Thinking and Thinking About Thinking: A Qualitative Study of Learning in a Process-Centric Teaching Model

• Published in: Journal of social work education Vol. 56; no. 1; pp. 115 - 130
• Main Authors: Miller, Shari E., Topple, Trasie A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Routledge 02-01-2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: 21st century; 21st Century Skills; Attitude Change; Behavior; Behavior Patterns; Consciousness; Constructionism; Counselor Training; Critical Thinking; Empathy; Grounded Theory; Learning; Learning Processes; Majors (Students); Professional training; Qualitative research; Social Environment; Social Work; Social work education; Student Attitudes; Students; Teaching; Teaching Methods; Thinking Skills; Undergraduate Students
• ISSN: 1043-7797; 2163-5811
• DOI: 10.1080/10437797.2019.1648224

In the 21st-century sociotechnical context where humans are steeped in information, approaches to social work education that foster students' capacities to critically consume and be well poised to reflexively apply information are critical. This article presents findings from a qualitative study designed to deepen understanding of social work students' thinking, thinking about thinking, and changes that emerged through a process-centric approach to human behavior in the social environment. Data were gathered from 52 students and analyzed thematically using a constructionist-informed grounded theory framework. An overarching theme of deepening empathic awareness emerged, with three nested subthemes, capturing shifts in thinking. This article offers a conceptual framework that emerged from the data that can inform the development of process-centric approaches to social work education and future research.