Building Innovative Learning
Environments for Practice
Goal: Expand educational collaborations
Social work’s knowledge base intersects with many disciplines (e.g., psychology, psychiatry, sociology, political science, education, business). Collaborative programs similar to those existing with law and addictions are based on the recognition that social work expertise enhances the knowledge and practice of other fields.
Implementing a strategy that results in increased cross-Faculty teaching in subjects of Faculty strength has several benefits including: increasing social work’s profile; strengthening collaborations with other divisions; and fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building with other Faculties.
Expanding educational collaborations across Faculties within the University of Toronto as well as among local and international partners will be facilitated by increasing our use of interactive technology (IT) that can enhance communication possibilities.
Objective: Expand awareness of social work through increased teaching in other divisions
across the University
- Examine course materials in current courses and/or develop courses to teach to undergraduate students at the University of Toronto
- Collaborate with other graduate divisions/Faculties to teach modules/courses requiring skill sets central to social work
- Encourage MSW students to enrol in elective courses outside of the Faculty
Context
- Higher education and social work pedagogy increasingly incorporate theoretical perspectives and empirical findings on education
- Interest in the use of simulation, new technology and interprofessional education is growing rapidly
- Education focuses more on competence (how well graduates do in practice) to address growing expectations for accountability expressed by government, employers and the public
