Creating Effective University-Field Partnerships

Abstract

In an effort to address the dynamics between university and field settings this paper presents a conceptual framework that can be used to explore the differences between interorganization models for field education. The framework includes four key components. These are ensuring a commitment to education, offering strong organizational supports and resources, building effective collaborative relations, and developing effective communication and reciprocity. Utilizing this framework, the paper examines its usefulness for future research by qualitatively comparing the current and prevalent model, the Field Setting with a new model, the Teaching Centre, to determine whether the differences between models can be illuminated. [Article copies avnilable from The Haworth Documenf Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678.]Social work field education is a critical component in the preparation of social work practitioners. Students are provided with supervised educational experiences where they have the opportunity to learn to integrate theory and practice and develop necessary Marion Bogo, MSW, AdvDipSW, is Associate Professor, and Judith Globerman, PhD, is Associate Rofessor, both at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.