Social science week 6 assignment: improve practice using evidence | SOCW 6002 – Changing Lives, Changing Society: Introduction to Social Work | Walden University

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Skill Building Goals

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Pursuing a graduate social work degree at Walden University requires academic achievement. The foundation of this journey is academic skill development, which helps students thrive in research, critical thinking, and communication. Refining these abilities is essential in social work, where knowledge is utilized to meet vulnerable populations’ needs. This paper discusses the importance of academic abilities, focuses on three objectives, and proposes a plan to achieve them in four weeks to guarantee a successful and effective academic journey.

Goal 1:  Improve Research and Information Literacy

In academia, research and information literacy are the foundation of academic work. Researching and critically assessing information sources are my first academic skill-building objective. This goal is crucial because it affects academic paper quality and social work’s evidence-based practices (Cox et al., 2019).

Specific Goal: I aim to improve my research skills and capacity to evaluate information sources critically.

Measurable: I will track the number of academic publications and reliable sources I use in my assignments to track my development. This quantitative statistic will track my progress.

Achievable: This aim is easily attainable using Walden University’s considerable resources. I will use the library’s wide resources, internet databases, and related courses to develop strong research skills.

Relevant: Producing high-quality academic papers, the lifeblood of graduate study, requires this competence. It also supports social work’s evidence-based practice philosophy.

Timely: I set a timetable since this aim is urgent. Walden’s research training courses will occupy me for four weeks. I hope to use these new abilities immediately to improve my research skills for MSW program issues.

Goal 2: Improve Academic Writing and Communication

The art of effective written communication is academic achievement and social work competency. My second academic skill-building goal is to write effectively and simply about complex subjects (Reisch, 2016).

Specific goal: My objective is to improve my ability to explain complicated ideas, theories, and insights.

Measurable: My written assignments and the professor’s comments will determine my progress toward this aim. Improved clarity, coherence, and conciseness will show skill improvement.

Achievable: Walden University’s Writing Center has several writing guidelines and tutoring programs to help me achieve my objective. As I improve my writing, these materials will help me.

Relevant: Effective communication, particularly writing, is essential in social work and academia. Successful practice requires clear communication with coworkers, clients, and stakeholders.

Timely: I have a proactive strategy to improve my writing and communication abilities. Regular writing practice will occur over the following four weeks. I also plan to ask Walden University writing instructors for advice. These timely steps will keep my growth constant and quantifiable.

Goal 3: Improve Organization and Time Management

Effective time management is crucial in the fast-paced world of graduate study. My third academic skill-building goal is to improve my time management to balance school, assignments, and personal obligations (Cox et al., 2019).

Specific Goal: My specific objective is to master time management so I can balance academics, assignments, and life.

Measurable: Meeting assignment deadlines and, more importantly, eliminating procrastination will measure progress toward this target. Meeting deadlines and avoiding procrastination will demonstrate my progress.

Achievable: I aim to use Walden University’s extensive time management tools and services. This offers time management training and professional advice to improve these abilities.

Relevant: Time management is essential for academic success and social work program rigor. My academic experience and future as a well-rounded and skilled social worker are linked.

Timely: I will start a time management strategy quickly since I need to improve. I will strictly follow this strategy in the following four weeks and properly record its performance. This timeline will let me assess my progress and make modifications in real time.

In conclusion, the academic skill-building goals in this essay are crucial to my success in Walden University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program and my future social work practice. These aims represent the foundation of my ability to improve the lives of the people I serve, not only academic endeavors. Research and information literacy, academic writing and communication, and time management are interconnected abilities that will empower me as a student and potential social worker. These abilities are the bedrock upon which my academic and professional progress will bloom, allowing me to deliver evidence-based, compassionate, and effective services to needy people, families, and communities. I also want to use Walden University’s extensive academic skill assistance tools to achieve these objectives. The university’s resources, seminars, and professional advice will help me grow my skills. With this unwavering devotion and Walden’s resources, I am ready to develop and succeed academically and professionally.

References

Cox, L. E., Tice, C. J., & Long, D. D. (2019).
Introduction to social work: An advocacy-based profession. Sage Publications.

Reisch, M. (2016). Why Macro Practice Matters.
Human Service Organizations: Management, Leadership & Governance,
41(1), 6–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/23303131.2016.1179537