Social workers' experiences of linking theory and practice

This article presents the findings of a Bachelor of Social Work honours research project that explored the importance of theoretical knowledge and the relationship between theory and practice for social workers in the field of health in the ACT and surrounding NSW. The research used a qualitative research methodology to interview six social workers. This study found all participants were effectively linking theory to practice. Participants viewed theoretical knowledge as important to their work and could clearly explain how theory informed their practice. For these social workers, reflecting on practice and supervising students helped increase their awareness of the theoretical knowledge they integrated in their practice. The article considers what is unique about these social workers and how social work educators can encourage students to understand theory and use it to inform their practice.