This study examines the effect of field instruction on assertiveness and tests the effectiveness of an assertiveness training program that was delivered concurrently with field education. Undergraduate field interns (N=27) were pre-post tested with the Assertiveness Self-Report Inventory during the first and last weeks of field education. Approximately half of the interns (n=13) received assertiveness training during the university-based field instruction seminar. Surprisingly, assertiveness scores did not change statistically from pretest to posttest, and the assertiveness training program failed to raise assertiveness. These counterintuitive findings are explored, and implications for social work education and practice are discussed.
Social workers are expected to advocate for their clients, particularly in situations where people are discriminated against and oppressed because of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, socio-economical status, sexual orientation, or physical disability (Council on Social Work Education, 1994). Social workers, “... must exercise [themselves] assertively in order to fulfill nearly all social work roles and functions” (Cournoyer, 1998, p. 11). Pardeck, et al. (1991), posit that social work education should increase a students assertiveness because increased assertiveness is critical to effective social work practice. Without an adequate repertoire of assertive skills, social workers will be prevented from affecting change and demonstrating the value of the social work profession (Eldridge, 1983). Although these are deeply held beliefs, the relationships between field education, assertiveness and advocacy have not been studied.
This study explores two research questions: 1) does assertiveness increase as a result of field education; and 2) whether an assertiveness training program, which is delivered concurrently with field education, can increase assertiveness.
FIELD INSTRUCTION: IS THE HEART OF SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION STILL BEATING IN THE EASTERN CAPE?