MSW ePortfolio

Updated 04/14/08

Learning Products Associated with
Concentration Year Learning Objectives

In using the following guidelines for items to include in your MSW Portfolio, keep in mind that:

1. You need to have at least 1 Learning Product to address each of the 13 Learning Objectives.

Child Welfare Scholars - Child welfare scholars are required to focus on child welfare related topics in preparing learning products for the MSW portfolio. Reflection statements should include how the learning product is related to child welfare and has aided in the preparation of the student to work in child welfare.

2. You normally must include at least one Learning Product from each of the 7 Concentration Year courses (i.e., SW 5235, 8102, 8441, 8331, & 8802; either 8332, 8031, or 8443; and either 8771 or 8881).

3. A single Learning Product can be used to address multiple Learning Objectives; as long as you include separate Reflection Statements for each Learning Objective (Reflection Statements are merely 1-2 page descriptions of how particular Learning Objectives demonstrate your having achieved particular Learning Objectives).

4. Although Learning Products will generally be selected from required course assignments, you have the option of requesting that particular outside-of-class projects be included instead (including those earned through Special Project or Independent Study coursework). You should make this request to your Portfolio Primary Reader.


Learning Products associated with
13 departmental Concentration Year learning objectives

1. Apply critical thinking skills and a systematic problem solving approach within professional contexts, including synthesizing and applying appropriate theories and knowledge to practice interventions. (M5.7.1)

• Policy analysis paper (SW 5235)
• Comparative analysis of 2 SW interventions (SW 8441)
• Research Proposal (SW 8102)
• Research Paper ,(SW 8100)
• Videotaped role plays (SW 8443)

2. Practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession and with an understanding of, and respect for, the positive value of diversity with an emphasis on American Indian families and communities. (M5.7.2)

•Taping Project Paper (SW 8100)
• Application of NASW Code of Ethics to a practice situation (SW 8802)
Resesarch Paper (SW 8100)

3. Demonstrate the professional use of self through reflection and feedback including the identification, development and evaluation of a personal practice model. (M5.7.3)

• PPM assignment (SW 8441)

4. Describe the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the strategies and skills for change that advance social and economic justice. (M5.7.4)

• WebX sharing or online discussion transcript (SW 5235)
• Taping Project Paper (SW 8100)
• Research paper on the effects of oppression and discrimination on child welfare policies (SW 8031)
• Report on community-based social justice project (SW 8332)

5. Apply the knowledge and skills of an advanced generalist social work perspective to practice that is organized around micro, mezzo and macro system levels. (M5.7.6)

• Research paper (SW 8100)
• Written description of field application (SW 8802)
• Videotaped role plays (SW 8443)
• Completing a community-based project (such as developing a non-profit, or writing a grant) (SW 8332)

6. Apply the knowledge and skills of advanced generalist social work with an emphasis on practice with American Indian and rural communities and with children and families. (M5.7.7)

• Class presentation and annotated bibliography on issue related to American Indian families (SW 8881)

7. Critically analyze and apply knowledge of bio-psycho-social variables that affect individual development and behavior, and use theoretical frameworks to understand the interactions among individuals and between individuals and social systems (i.e., families, groups, organizations, communities, societies, culture and global systems). (M5.7.8)

• Community Project (SW 8331)
• Paper and videotape class presentation on major child welfare issue (SW 8031)
• Completing a community-based project (such as developing a non-profit, or writing a grant) (SW 8332)
• Class presentation and annotated bibliography on issue related to American Indian families (SW 8881)
• Video tape role play demonstrating interviewing skills appropriate to different developmental stages (SW 5032)

8. Analyze the impact of social policies on client systems, workers, and agencies and demonstrate skills for influencing policy formulation and change. (M5.7.9)

• Policy analysis paper (SW 5235)
• Resesarch paper)(SW 8100)

9. Evaluate relevant research studies and apply findings to practice, and demonstrate skills in quantitative and qualitative research design, data analysis, and knowledge dissemination. (M5.7.10)

• Research Proposal (SW 8102) and data collection and analysis in an Advanced Practice course or Field II.

10. Conduct empirical evaluations of their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems. (M5.7.11)

• Research Proposal (SW 8102) and data collection and analysis in an Advanced Practice course or Field II.

11. Demonstrate cultural competence with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community (M5.7.12)

• Policy analysis paper (SW 5235)
• Class presentation and paper on cultural immersion project (research paper), (SW 8100)
• Paper on Terry Cross’ typology and organizational assessment (SW 8331)
• WebX discussion and self-reflection of community cultural event and participation in Learning Circle (SW 8881)

Note that Learning Objectives 12 & 13 must be met through Field II since there are no other courses in the curriculum that address them. These can be integrated into your field contract.

12. Use supervision and consultation appropriate to advanced generalist practice. (M5.7.13)

• 1-2 page description of the structure and dynamics of your supervisory relationship with your MSW Supervisor (SW 8802)

13. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems, and seek necessary organizational and delivery system change. (M5.7.14)

• 1-2 page description of activities you completed during your field placement to assess and/or intervene around potential organizational issues (involving either your placement agency or another community organization). (SW 8802)