| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Pedagogy |
| What age group | Adult courses |
| What topic | Social work |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To kickstart your lesson on Social Work, we will delve into the transformative world of personal storytelling. This engaging method not only stimulates critical thinking but also fosters empathy—key skills for any social worker.
Objective: To encourage students to reflect on their motivations and experiences that lead them to pursue a career in social work, while also developing their storytelling abilities.
Step 1: Signal the Start Begin the lesson by dimming the lights slightly and playing a soft instrumental background track. A warm, inviting atmosphere can significantly enhance engagement.
Step 2: The Invitation Invite each student to take a minute to think about a personal experience or a pivotal moment that influenced their desire to work in social services. This may include a moment of empathy, a personal challenge, or witnessing a social injustice. Stress that this is a safe space and sharing is voluntary.
After giving them a moment to reflect, pair students up and give them a format to follow:
After the pairs have shared, bring everyone back together and ask for volunteers to share their stories with the wider group.
Prompt Questions:
Conclude the activity by highlighting how personal stories can be powerful tools in social work. They can help build rapport, foster trust, and create a deeper understanding of the clients' perspectives.
This storytelling session not only opens the lesson but also provides a foundational understanding that stories are at the heart of effective social work practice. By connecting on a personal level, students can better appreciate the complexity of the human experience, setting the tone for a rich and engaging educational journey.