Evaluating in Practice

by Ian Shaw

Overview

Evaluation is not a self-contained phase of social work practice - one more dimension of the process - but a dimension of every phase. In this fully rewritten and updated second edition of his groundbreaking text Evaluating in Practice, Ian Shaw demonstrates how evaluation and inquiry are just as much practice tasks as planning, intervention and review. By demonstrating that good evaluating in practice helps sustain a commitment to evidence, understanding and justice, Shaw shows that for this to be achieved, evaluating in practice must permeate every aspect of social work. He: 1. Develops a framework for embedding evaluation and inquiry as a dimension of good practice in social work. 2. Demonstrates the central significance of a 'methodological practice' in social work that adapts, infuses, and translates social research methods as a dimension of the different aspects of social work, viz. assessment, planning, intervention, review and outcomes. 3. Facilitates good practice by exemplifying the argument through extensive worked examples and exercises. This book has much to say about the demanding skills that are necessary to achieve this shaping of practice and is a must-read for any social work student or practitioner.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780754678588
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/16/2011
Edition description:	2
Pages:	196
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Ian F. Shaw, Professor of Social Work, University of York, UK

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface to the second edition; Keeping social work honest; Walking the borders: practice and research; Practitioners talk; A frame for evaluating in practice; Interlude; New agenda, new methods: evaluating assessments and plans; Social work in action: evaluating the process of practice; The end game: evaluating outcomes; Developing evaluating in practice; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

'Shaw brings a rare depth of scholarship to examining evaluating in practice. He effectively combines ideas of forgotten scholars with the latest innovations in qualitative research. The result is a powerful reminder of the importance of reflective-mindedness in social work and related disciplines.' Mirja Satka, University of Jyväskylä, Finland 'Evaluating in Practice is a very important book that should be required reading for social work students and established professionals alike. The integration of social science knowledge illuminates aspects of social work practice that typically go unnoticed.' Catherine Kohler Riessman, Professor Emerita, Boston College, USA 'Fundamentally challenging conventional notions of practice and evaluation and utilizing thoughtful and carefully supported arguments, Shaw develops the notion that evaluating should be an integral dimension of every aspect of social work practice. In elegant prose he skillfully paces the reading experience and offers exercises for "taking it further", mapping a path toward enacting this new vision of methodological practice.' Karen M. Staller, University of Michigan, USA 'By deploying qualitative methods in practice, Evaluating in Practice moves fact/value discussions forward. Shaw's argument preserves values while maintaining critical inquiry; in short, he offers a "model" for practice not a "source."... Evaluating in Practice is a cogent argument for addressing the "conflict between instinctive judgement and theoretical conviction." Shaw has moved us beyond the usual either/or pitfalls and broken new ground for imagining how qualitative methods, evaluation, and practice are interdependent.' Qualitative Social Work 'This is an excellent book for all involved in social work practice for three reasons. Firstly, it clearly demonstrates how the use of qualitative evaluation and inquiry can enhance practice. Second, it emphasises the importance of methodologically-based practice, and, thirdly, it pr

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