Social Work Practice

GAZİ UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

PROCEDURES AND PRINCIPLES FOR PRACTICAL COURSES

These procedures and principles will take effect for all students in the department once approved by the Gazi University Senate.

In accordance with the Gazi University Regulations on Associate and Bachelor’s Degree Education, Teaching and Examinations and the Framework Regulations on Practical Training in Higher Education, in order for students of the Department of Social Work to be eligible for a bachelor’s degree, they must, in addition to successfully completing the other courses and practical sessions in the approved curriculum, undertake and successfully complete the practical sessions for the courses SHB 403 – Social Work Practice I and SHB 404 – Social Work Practice II, in order to develop and consolidate their theoretical knowledge through practical experience.

Whilst undertaking their placements, students must comply with the rules set out in the ‘Framework Regulation on Practical Training in Higher Education Institutions’ (No. 31514, dated 17 June 2021) issued by the Council of Higher Education, and the ‘Gazi University Guidelines on Practical Training’, which came into force following a decision by the Gazi University Senate. In addition, during their placements, students must comply with the rules regarding working conditions, discipline and occupational safety at the placement sites.

Students are expected to adhere to the procedures and principles outlined below for placements undertaken as part of the specified courses.

Eligibility Criteria for Practical Training Courses

To be eligible to take the courses SHB 403 and SHB 404, students must have successfully completed the minimum number of courses specified by the Department of Social Services and included in the core curriculum. Students who fail these courses due to absence are not permitted to commence practical training.

Practical Training Durations, Terms, Scope and Locations

The practical training for courses SHB 403 and SHB 404 is carried out at public institutions, private-sector organisations, and civil society organisations deemed suitable by the Department Chair. The practical training process aims to enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge and acquire professional skills and ethical values.

Students undergo an orientation process before commencing their placements. During this process, they are informed about the organisations where the placements will take place, as well as the objectives and methods of the placements. Students plan their placement processes in collaboration with their supervisors and organisational representatives.

Monitoring and Assessment of Placements

The monitoring and assessment of placements are carried out in accordance with criteria determined by the department. Students receive supervisory support throughout the placement and proceed in accordance with the specified reporting system relating to their placement work.

Students are required to comply with the placement's attendance requirements. Attendance at placements is monitored in accordance with the rules set out in the contract signed with the student.

Process Monitoring and Assessment

Students participating in the placement are required to prepare weekly progress reports detailing their work and submit them to their academic tutors on time. These reports are used to monitor the student’s professional development and to assess their placement performance.

Students document the work they carry out during the placement to create a Placement File. This file serves as a detailed report containing the student’s observations, assessments and interventions throughout the entire placement period. The Placement File comprises an organisation introduction, review and evaluation report; a problem area review and evaluation report; a weekly process report; and a placement course attendance record.

Ethical Principles and Professional Responsibilities

Students are required to act in accordance with the ethical principles of the social work profession throughout the placement period. Full compliance with the principles of client confidentiality and privacy must be ensured. Furthermore, students must work in a disciplined, organised manner and in accordance with the institutional structure throughout the process.

Supervision and Counselling Process

Supervisory support is provided to students during their placements. Educational advisers and organisational advisers monitor and guide students’ professional development. Students are required to attend meetings organised by their educational advisers and must report any issues encountered during the placement process to their advisers.

Assessment of Student Performance

The student’s performance during the placement is assessed by the academic tutor responsible for the course. The academic tutor grades the student based on placement reports, feedback from supervision meetings, and the professional skills demonstrated throughout the placement.
 

The institutional supervisor, on the other hand, observes the student’s professional performance within the organisation where the placement is taking place and provides feedback. However, the final assessment is carried out by the educational supervisor.

These procedures and principles shall come into force following approval by the Gazi University Senate and shall be implemented from the relevant academic year onwards.