Concept of Field Work with Historical Background & Objectives

Information about field work:

Field work is a peer supervises of learning process a qualitative study qualitative, quantitative data or information. Knowledge synthesizes and integrates knowledge what is learning in the class room or in laboratory (human services). 

Field work is an integral part of the social work education. Historically the profession of social work has considered field work a primary means of providing student opportunity to acquire knowledge value and skills. Simply we can say field work refers the process or approach in which social knowledge, value, principles and other social work related discipline are exercised in the arena of social service welfare and sustainable development. 

Field work means to work in the field work agency. It is considered an integral part of social work education. In this process, we get opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and techniques in the field work agency to meet the social problems. Social work emphasize on field work to practice or apply its knowledge.

In the field of social work, Field Work is such a way through which the apprentice social workers get the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge acquired in the class. For this, an apprentice social worker has to apply his knowledge and skills of social work in real sphere under a supervisor. 

Field Work provides the students opportunity to realize how social problems are influencing the individuals, group, family, organization, and community. Moreover Field Work enables a student to understand the roles and functions of social policy, law, and social service related organization, network and community resources. In total, practical training gives a chance to a student to observe the role of a social worker in total problem solving process. About this statement it is said that, the objective of the fieldwork programme in social work education is to provide the student with actual experience in applying social work methods and enable him or her to become familiar with real work of practice. That is to relate academic theory to concrete reality as found in the agency setting. It also aims to allow the student to test himself/herself to develop sense of professional discipline to gain self-confidence and to feel him or herself a social worker with beginning competence. 

Historical Background:

On the view of field work social work is a dynamic and updated discipline than the other discipline of arts and social science faculty. But field work is not a ready made product of present time. It shows a aged history like social work education Initial stages of field work was not systematic and organized. One of the great pioneer of the social work Mary Richmond first introduced social work practice and she wrote a dramatic and historical book named “Social Diagnosis”. Whishworth, P.I. Park and has inaugurated field practice at the Chicago University of America to evaluate and monitor urban poverty by their students. Dr. Emerson has taken initiatives to send the medical student to social agency at the John Hopkins University in 1902. 

Fieldwork practice is indispensable part of social work education. National Social Service Academy of Social Service Department of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh has organized short training course for its Social Service officers and field worker in 1963. Generally three-type training has organized by the department like internal training, primary training and reefers course. 

From the mid 18th century to the end of the 19th century social work has evolved from societies to assist and reform a year of full time academic study. Now all over the world there are many courses on social work education. After the independence from then British, India, Pakistan was facing many socio economic problems and government sought United Nations help. After government request UN sent an expert team. According to their recommendation a short course of three months were introduced in 1953 to produce skilled social worker. 

In the meaning V-AID program in 1953 and urban community development program were expanding quickly by the government and voluntary organizations. As a result concerned authority felt the need of starting higher education on social work. And in 1959 Dhaka University started MA course on social work and also established social work college and research center which was inaugurated by Lt. Colonel Azam khan on 19th March 1963 for its own building. In 1958-59 Social welfare College & Researce, in 1965-65. Rajshahi University & in 1992-93 Shahajalal University & under National University started Hon's & Masters Degree with compulsory Field work. 

Objectives of Field Work:

• The objectives of Field Work are: 
• Making contribution for getting student acquainted comprehensively with all types of social work profession 
• Creating a due environment to make students self-consciousness. 
• Along with studies the attitude and the skill of the students should have a balanced display in the classroom. 
• Making opportunities available to the students to apply social work methods and be experienced. 
• Taking necessary steps so that students can acquire primary experience of social work profession.