What I do I understand: Teaching community work in the Australian Capital Territory

Abstract

Social work students need to develop both theoretical and practical foundations of knowledge. In a period where community practice is becoming more marginalised the Australian Catholic University subject Social Work Practice with Communities is a core component in the two year professional degree program. It combines an experience based learning approach with traditional teaching methods. Through community projects students learn real-life problem solving and gain confidence in their abilities as community workers. The paper focuses on the relationship between gaining knowledge of conceptual frameworks for community work practice and learning skills. It reviews educational considerations in teaching a subject where conceptual, practical and theoretical components are equally important for competent practice. It demonstrates how the School promotes community work.     

The Companion Animal in the Context of the Family System

The nature and possible value of the bond between humans and fhcir companion animals has bcgun to receive attention frorn'professionals involved in thc behavioral sciences and in health care. A few investigators have specifically addrcsscd the question of the role of thc companion animal in the family system. This review sunimarizcs a number of studies dcaling with the relationship of companion animals with humans at different stagcs of life, as well as research conccrning the possible role of the companion animal in both the functional and dysfunctional family system. The review concludes with an cvaluation and discussion of research to date and suggestions for future investigations.     

Local Housing and Service Decisions

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify factors associated with local housing and service decisions that support aging adults in rural communities. These decisions represent de factostrategies that affect the quality of life of older residents and their ability to age in place. Data were collected from 951 informants in 134 Midwest rural communities. Analyses were undertaken to identify the role of community characteristics in predicting the availability of a group of housing options and support services. Findings support the notion that the community context is important to the delivery of key housing and service needs. Population size, proportion of community residents 65 years and older, and housing planning processes promoted gains in housing and services.     

Building Community for Toronto's Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual,Transsexual and Transgender Youth

SUMMARY

This paper describes the development of Supporting Our Youth, an innovative grassroots program that builds community for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgender youth in Toronto. Hundreds of adults and youth have worked together to develop a broad range of arts, cultural, recreational, and employment training activities, as well as a very popular mentoring and housing program. Initiated in 1997, Supporting Our Youth has been developed according to underlying principles of community development and community building which value broad participation, diverse skills, partnerships, coalition building, and grassroots ownership and direction. As a model, it is transferable to other queer and trans communities, as well as to other marginalized populations.     

Citizens' Perceptions of the Neighborhood Council

Abstract

The paper presents the findings of a study that explored an attempt to establish neighborhood councils in the Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem. The Arab residents participating in the study recognized the importance of the neighborhood council, but expressed reservations about the extent to which the model is suited to a traditional society such as theirs. The obstacles encountered in the attempt to establish neighborhood councils derive from the residents' perception of themselves as being incapable of managing their lives autonomously. Moreover, the residents are resistant about having the neighborhood council model imposed on them by a foreign government, to which they have not given political legitimation. In this connection, it is particularly interesting to consider the responses and perceptions of Arab residents with higher education, who have expressed skepticism about the model and about the processes of participatory democracy that it represents. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-HAWORTH. E-mail     

分级模式下大学英语学习者课程社区感培养探析

课程社区感与学习者的学习态度、课程满意度、内在动机、自我效能以及合作积极性等之间存在正向关联。本文阐述了课程社区感的内涵及提高大学英语课程社区感的意义,建议通过强化归属感、培养学生自主意识、合作学习、利用网络技术等途径增强大学英语学习者课程社区感。     

社区教育特色化问题的研究与思考

特色化已成为社区教育实验工作中的重要内容。缘于对特色化缺乏本源性认识，社区教育特色化实践中存在诸多表象，特色化成为应景之作。社区教育特色化惟坚持求真务实、以人为本和能力发展三项价值取向，遵从调查研究、目标导向、满足需求，项目实验、载体引领、科研协作和主体优势、品牌优化、促进内涵等策略，真正实现特色化在推动社区教育发展中的作用。     

Reconceptualizing Community Organization in India

SUMMARY

This article traces the history of community organization (CO) in the disciplinary and practice arena in India. Although CO within the academia grew with social work, the trajectory of CO practice reveals an increasing tension with the discipline of social work, especially the way it is structured and taught in India. The interface with the community development (CD) programme of the government, as also the growth of the voluntary sector and the influence of new social movements, compelled a review of the orientation of CD and CO. A sectoral thrust on livelihoods, health, education, housing, wages, land alienation, access to entitlements along with the pluralization of debates on caste, ethnicity, tribal and gender identities enriched CO in India. The article offers a perspective on CO based on practice and the critical engagements of faculty members in one of the premier institutes of India which offers social work programmes. Concerted efforts to respond to the changing social and political context with consistent pro-poor stances provided unique insights which are reshaping, refining and re-conceptualizing the perspective of CO in India. This is reflected in course work, the conscious recasting of fieldwork, the criteria of selecting sites of practice and agencies, and the policy work undertaken by faculty members. Could the new curriculum be termed as transdisciplinary or is CO emerging as a distinct discipline? This is a question posed for further debate.     

EDITORIAL

No abstract available for this article.     

Heart Transplantation

Abstract

Heart failure has been the cause of over 40,000 deaths each year (Costanzo et al., 1995). Heart transplant is one of the treatments for heart failure. There are many aspects involved in heart transplantation. This paper will address the medical issues of heart transplantation as well as the psychosocial aspects involved for those both waiting for a heart transplant and for those who have undergone the transplantation process. The interventions used with individuals undergoing heart transplantation will be addressed. Methods of prevention of cardiovascular disease and hypertension are explored as well as the implication of heart transplantation and prevention of heart disease for social workers.