Comparing Research Training of Social Workers in the USA and Western Europe: Ukrainian Perspective

Abstract

The article studies how the USA and Western Europe organize research training of social workers, traces its key trends and analyzes the ways of organizing and motivating students towards such activities. By comparing and discovering common methodical trends in Europe and the USA, one can identify the practical experience Ukraine needs. The analysis of relevant scientific literature and teaching practice in higher education institutions abroad shows that the above-mentioned approaches are mostly associated with module-based learning in its various modifications. Its system-forming link is independent work of students, including research activities. At the same time, professional functions of university teachers shift towards determining general areas of specialist training (elaboration of module-based programmes), supervising independent work of students (counselling based on an individual approach) and maintaining links between research activities and practice. The international relevance of the article lies in the possibility of improving research training in developing countries due to US and European experience. Furthermore, there is an opportunity to overcome traditional (over-theoretical) approaches to research training of social workers.