Theory - Narrative Therapy
Definition - Narrative Therapy is used in clinical and community work and assumes that individuals are experts in their own lives. Narrative Therapy also separates problems from people and assumes that people have skills and talents that they can use to change their relationships to their problems.
Narrative Therapy Centre of Toronto. (n.d.). About Narrative Therapy Retrieved from http://www.narrativetherapycentre.com/narrative.html
Application - Narrative Therapy can be used in community work through helping the community inventory their own strengths and by consulting with the community on the problems they face to ensure that solutions to problems are driven by:
1. What the community says their problems are and
2. The strengths, skills, and talents of the community
Narrative Therapy will also help the community separate the problems they face from their identity and create a critical consciousness around what creates problems in their communities.
Alternative Application - Narrative therapy can be used in therapy with individuals in much the same way. It empowers individuals to construct their own solutions to problems that are external to them and allows them to inventory their own strengths that can be used to change their relationship to the problems they face.
Showing posts with label Grace Kozak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grace Kozak. Show all posts
Monday, October 26, 2015
Solution Focused Practice Model
Theory - Solution Focused Practice Model
Definition - In the solution focused practice model, you start by visualizing the solution and then come up with the steps to lead to the solution. It helps to imagine the best case scenario to be able to aim high in coming to a good solution.
Augsburg.edu. (n.d.). Theories, Models, and Perspectives: A Cheat Sheet for Field Instructors. Retrieved from http://web.augsburg.edu/socialwork/msw/pdfs/cheatsheet.pdf
Application - This could be used in community development by working with the community to envision what their perfect community would look like and then work to fill in the steps it would take to get to the end goal. This would help in strategic planning to ensure that all of the goals of the community are addressed at the earliest planning stages.
Alternative application - In designing a higher education curriculum, adminstrators could work with students to envision what the goals of a four year degree should be and what students should be able to accomplish in terms of their thinking skills when they graduate. The curriculum could be developed based on what the end goals of what students should be able to do.
Definition - In the solution focused practice model, you start by visualizing the solution and then come up with the steps to lead to the solution. It helps to imagine the best case scenario to be able to aim high in coming to a good solution.
Augsburg.edu. (n.d.). Theories, Models, and Perspectives: A Cheat Sheet for Field Instructors. Retrieved from http://web.augsburg.edu/socialwork/msw/pdfs/cheatsheet.pdf
Application - This could be used in community development by working with the community to envision what their perfect community would look like and then work to fill in the steps it would take to get to the end goal. This would help in strategic planning to ensure that all of the goals of the community are addressed at the earliest planning stages.
Alternative application - In designing a higher education curriculum, adminstrators could work with students to envision what the goals of a four year degree should be and what students should be able to accomplish in terms of their thinking skills when they graduate. The curriculum could be developed based on what the end goals of what students should be able to do.
Task Centered Practice Model
Theory - Task Centered Practice Model
Definition - The task centered practice model, frequently used in therapeutic relationships, refers to breaking down a large task into smaller, more manageable tasks that are easier to accomplish.
Augsburg.edu. (n.d.). Theories, Models, and Perspectives: A Cheat Sheet for Field Instructors. Retrieved from http://web.augsburg.edu/socialwork/msw/pdfs/cheatsheet.pdf
Application - In community development, using the task centered practice model would be helpful. This is essentially a well-developed logic model, in which one large goal is broken down into inputs, outputs, and outcomes. Using the task centered model could break down one large, somewhat overwhelming, development project into more manageable bites.
Alternative application - In construction, rather than thinking of finishing building a house as one large project, it would be critical to break down the project into discrete parts such as drywalling, electrical engineering, and insulating. This will minimize confusion and make sure the project flows smoothly with a concrete plan, rather than many actors operating in a confusing manor with little communication between the actors. This is why having a skilled contractor is important.
Definition - The task centered practice model, frequently used in therapeutic relationships, refers to breaking down a large task into smaller, more manageable tasks that are easier to accomplish.
Augsburg.edu. (n.d.). Theories, Models, and Perspectives: A Cheat Sheet for Field Instructors. Retrieved from http://web.augsburg.edu/socialwork/msw/pdfs/cheatsheet.pdf
Application - In community development, using the task centered practice model would be helpful. This is essentially a well-developed logic model, in which one large goal is broken down into inputs, outputs, and outcomes. Using the task centered model could break down one large, somewhat overwhelming, development project into more manageable bites.
Alternative application - In construction, rather than thinking of finishing building a house as one large project, it would be critical to break down the project into discrete parts such as drywalling, electrical engineering, and insulating. This will minimize confusion and make sure the project flows smoothly with a concrete plan, rather than many actors operating in a confusing manor with little communication between the actors. This is why having a skilled contractor is important.
Problem Solving Practice Model
Theory - Problem solving practice model
Definition - Commonly used in the therapeutic context, problem solving refers to understanding a problem and then brainstorming solutions and then having the client (or community) choose the best option.
Augsburg.edu. (n.d.). Theories, Models, and Perspectives: A Cheat Sheet for Field Instructors. Retrieved from http://web.augsburg.edu/socialwork/msw/pdfs/cheatsheet.pdf
Application - If there is a community development problem that comes up, such as having too many priorities and not having enough resources to meet the goals of each priority, you could use the problem solving model. First, as a community, you could brainstorm to prioritize projects and then how to get resources into the most important projects. Finally, this will help create an action plan to get the priorities done.
Adaptation - This could be done in therapy if a client has a problem such as not knowing what to do to resolve a client with a family member. The client and the therapist can work together to come up with possibilities to resolve the conflict and then the client can choose the option they think will be the most effective.
Definition - Commonly used in the therapeutic context, problem solving refers to understanding a problem and then brainstorming solutions and then having the client (or community) choose the best option.
Augsburg.edu. (n.d.). Theories, Models, and Perspectives: A Cheat Sheet for Field Instructors. Retrieved from http://web.augsburg.edu/socialwork/msw/pdfs/cheatsheet.pdf
Application - If there is a community development problem that comes up, such as having too many priorities and not having enough resources to meet the goals of each priority, you could use the problem solving model. First, as a community, you could brainstorm to prioritize projects and then how to get resources into the most important projects. Finally, this will help create an action plan to get the priorities done.
Adaptation - This could be done in therapy if a client has a problem such as not knowing what to do to resolve a client with a family member. The client and the therapist can work together to come up with possibilities to resolve the conflict and then the client can choose the option they think will be the most effective.
Dichotomous, or black and white thinking
Theory: dichotomous thinking
Definition: A concept from mental health practice in which an individual tends to view the world as "black and white" and is only capable of seeing the extremes in a situation. They tend to see the world as all good or all bad.
Salters-Pedneault, K. (2014) Dichotomous Thinking. Retrieved from http://bpd.about.com/od/glossary/g/dichot.htm
Application: In the community development setting, this theory could be applied if a community was getting discouraged by lack of "big victories." If a community only saw success as getting every single one of their goals met, then they might easily get discouraged if the change happened more incrementally or slowly. An organizer could help the community to see partial victories in a more positive light.
Alternative application: in treating someone with an eating disorder, a clinician could help their client learn how to look at themselves more positively if the individual thought they were failures for not being "perfect enough" or "skinny enough." Using cognitive behavioral therapy in this context could help the client be more content with where they're at and not think so much in dichotomous way.
Definition: A concept from mental health practice in which an individual tends to view the world as "black and white" and is only capable of seeing the extremes in a situation. They tend to see the world as all good or all bad.
Salters-Pedneault, K. (2014) Dichotomous Thinking. Retrieved from http://bpd.about.com/od/glossary/g/dichot.htm
Application: In the community development setting, this theory could be applied if a community was getting discouraged by lack of "big victories." If a community only saw success as getting every single one of their goals met, then they might easily get discouraged if the change happened more incrementally or slowly. An organizer could help the community to see partial victories in a more positive light.
Alternative application: in treating someone with an eating disorder, a clinician could help their client learn how to look at themselves more positively if the individual thought they were failures for not being "perfect enough" or "skinny enough." Using cognitive behavioral therapy in this context could help the client be more content with where they're at and not think so much in dichotomous way.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Critical Pedagogy
Definition - "Critical pedagogy considers how education can
provide individuals with the tools to better themselves and strengthen
democracy, to create a more egalitarian and just society, and thus to deploy
education in a process of progressive social change."
21st Century Schools (n.d.). Criticial Pedagogy Retrieved from http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/critical_pedagogy.htm
Application - Critical pedagogy is applicable to community development because community development focuses on helping whole communities create changes for themselves. Critical pedagogy does just that by giving communities the tools to help themselves rather than us as social workers creating "solutions" for them without understanding the community
Alternate Application - This theory could also be applicable to parents. Rather than constantly "solving problems" for their kids, parents can teach kids how to solve their own problems and encourage them to work through obstacles on their own after giving them the tools to do so.
21st Century Schools (n.d.). Criticial Pedagogy Retrieved from http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/critical_pedagogy.htm
Application - Critical pedagogy is applicable to community development because community development focuses on helping whole communities create changes for themselves. Critical pedagogy does just that by giving communities the tools to help themselves rather than us as social workers creating "solutions" for them without understanding the community
Alternate Application - This theory could also be applicable to parents. Rather than constantly "solving problems" for their kids, parents can teach kids how to solve their own problems and encourage them to work through obstacles on their own after giving them the tools to do so.
Marginality and Mattering (Schlossberg, 1989)
Theory - Marginality and Mattering (Schlossberg, 1989)
Definition - this theory was developed to explain what makes students more likely to transition to college. Schlossberg theorized that the success or failure of a student's transition (e.g. from their hometown to University) is directly related to the level to which they feel they matter in their new environment.
Evergreen State College. (n.d.) Community Development Theories. Retrieved from http://www.evergreen.edu/housing/RAManual/section2.2combuild.htm
Application - Marginality and Mattering is critical to community development. Ensuring that all community members who want to be part of the community's development have an opportunity to do so and to feel that they matter. This is what will make them feel included in the group and make them want to stay.
Alternative Application - This theory could be applied to the school of social work and SEED week. SEED week was designed to build group cohesion, which will keep people in the school of social work from being marginalized and help them feel they matter within the school. This will help make sure the school of social work has high graduation rates.
Definition - this theory was developed to explain what makes students more likely to transition to college. Schlossberg theorized that the success or failure of a student's transition (e.g. from their hometown to University) is directly related to the level to which they feel they matter in their new environment.
Evergreen State College. (n.d.) Community Development Theories. Retrieved from http://www.evergreen.edu/housing/RAManual/section2.2combuild.htm
Application - Marginality and Mattering is critical to community development. Ensuring that all community members who want to be part of the community's development have an opportunity to do so and to feel that they matter. This is what will make them feel included in the group and make them want to stay.
Alternative Application - This theory could be applied to the school of social work and SEED week. SEED week was designed to build group cohesion, which will keep people in the school of social work from being marginalized and help them feel they matter within the school. This will help make sure the school of social work has high graduation rates.
Group Behavior (Lewin, 1952)
Theory - Group Behavior
Definition - Born out of Lewin's research in the 1950s, Group Behavior theory essentially states that people will support things they helped create.
Evergreen State College. (n.d.) Community Development Theories. Retrieved from http://www.evergreen.edu/housing/RAManual/section2.2combuild.htm
Application - This theory is particularly apt to community development because it speaks to the importance of community ownership of development projects. Community members need to be involved from the very beginning of development projects, including coming up with the community issues that need solutions. This involvement will help ensure the project's success because the community will work hard to ensure it succeeds.
Alternate Application - Parents could use Group Behavior Theory to plan activities with their kids. Giving their kids choices and let them make their own decisions will give their kids agency and ensure buy-in to the activities.
Definition - Born out of Lewin's research in the 1950s, Group Behavior theory essentially states that people will support things they helped create.
Evergreen State College. (n.d.) Community Development Theories. Retrieved from http://www.evergreen.edu/housing/RAManual/section2.2combuild.htm
Application - This theory is particularly apt to community development because it speaks to the importance of community ownership of development projects. Community members need to be involved from the very beginning of development projects, including coming up with the community issues that need solutions. This involvement will help ensure the project's success because the community will work hard to ensure it succeeds.
Alternate Application - Parents could use Group Behavior Theory to plan activities with their kids. Giving their kids choices and let them make their own decisions will give their kids agency and ensure buy-in to the activities.
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Operant Conditioning
Operant Conditioning is changing of behavior by the use of reinforcement which is given after the desired response. There are three kinds: neutral, reinforcers, and punishers.
Application: Operant Conditioning could come up in community development work if you were working with a marginalized population. Marginalized populations are constantly given punishers, discouraging them from trying a behavior again. For instance, many African Americans were punished for exercising the right to vote, some even dying for it. This discouraged voting in the African American community for a while, but eventually activists in the community reinforced the behavior of voting by fighting for the end of Jim Crow laws.
Adaption: operant conditioning can be applied to teaching. When teaching a difficult concept, a teacher could reinforce curiosity and initiative by rewarding students as they grasped the concepts, encouraging that kind of behavior in the future.
McLeod, S. (2007). Skinner, Operant Conditioning. retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html
Application: Operant Conditioning could come up in community development work if you were working with a marginalized population. Marginalized populations are constantly given punishers, discouraging them from trying a behavior again. For instance, many African Americans were punished for exercising the right to vote, some even dying for it. This discouraged voting in the African American community for a while, but eventually activists in the community reinforced the behavior of voting by fighting for the end of Jim Crow laws.
Adaption: operant conditioning can be applied to teaching. When teaching a difficult concept, a teacher could reinforce curiosity and initiative by rewarding students as they grasped the concepts, encouraging that kind of behavior in the future.
McLeod, S. (2007). Skinner, Operant Conditioning. retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html
Social Constructionism
Social Constructionism: How sociocultural and historical contexts shape individuals and the creation of knowledge; How individuals create themselves
Application - This theory is particularly important to community development work, because context is critical in how anyone sees the world. As someone from rural Indiana, I might see the world very differently than someone from Detroit, and this is something I must always keep in mind when working with a new community. I must deconstruct my social constructs in order to see things a new way.
Adaption - This theory can be applied to the field of marketing. The goal of marketing is to sell a product or idea, and smart marketers will target their messages differently in different contexts. People in the deep south might be more responsive to certain types of messages than people in midwest because of their social constructs. This is why marketers do market research, in order to make their ideas and products more palatable to different markets.
apu.edu (2008). Overview of Theories of Human Behavior & The Social Environment. retrieved from from: http://home.apu.edu/~ksetterlund/2012-2013/theories%20handout%20with%20terminology.pdf
Application - This theory is particularly important to community development work, because context is critical in how anyone sees the world. As someone from rural Indiana, I might see the world very differently than someone from Detroit, and this is something I must always keep in mind when working with a new community. I must deconstruct my social constructs in order to see things a new way.
Adaption - This theory can be applied to the field of marketing. The goal of marketing is to sell a product or idea, and smart marketers will target their messages differently in different contexts. People in the deep south might be more responsive to certain types of messages than people in midwest because of their social constructs. This is why marketers do market research, in order to make their ideas and products more palatable to different markets.
apu.edu (2008). Overview of Theories of Human Behavior & The Social Environment. retrieved from from: http://home.apu.edu/~ksetterlund/2012-2013/theories%20handout%20with%20terminology.pdf
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