAS 1, 4, 5, 8).

Describe ethical responsibilities pertaining to social work evaluation and research including human subject protection, informed consent, bias, and cultural awareness (Essential 44; EPAS 1, 5).

Develop strategies to manage, analyze, and report data results to inform practice improvements at multiple levels (Essential 7, 23, 24, 27; EPAS 4, 7, 8, 9).

Formulate strategies for involving stakeholders in translating and disseminating data results using multiple formats (Essential 23, 25, 27, 44; EPAS 1, 4, 5, 8, 9).

Design

Many different methods will be used for acquiring knowledge and skills including: discussion, lectures, projects, exercises, and lab work. This course is designed to increase students' comfort level with research methods and evaluation approaches to increase their appreciation of the relevance of research and evaluation for social work practice.

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

This course integrates PODS content and skills with a special emphasis on the identification of theories, practice and/or policies that promote social justice, illuminate injustices and are consistent with scientific and professional knowledge. Through the use of a variety of instructional methods, this course will support students developing a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.

Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Education Description

Definitions/Criteria for Interdisciplinary or Interprofessional Practice Focus
SW 678, a pathway required-course, intentionally integrates interdisciplinary or interprofessional practice content in several ways. We believe this would most effectively be accomplished by focusing on the last IPE / IDE competency.
Intentional content addresses one or more of the 5 IPE Core Competencies (Values/Ethics, Roles and Responsibilities, Interprofessional Communication, Teams/Teamwork and Intercultural Humility) https://interprofessional.umich.edu/about/ipe-competencies-at-u-m/

ID/IPE content that will be covered
Students will be encouraged to actively contribute from their experiences, field placement practice, knowledge of readings, etc. to considerations of the impact of interdisciplinary and interprofessional care related to:
Program Evaluation and Applied Research are by definition conducted in an interdisciplinary context, most often working with various groups of community stakeholders, and with members of other professions. Communication about the evaluation process with community stakeholders and with members of other professional groups is a core component of the evaluation process. Selected readings and discussions will focus on this interdisciplinary aspect of PE&AR work