The Effectiveness of Writing Across the Curriculum in a Baccalaureate Social Work Program: Students’ Perceptions

Authors

  • Naelys Luna Florida Atlantic University
  • E. Gail Horton Florida Atlantic University
  • Jeffrey R. Galin Florida Atlantic University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18060/15692

Keywords:

WAC, baccalaureate curriculum, writing skills, communication skills, social work content

Abstract

Effective social work practice requires strong writing and communication skills; however, social work students often experience difficulties performing academically at expected levels. This article presents findings from a student survey that was collected for two years to assess perceptions of the effectiveness of Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) strategies on writing skills and social work knowledge acquisition in an introductory social work class that is taught every semester at a school of social work located in southeastern Florida. Students reported that WAC strategies substantially improved their abilities to write in the discipline and learn course content. Based on our findings, it is recommended that schools of social work infuse WAC throughout their curriculum, a process that requires cross curricular collaboration, intra-departmental support, and faculty commitment to course development and implementation.

Author Biographies

Naelys Luna, Florida Atlantic University

Associate Professor Social of Social Work

E. Gail Horton, Florida Atlantic University

Associate Professor School of Social Work

Jeffrey R. Galin, Florida Atlantic University

Associate Professor Director of the University Center for Excellence in Writing

Downloads

Published

2014-05-29

Issue

Section

Articles