Aims

The assessment allows you to demonstrate and develop your active listening skills with your student peers in group work activities during the residential school. Attending and completing the five-day residential school is a compulsory requirement of this unit. The residential school is delivered on-campus at Rockhampton, QLD and Geraldton, WA. This is non-negotiable and the dates cannot be changed. 

Task Description

The residential school will be held from Monday 5th August 2024 to Friday 9th August 2024 from 9:00am – 4:30pm each day.  The session on Friday, 9th August, will conclude early at 2 PM. Please note that leaving before this time is not permitted.

You will need to provide evidence of your attendance at the residential school.    

There will be a sign-in sheet available for every session. You need to ensure that you sign in and out of every session. 

After each session, teaching staff will review the attendance sheet report to ensure that students are present for the entire session. Teaching staff will not follow up if you are absent, it will be solely your responsibility to ensure that the 'record of attendance' is completed correctly. 

To meet the course accreditation requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), a student cannot miss any more than two hours of the residential school and must provide a reason and sufficient supporting documentation to do so, for example if there is a significant unforeseen event or illness. The AASW requires that all social work students complete at least 20 days of face-to-face learning activities across the accredited social work program. 

To meet the ASWEAS attendance requirements, you must pass this assessment to pass the unit. Failure to do so will result in a final grade of 'Fail' for the entire unit.

Length: 10-minute active listening demonstration, 1,500-word reflection, +/- 10%

Aims

The aim of this assessment is to demonstrate your knowledge and skills regarding active listening and therapeutic communication.    

Task Description

Part A: Active Listening Demonstration

During residential school, you will practice active listening skills with other students. For this assessment you will record (audio and video) a 10-minute demonstration of your active listening skills with another student. There will be an opportunity to record this demonstration during residential school. This demonstration needs to be uploaded to Moodle and will be assessed. Please ensure the discussion is not about significant personal or confidential issues, as this is not a counselling session, rather it is a demonstration of active listening and therapeutic communication skills. 

Your active listening demonstration, should include the following:

·       the use of communication skills which include empathy and sensitive use of self,

·       the ability to apply the AASW values of respect and self-determination in the helping context, and

·       Active Listening Skills that are practiced during the Residential School, such as  attending, following, and reflecting.

Important Note: This demonstration is not a role play of counselling skills; it is a demonstration of active listening skills. Please also respect the privacy of participants and their confidentiality in discussions.

Part B: Reflection of Active Listening Skills Demonstration

The purpose of this reflection is for you to critique your active listening skills, identify your strengths and areas that need further development, and consider what you might do in the future to improve your listening skills.  

Please address the following:

·       outline the situation (very briefly).

·       identify and analyse your strengths and capacity to listen effectively, demonstrate empathy and sensitivity and how these influenced you and the conversation.

·       identify your own assumptions, values, and past experiences and how these influenced you and the conversation. 

·       any similarities and gaps between your personal values and social work professional values  

·       reflect on language used (verbal and body language), what it implied socially and culturally and how it influenced you and the conversation.

·       identify areas that you want to develop, why and how you might do that.

·       reflect on feedback provided from social work academics and others while at residential school. What do you think about it, what did you find helpful/not helpful and how you will use it or why you wouldn’t use it in the future?

You should use a minimum of five references to connect your ideas to the literature.

Your understanding should be informed by the unit material and your personal reading of the literature.

Use the above bullet points as a guide for your own critique. This is a reflective piece, not a formal essay, you can write in first-person perspective.

 
Literature and references
 

In this assessment, use at least five references to support your analysis. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the five elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers.

Professional social work writing 

It is crucial for students to demonstrate professional social work writing in their assessments. This involves using a tone that is respectful, clear, and free from bias, while also adhering to the ethical standards and principles of the social work profession. Effective communication, appropriate terminology, and a well-structured argument are key components of professional writing in social work. Your ability to present a persuasive, evidence-based argument in a professional manner will enhance your advocacy efforts and influence in policy reform debates.

Generative AI

The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools, including AI-driven writing assistants and content generators, is not permitted in this assessment. This social work practice standard is based on the requirement for students to demonstrate essential human capacities, skills, and knowledge crucial for social work practice as outlined by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2021). Social work relies on human interaction, empathy, ethical decision-making, and effective communication—skills that cannot be adequately assessed through AI-generated content. To ensure the integrity and development of these capabilities, students must verify that any grammar or writing enhancement programs used do not incorporate AI components. Compliance with this social work practice standard is vital for meeting ASWEAS graduate attributes and preparing for professional practice. 

Requirements 
•              Use a cover page that includes your name and student number, the subject code, the date, and the number of words in your submission.

•              Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).

•              Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.

•              You may write in the first-person or third-person perspective. 

•              Use formal academic language.

•              Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online APA Referencing Style Guide.

•              The word count is considered from the introduction's first word to the conclusion's last word. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.

 
Resources
·       You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.

·       We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide.

·       We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.

·       For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.

·       Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here. 

Type: Written Assessment  

Due date:  17:59 PM (AEST) Tuesday 1st October 2024 - Week 12

Weighting: 40%

Length: 1,500 words, +- 10%

Unit Coordinator: Dr Helen Hickson

Aims

This assessment demonstrates your knowledge about cross-cultural communication, with a particular focus on working with First Nations service users. You will explore effective communication strategies and understand the cultural nuances that influence interactions with First Nations communities.

Task Description

This assessment task requires you to write an essay which discusses communication with First Nations service users. You should include references to the concepts that have been discussed in the lectures and recommended readings, as well as AASW resources such as the Code of Ethics and Practice Standards. 

1.     Introduction

·       Introduce the importance of cross-cultural communication in professional settings.

·       State the purpose of the essay and provide an overview of the main points to be discussed.

2.     Understanding Cross-Cultural Communication

·       Define cross-cultural communication and explain its significance in a professional social work context.

·       Discuss the challenges and barriers that can arise when communicating with culturally diverse groups. You should highlight some of the past policies that may have caused mistrust and fear.

3.     Focus on First Nations Communities

·       Explain the historical, cultural and political context that influences communication with First Nations people.

·       Identify and briefly describe a First Nations service provider in your local community.

·       Explain the services they offer and their role in the community.

4.     Communication Strategies

·       Discuss specific communication strategies that are effective when working with First Nations service users.

·       Provide examples of culturally appropriate communication techniques and practices.

5.     Role of Professional Communication

·       Discuss the role of social workers using professional communication to build trust and rapport with First Nations service users.

·       Explore how social workers can advocate for and support the needs of First Nations communities through effective communication.

6.     Conclusion

·       You should end with a conclusion that summarises the key points.  

Professional social work writing 

It is crucial for students to demonstrate professional social work writing in their assessments. This involves using a tone that is respectful, clear, and free from bias, while also adhering to the ethical standards and principles of the social work profession. Effective communication, appropriate terminology, and a well-structured argument are key components of professional writing in social work. Your ability to present a persuasive, evidence-based argument in a professional manner will enhance your advocacy efforts and influence in policy reform debates.

Generative AI

The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools, including AI-driven writing assistants and content generators, is not permitted in this assessment. This social work practice standard is based on the requirement for students to demonstrate essential human capacities, skills, and knowledge crucial for social work practice as outlined by the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS, 2021). Social work relies on human interaction, empathy, ethical decision-making, and effective communication—skills that cannot be adequately assessed through AI-generated content. To ensure the integrity and development of these capabilities, students must verify that any grammar or writing enhancement programs used do not incorporate AI components. Compliance with this social work practice standard is vital for meeting ASWEAS graduate attributes and preparing for professional practice. 

Literature and references 

In this assessment, use at least 10 contemporary references to support your argument. You may also use seminal scholarly literature where relevant. Suitable references include peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and credible websites. When sourcing information, consider the 5 elements of a quality reference: currency, authority, relevance, objectivity, and coverage. Grey literature sourced from the internet must be from reputable websites such as from government, university, or peak national bodies: for example, the Australian Association of Social Workers.

 
Requirements 
·       Use a cover page that includes your name and student number, the subject code, the date, and the number of words in your submission.

·       Use a conventional and legible size 12 font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with 2.0 line spacing and 2.54cm page margins (standard pre-set margin in Microsoft Word).

·       Include page numbers on the top right side of each page in a header.

·       You may write in the first-person perspective. 

·       Use formal academic language.

·       Use the seventh edition American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. The CQUniversity Academic Learning Centre has an online APA Referencing Style Guide.

·       The word count is considered from the introduction's first word to the conclusion's last word. The word count excludes the reference list but includes in-text references and direct quotations.

Resources
·       You can use unit provided materials and other credible sources (e.g. journal articles, books) to reference your argument. The quality and credibility of your sources are important.

·       We recommend that you access your discipline specific library guide: the Social Work and Community Services Guide.

·       We recommend you use EndNote to manage your citations and reference list. More information on how to use EndNote is available at the CQUniversity Library website.

·       For information on academic communication please go to the Academic Learning Centre Moodle site. The Academic Communication section has many helpful resources including information for students with English as a second language.

·       Submit a draft before the due date to review your Turnitin Similarity Score before making a final submission. Instructions are available here.