This workshop explores the use of contemporary film to enhance the transfer of learning in social work education. It discusses ways film can enrich the learning process and aid social work students understanding of many disciplines in the social sciences including Human Development, Culture, Social Policy and Psychology.
The literature indicates that if used effectively, film can enrich student’s use of critical thinking; analysis and synthesis as they apply theories form the social sciences to scenarios they view in films.
To test this evidence an investigative survey was developed to ascertain the value of using film from a social work student viewpoint. The participants in this study were students enrolled across the three years of the Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences (Social Work) at the Waikato Institute of Technology.
The research was carried out through the use of in-depth focus groups, a questionnaire and an analysis of themes emerging from student course evaluations. Key themes emerging from the study will be discussed.