Why not help each other out? A final introduction to theories at SKIP.
Written by: Alyssa Bettles
With three weeks left in my social work placement at SKIP, I have decided to talk about one final social work theory that is commonly seen in SKIP. The final theory I want to discuss is called Social Learning Theory. This blog will be a bit shorter than the others, as it is not as clearly present as the other theories that I have introduced you to. This theory is about learning behaviours through socialization and social interaction with others. These new behaviours can be learnt by observing, modelling, or imitating others. However, you do not need to have an established relationship with someone to have social learning theory play out, but it is fair to say that relational theory goes hand-in-hand with social learning theory.
This theory plays out often in SKIP’s visitation program. For example, the students visiting the retirement or long-term care home learn how to properly introduce themselves. This is learnt by imitating their teacher or the SKIP director’s orientation, and is also encouraged by the teacher. It is also learnt by observing classmates. For example, observing other classmates shaking hands and introducing themselves to their new senior friend, followed by imitating their classmates.
Social learning theory is also present in the blogs that myself and my colleagues complete on a weekly basis (or bi-weekly when our workload is extra heavy). What we learn through these blogs is how to be more reflexive in a professional way through reading other blogs and editing each other's blogs, followed by writing our own. We also learn how to write more professionally by taking the time to proof read each other’s blogs. This could also be considered mutual aid, as we help one another out in this way.
For myself, social learning theory is really present while working alongside my supervisor Liz. As Liz is in a supervisor position, I naturally look up to her as a role model as a professional and in life. I have observed the way that she tells the story of SKIP to new people, how she writes emails, her selfless nature, and her resiliency in jumping over the bumps in the road that are always guaranteed to appear in one way or another. My observations allow me to learn from Liz, such as how to develop my professional self and how to trust that no matter what, things are going to work out in the end the way that they were meant to.
However, it is fair to say that Liz has been able to learn from me and the other placement students as well. Liz asks us questions about the different social media websites, or seeks feedback on an idea. We always do our best to support Liz and answer her questions. Liz also asks us many questions about our social work education. She may not have her BSW, but she is doing community social work and gets to learn more about her natural social work abilities from her social work students. For example, she learns the theories that are used in the SKIP day to day activities.
When out in the field with Liz, or simply just having a one-to-one conversation with her, I see many social work skills at play. For example, she actively listens, validates feelings, normalizes experiences, reframes negative thoughts, points out incongruencies, and takes an anti-oppressive stance. These are just to name a few of the skills I have noticed. I feel that possessing these skills naturally really speaks to the positive and caring individual that she is. I couldn’t have asked for a better role model during my final semester of my BSW.
Now I know I got off on a bit of a tangent on how we can learn from each other through social learning theory. BUT! Everyday is a new learning experience, so why not help each other out?
In conclusion, I may not be able to talk about social learning theory to the extent that I was able to go on about the other theories: Relational Theory, Narrative Theory, and Mutual Aid. But, that is not to minimize the importance of the theory and the amount of growth one individual can achieve under this theory alone.
On a final note, this may be the last theory that I introduce to you due to the end of my placement nearing and a couple different topics I want to mention before its over (stay tuned for those!). However, there are so many theories that guide social workers practice (ecological/systems theory, feminist theory, strengths based, etc…). I encourage you to look up some other ones if theories are something that interests you. I can confidently say that you will never be an expert on them all. This allows for a never-ending theory adventure.
