Evaluation of 120-day practice learning opportunity published
We’ve published the evaluation of the 120-day practice learning opportunity (PLO) that was offered to final year social work students from three universities in the west of Scotland as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The evaluation outlines the extent to which the implementation of the 120-day placement, in combination with an Advanced Skills Module, enabled students to meet the practice standards required for newly-qualified social workers. The research was undertaken by a team of experienced, Scotland-based social workers, educators, consultants and researchers. Its objectives were to:
- identify the key barriers and enablers to preparation for, and delivery of, the 120-day PLO
- assess the success of the 120-day PLO according to agreed learning outcomes and social work standards
- assess the sustainability of the 120-day PLO, including its potential for wider delivery post-pandemic
Who is this evaluation report for?
Those with direct or indirect responsibility for the design and delivery of social work training courses will find this report useful reading.
While the evaluation’s findings do not provide sufficient evidence to recommend a simple repeat of the model in its current form, the learning will make an important contribution to ongoing discussions about the future shape and infrastructure for social work practice learning in Scotland.
