Book review

Title: Critical Learning for Social Work Students
Author: Sue Jones
Year: 2009
Edition: 1
Number of pages: 144
Publisher: Learning Matters
ISBN: 9781844452019 
Price: £16.00
Reviewer: Caroline James, Practice Educator, Childline
Review date: 23/09/2009

For further information

This book is aimed at social work students to help them acquire the skills needed to critically read, write and use critical reasoning in their thinking. It would also be useful for qualified social workers and allied health, education and community professionals, as it will help them to look at their work afresh and deepen their understanding of professional practice. I would use this book in my work as a practice educator with social work students on placement. It will be invaluable for students in the preparation and writing of assignments, particularly mature students who are returning to academic study after some time. For students who get feedback that they have not critically evaluated the topic sufficiently, this book is just what they need.

The book is clearly written and guides the reader through the skills and abilities of critical learning to enable them to question, read, write and reason at deeper levels of understanding. Formative exercises and examples are used to lead the reader towards developing their ability and gain an understanding of the academic qualities needed in being a critical learner.  The book helps to develop the ability to defend views and arguments in such a way as to target more appropriately what markers are looking for. It shows that strong critical reasoning skills enable the practitioner to demonstrate personal integrity, the ability to bear the emotional content of the work and hold a knowledgeable position within an anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory framework.

There are learning activities in every chapter plus recommended further reading and suggested websites to consolidate the topics covered. As with all the Learning Matters series, at the start of each chapter there is a list of the key roles and NOS covered. In the introduction there is an exploration of what ‘critical’ means plus a list and explanation of the abilities needed.

The first chapter looks at developing critical questions with a view to enabling the reader to create ones that will lead them to be more critical in composing assignments. It also reflects on how to move from fundamental question-posing to critical question-posing and identify what kind of learner they are. There is also an exercise to judge their current critical questioning abilities and an explanation of how to use their critical learning log to identify areas for further development.

Chapter 2 is about developing critical reading and explores focusing, selecting and weighing up evidence.  The language of critical reading is examined, followed by a comprehensive list of terms, plus a look at how to use annotation. There are activities to complete, including a quiz and a creative exercise of writing your own critical reading haiku.

Chapter 3 covers developing critical writing, defining what this is; tips and tricks in critical writing language plus understanding how to use punctuation. Another section looks at using metaphor and simile to highlight learning. The chapter ends with a look at summarising and editing plus a useful checklist for critical writing.

Chapter 4 is devoted to developing critical reasoning and covers topics like using premises and paragraphs; how to be a persuader and protagonist; identifying assumptions, bias and hidden agendas; critiquing others and writing a reasoning haiku.

Chapter 5 is about developing as a critical practitioner and covers emotional intelligence; knowing and using your inner resources; having the courage to challenge; resisting pressure and striving for excellence. It brings together the elements that make up critical practice and introduces the reader to the dilemmas and tensions that can challenge their practice.

At the back of the book there are references, including a list of good websites, a comprehensive glossary of terms, an example of a critical learning log and a good, detailed index.

I would recommend this book to social work students, qualified practitioners and anyone returning to study who has to write academic assignments.