A participative learning and teaching model: The partnership of students and teachers in practice teaching

Abstract

This paper presents a student-centred, collaborative, and participative practice teaching model for social work. The model is a learning and teaching method undertaken 'with' rather than 'for' students, and its process and outcomes are owned by the team. The relationship between students and teachers develops during a mutual learning process and there is less power disparity between the two parties. The students are empowered to be more independent and interdependent. They take greater control of their own learning by participating in the planning and implementation of service projects, while benefiting from the modelling provided by their practice teachers. The participative learning and teaching model can be adopted at university-based practice centres through collaboration with other academic facilities and community organizations. It provides students with an opportunity to gain professional values, knowledge, and skills. Students also gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of civic responsibility and prepare themselves for serving the community.