Critical practice
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource you should understand how to apply the theories and techniques of reflective practice and develop critical thinking and reasoning skills.
As social work students at pre-qualifying or post-qualifying stages of your career development, you will encounter requirements and expectations to be critical. But often this seems to be quite different to what is expected in the workplace. Why is this? In what ways does the dimension of being 'critical' change your practice or your reflection upon practice?
Being critical in an academic and professional social work context is not the same thing as the quite common use of the word in everyday talk. That is, it doesn't mean for you to criticise in a negative sense. Although there may be a small element of criticism in your academic written work, this is more to do with a sociological sense of theoretical critique and developing your own arguments.
Other questions that can arise are: Why are there often references to 'working with uncertainty'? What is reflexivity?
This short article sets out to answer some of these questions and provide a starting point to help understand why criticality is an important professional requirement.
Reflective Questions
- Are you clear about the different expectations for you, as a social work student, to be 'critical' in your academic work and in your practice?
- What is meant by an 'open and not-knowing' approach in social work and what are the implications for you in demonstrating practice competence and capability?
- How does 'reflexivity' work and why is it particularly important in critical social work practice?
- Are there barriers for you in your practice setting in practising critically and how can you overcome them?