HINTS FOR A2: Critical Analysis (Skills Paper)

HINTS FOR A2: Critical Analysis (Skills Paper)

The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate an understanding and application of relevant skills literature, theory and ethics, as well as a concise, specific and accurate critical analysis of your skills video.

At least 6-8 academic sources are required for this assignment.

Thus, the paper is an interweaving of self-reflection as well as academic research about the approach that you used and counselling skills.

Key readings include: the Walsh & Payne chapters for the approach you have used (or the Payne chapter for feminist theories); you can use the Ivey et al. textbook from the interviewing skills course for the skills theory if you like, as well as Helen Camerons book on counselling skills. The ereader has a lot of relevant readings on the different approach used, areas for practice and SW skills.

Please give specific word-for-word examples of phrases, questions, or other verbal and non-verbal skills you used, to demonstrate your chosen theoretical model and core counselling skills.

Clearly evidence what you did well and what you think could be done differently, next time (e.g. from client/peer feedback and SW literature).

You can use I. You would interweave evidence from the video using first person- and from the literature, using third person. For example, When I asked the miracle question, I said (word for word example of what you said). However, I found (your/peer/client reflection). The literature (e.g. on solution focused approaches and using the miracle question) indicates, which is an area that I can improve on/did well. Insert references, use key (seminal) readings about the approach and skills.

Another example, from the ABC crisis intervention approach, might be that you start the critical analysis (skills) with a theoretical framework from the literature. For example, you explain using Kanel and the Walsh & Payne book, what crisis intervention and what A, B, C means- and then, explain how you incorporated this in the video.

Thus, start with the theory of ABC. For example, explain that A is rapport building etc using literature. Then, say I developed rapport with the client through verbal responding and non-verbal body language, by... (example from video) etc, explaining how you did this, and what you did well/could do differently. Then, B, C and so on..There is no need for an introduction and conclusion in this paper.

You can use the headings below.

The following three sections can be used a headings:

A. Theoretical Approach & Core Counselling Skills (approx 800-850 words)

Reflect on the theoretical approach you used and your own counselling skills session with Jen/Mark or both Jen and Mark

Name and explain the theoretical approach you used, using references and evidenced research.

Succinctly, outline key aspects of your chosen theoretical approach and how/where you used some of these key aspects in your skills video.

What you did well with this approach?

What you might do differently in the future? and why?

Give examples of what you did in the video-skills and questions you used from the approach you chose, to evidence your use of the approach and skills

Discuss around 2 key points from the video-what you did well

Discuss around 2 key points from the video- what you could do differently

Explain: How might you do it differently in the future, using research and/or feedback?

Within this theoretical discussion, outline core counselling skills you used in your session, drawing on social work skills literature.

Discuss/integrate the core counselling skills that you used, in the discussion of the approach, as per ABC example above.

B. Broader Social Work Knowledge and Values (approx 150-200 words)

Succinctly outline broader social work knowledge, ethics and values that you were drawing on your skills video (e.g. AASW Code of Ethics).

Discuss relevance to SW ethics/values/knowledge-how the approach you used, and the video you made and reflected on etc- is relevant to AASW and SW ethics, values etc. You can use AASW Code of Ethics for linking theory-practice.

C. Own Practice Style and Approach (approx 125 words)

Discuss what have you learnt about yourself and your own practice style and approach, after completing and reflecting on your skills video.

What have you learnt, as a social work practitioner, about yourself and practice style? (e.g. some students have reflected on ways of being knowledgeable and empowering, being comfortable with silence, researching services more, not rescuing or telling people what to do by using client centred approaches, reflexivity etc- as important for engagement and SW practice etc-but this is really an individual learning).