Fordham GSS Professor Winnie Kung, Ph.D., published research in the European Journal of Social Work aiming to understand the challenges concerning social work theory-practice integration in China, and how to improve upon those challenges.
The study, which involved over 90 participants from seven Chinese universities, revealed significant challenges in connecting classroom learning with real-world social work practice. Kung and her fellow researchers found that social work programs in China struggle with limited quality field placement sites, brief internship periods, and supervision from inexperienced instructors.
To address these gaps, the article said, Chinese schools are establishing their own social service agencies, having faculty members serve as field supervisors, and bringing in experienced practitioners to mentor students. Despite these obstacles, participants were optimistic about the profession’s growth, emphasizing that success will depend on increased government backing, better training for practitioners, and stronger international partnerships.
