The only practical guide for helping social work students create high-quality applied capstone research projects from start to finishThis "mentor-in-a-book" provides social work students with invaluable information on designing, implementing, and presenting first-rate applied research projects focused on improving social work programs and services. Taking students step-by-step through the entire process, the book helps students plan their projects by providing descriptions of the various research methodologies that can be used to improve social work programs and services. It offers extensive instruction on how to write effectively by providing detailed information on all written components of capstone research projects, as well as the dos and don'ts of writing research reports. Covering data collection methods, program evaluation, organization and community needs assessments, practice-effectiveness studies, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis, this brand-new book also addresses best practices for presenting findings upon completion of the applied research project. Additional features include abundant case examples demonstrating the application of theory to practice and an examination of both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, while also helping students demonstrate social work practice competencies within their capstone projects. Practice activities in each chapter help students apply knowledge to their research projects; and technology exercises help students master important digital research techniques. A capstone project checklist and competency log help students monitor progress, and QR codes provide supplementary support and resources. Additional resources include competency rubrics, detailed group exercises for each chapter, and a sample syllabus for faculty. Purchase of the book includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers. Key Features: Delivers step-by-step information on creating high-quality social work capstone projects from conception through presentation Includes a detailed summary of the major applied research approaches to improving social work programs and services Explains how to research literature and write a problem statement on a social service issue Contains extensive information on how to write effective capstone research papers along with abundant examples Helps students to demonstrate social work practice competencies Offers case examples throughout to demonstrate the application of theory to practice Presents practice activities and technology exercises in each chapter Provides a capstone project checklist and competency log Includes QR codes providing additional resources for each chapter

Helps students to integrate social work education with field placement learning experiences in a purposeful, reflective, and unified manner This authoritative text is designed to help BSW and MSW students structure their field placement learning around the nine CSWE profession social work competencies to maximize their field placement learning opportunities. The new second edition is completely updated with the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Learning activities in each chapter provide examples of field placement tasks and projects related to chapter topics and competencies. The second edition also threads new content on anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and rights-based approaches to social work practice throughout. The chapters in Part I focus on helping students have a successful field placement experience. Each chapter in Part II focuses on a specific professional competency with substantive content on the competency. All chapters have field reflection questions, critical thinking questions, a detailed case summary illustrating one or more competencies with discussion questions, learning activities and electronic competency resource links to websites and videos. Instructors will welcome chapter PowerPoints and an Instructor's Manual with case assignments, grading rubrics, and peer-to-peer small group discussion assignments. Purchase includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers. New to the Second Edition: Completely updated with the 2022 EPAS New chapter on understanding the organizational culture of the field placement agency and its relationship to the community—a critical component for having a productive field placement experience New information on developing a performance improvement plan in supervision chapter Recent research on social work policy practice and relevant policy changes impacting social welfare policies, and special policy priorities established by NASW Key Features: Helps students to maximize field placement experience by linking field placement activities to social work competencies Delivers learning activities for each competency to help students structure their field placements Includes downloadable student resources, such as a competency reflection log to facilitate data-driven evaluations Includes electronic resources with QR codes for each chapter Addresses interprofessional writing and collaboration and self-care