Practicum education is the signature pedagogy for social work. The intent of practicum is to integrate the theoretical and conceptual contribution of the classroom with the practical world of the practice setting. It is a basic precept of social work education that the two interrelated components of curriculum—classroom and practicum—are of equal importance within the curriculum, and each contributes to the development of the requisite competencies of professional practice. Practicum education is systematically designed, supervised, coordinated, and evaluated based on criteria by which students demonstrate the Social Work Competencies. Practicum education may integrate forms of technology as a component of the program.

Welcome to the practicum education page of Georgia State’s School of Social Work. This site is designed to facilitate the practicum education experience for all those involved– students, supervisors, task supervisors, and faculty liaisons. It also provides useful information for prospective students, practicum supervisors, and practicum agencies/organizations.

Practicum education at Georgia State is organized and implemented as a partnership between the educational community and the practice community in training future social work practitioners. Within this partnership, there are three key people to the success of practicum education experience: the student, supervisor, and faculty liaison. First is the student, who possesses the willingness and desire to observe, learn, take action, and reflect.  The student’s professional development is guided and nurtured by the practicum supervisor whose role as teacher is pivotal in the student’s evaluation of self as an emerging professional social worker. The faculty liaison’s role is to provide ongoing support and information to the student and the practicum supervisor. Communication among all parties is critical in meeting the objectives of practicum education and maintaining a healthy partnership. Ongoing feedback is welcomed from all parties.

A practicum education advisory board of community practitioners offers continued input as well. This advisory board of experienced practitioners provides guidance and expert knowledge in practicum education and enhancing the partnership between the School’s practicum education office and community agencies/organizations.

Thank you for your interest in practicum education for social workers. If you are in need of additional information after browsing this site, please contact me.

Dr. Renanda Wood Dear, LMSW
Director of Practicum Education

(404) 413 – 1057
[email protected]