Using Case Studies in Social Group Work Education

Case studies are written or described explanations of a problem or a situation for people to examine and discuss. The term case study covers a social studies research methodology or the product of such research; however, here, case studies are presented as a pedagogical strategy allowing learners to dig into the complexities of an authentic example. Case study pedagogy is essential across disciplines. In social workSocial work, though, case studies are valuable because they allow social work students to practice being critical thinkers and informed practitioners while ensuring that they are empathic and unbiased. This chapter begins with an explanation of how case studies can be used in social work education. This section is followed by seven case studies that were written by different group workers. Each case study is examined by the authors' analysis of theory-informed practice.