Development, quality management and evaluation skills

Structure Type: Course
Code: KF08BOK0210
Level: Bachelor
Credits: 5.0 points
Teacher Team: Volanto, Sinikka ; Niinimäki, Asta ; Haapaharju, Arja
Language of Instruction: Finnish

Course Implementations, Planned Year of Study and Semester

Curriculum  Semester  Credits  Start of Semester  End of Semester
SOSALA-2013   3 spring   5.0   2016-01-01   2016-07-31  
SOSALA-2014   3 spring   5.0   2017-01-01   2017-07-31  

Learning Outcomes

Having completed the course successfully, students will identify development needs in social welfare services and they will know some methods of evaluating the quality and impact of services. Students will use knowledge produced by bodies that supervise the development of services and reconcile it with regional and local knowledge and development needs. Students will be competent in presenting their expertise and in contributing to multiprofessional collaboration.

Student's Workload

Total work load of the course 130 h (lectures, group work, reflection based on literature)

Prerequisites / Recommended Optional Courses

Major part of the first and second year study courses. The practical training periods "Social services producing social security" and "Psychosocial social work methods".

Contents

- Development methods
- Evaluation of service processes
- Quality and evaluation of services
- Foresight (anticipation)
- Quality systems
- Role of networks in developing services
- Co-operation in developing services

Recommended or Required Reading

The lecturer will inform students of the use of literature and material at the beginning of the course. Students will select literature based on the course topic and personal objectives. Sources must include material both in Finnish and in a foreign language.

Mode of Delivery / Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Lectures, exercises, individual and group assignment and discussions, online learning, reflection on literature, collaborative learning, visiting lecturers. Theoretical studies alternative with practice.

Assessment Criteria

Grade 1-2:
Students are able to define development, quality and evaluation in social work practice. Students know where to seek information to support their development and evaluation efforts.
Grade 3-4:
Students know how to use development and evaluation methods. They know how to apply knowledge, strategies and policy programmes produced by bodies that supervise development activities.
Grade 5:
Students are able to evaluate and analyse development needs, exlore impact and anticipate future in the social field. They know how to analyse prereqisites and consequences of development work. Students demonstrate ability to progressive enquiry and development and they are able contribute to the work of various networks as experts of their field.

Assessment Methods

Based on the general course objectives and personal interests, students compile a summary of their learning and write three reflective essays based on literature on development, quality and evaluation. Numerical assessment 1-5. Active participation is required throughout the course.

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