Discussion: Are Theories Necessary
Discussion: Are Theories Necessary?
Your classmates are also your colleagues and a social support system. Similarly, the other social workers you may work with in your agency will become colleagues and a social support system.
As colleagues, you may discuss sometimes controversial issues in the field of social work. Remember, you can agree to disagree with respect—which is key as you discuss and debate. As evidenced by Drs. Simon and Thyer, even the role of theories in social work can lead to disagreements.
In this Discussion, you take this opportunity to get to know one another and learn about topics upon which you may agree or disagree.
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By Day 3
For this graded Discussion, record a 2- to 3-minute video introducing yourself to your colleagues. Your video should include responses to the following:
Your name
Your geographic location and what you did for fieldwork
A brief reaction to Dr. Barbara Simon’s article about theories being necessary in social work as you think about her position in relation to your fieldwork experience
A brief reaction to Dr. Bruce Thyer’s article about theories not being necessary in social work as you think about his position in relation to your fieldwork experience
Do you tend to agree with Dr. Simon or Dr. Thyer? Why?
Learning Resources
Required Readings
Dean, R. G. (1989). Ways of knowing in clinical practice. Clinical Social Work Journal, 17(2), 116–127. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00756139
Simon, B. L. (1994). Are theories for practice necessary? Yes! Journal of Social Work Education, 30(2), 144–148. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.1994.10672224
Thyer, B. A. (1994). Are theories for practice necessary? No! Journal of Social Work Education, 30(2),148–152. https://doi.org/10.1080/10437797.1994.10672225
Bloeser, K., & Stewart, R. (2018). Clinical practice theories for medical social work with veterans. Smith College Studies in Social Work, 88(4), 299–311. https://doi.org/10.1080/00377317.2019.1561010
Turner, F. (2011). Theory and social work treatment. In Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (5th ed., pp. 3–13). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Social Work Treatment: Interlocking Theoretical Approaches, 5th Edition by Turner, F. Copyright 2011 by Oxford University Press – Books (US & UK). Reprinted by permission of Oxford University Press – Books (US & UK) via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Document: Situations 1 and 2: Making Decisions About Interventions (Word document)
Helpful Program Information
Walden University, LLC. (2021). MSW student orientation [Interactive module]. Walden University Blackboard. http://class.waldenu.edu
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Answer preview to Discussion: Are Theories Necessary
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