"Jonathan Parker moves effortlessly between the abstract and the concrete. He writes with his usual lucid, informative style, updating the text with recent and relevant literature and research. This book reassures, yet challenges too, and provides a wealth of case examples and interactive materials that are engaging and thought provoking. This book is a must for all social work students."Mark Doel, Research Professor of Social Work, Sheffield Hallam University, UK<BR><BR>The honours degree level qualification for social work practice emphasises the centrality of practice learning, while the Department of Health requirements for the degree state clearly that all students must undertake at least 200 days in direct practice learning during their programme of study.<BR><BR>Practice learning often raises great anxieties for students, agencies and those who facilitate, supervise and assess it. This fully-revised second edition addresses some of those anxieties and provides an introduction and guide to the process by featuring chapters on developing effective communication skills and understanding the social work value base. Also covered are chapters on practice learning and anti-oppressive practice, integrating theory into practice and the importance of self-reflection. It also explores ways in which the experience can deliver a unique learning opportunity for the student.<BR><BR>This book is ideal for social work students who are undertaking or about to undertake practice learning, and for student supervisors and practice assessors. It will also be of interest to trainers and policymakers within social care agencies and health care professions where practice learning is also undertaken.