What are some of the best resources for staying updated on social work trends and research?

As a social worker, you know how important it is to keep up with the latest developments and research in your field. Whether you work in direct practice, policy, education, or advocacy, staying updated can help you improve your skills, knowledge, and effectiveness. But how do you find the best resources for learning about social work trends and research? Here are some of the most useful and reliable sources you can use.

1 Journals and databases

Reading peer-reviewed journals and databases is a great way to access social work research. These publications feature original studies, reviews, and analyses from experts in the field, helping you stay up-to-date on current evidence, theories, and methods in social work practice and research. Some of the most well-known and influential journals and databases in social work include Social Work Research, Journal of Social Work Education, Social Service Review, Social Work Abstracts, and Social Work Research and Abstracts. You can access these resources through your academic or professional affiliation or by subscribing to online platforms such as ProQuest, EBSCO, or JSTOR.

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2 Blogs and podcasts

Staying informed on social work trends and research can be done by following blogs and podcasts that cover relevant topics and issues. These are more informal and accessible than journals and databases, and offer a variety of perspectives, opinions, and insights from social workers and other experts. They can also help you discover new resources, ideas, and opportunities in your field. Popular blogs and podcasts in the field include Social Work Podcast, Social Work Tutor, The New Social Worker, Social Justice Solutions, and NASW Social Work Talks. You can find them on platforms like iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts.

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3 Newsletters and magazines

Staying informed on social work trends and research is possible by subscribing to newsletters and magazines that offer news, updates, and features on social work issues and practice. These publications are more timely and concise than journals and databases, providing you with the latest developments, events, and trends in your field. They can also provide useful tips, advice, and inspiration for your work. Popular newsletters and magazines in the social work field include NASW News, Social Work Today, The New Social Worker Magazine, Social Work Advocates, and Social Work SmartBrief. You can subscribe to these publications online or by mail.

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4 Webinars and online courses

Staying current with social work trends and research can be achieved by participating in webinars and online courses that offer education, training, and professional development. These interactive and engaging experiences can help you learn new skills and competencies while providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and feedback from other social workers and instructors. Prominent webinars and online courses in the field of social work include NASW Webinars, CSWE Online Courses, Coursera Social Work Courses, edX Social Work Courses, and FutureLearn Social Work Courses. You can find these options online, some of which may offer continuing education credits or certificates.

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Brandi Bell LCSWR

Healthcare Provider Clinical Psychotherapist
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RevieingCurrent Topics in Social Work and Clinical Practice by keeping up on Science Based Articles in Reputable Newspapers such as The New York Times and Washington Post, plus Journals and Podcasts , presents a Broad Overview of Important Topics. Then when You Find Themes Or Topics That Grab You, follow up with An Online CEC Course. If your interest is really piqued,Do A Deeper Dive with A More Intense Course at A University Or On Line Learning through A Respected University In The Field. Seek and Accrue Credits in This New Area of Interest! If You find You want more, pursue credits To add this as A Post Grad Certificate To Your Credentials! Passion With Purpose and Knowledge Base Is A Powerful! Brandi Bell, LCSW-R

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5 Associations and networks

Staying updated on social work trends and research can be done by joining associations and networks that represent, support, and connect social workers. These associations and networks are more supportive and collaborative than journals and databases, providing access to resources, information, and opportunities within the field. Additionally, they offer advocacy, guidance, and recognition for your work. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), and Network for Social Work Management (NSWM) are some of the most influential and helpful associations and networks in social work. Joining these can be done online or by mail; however, some may require membership fees or criteria.

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Manicka Thomas, LISW-S

Social Work Career Mentor | Podcast: The Social Work Success Path | Creator: Design Your Career Program
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I agree that Social Workers are using these networks but they are also creating communities on Facebook or with Social Work content creators on YouTube, IG and TikTok

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are some of the best resources for staying updated on social work trends and research?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Journals and databases

2 Blogs and podcasts

3 Newsletters and magazines

4 Webinars and online courses

5 Associations and networks

6 Here’s what else to consider

Social Work

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What are some of the best resources for staying updated on social work trends and research?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Journals and databases

2 Blogs and podcasts

3 Newsletters and magazines

4 Webinars and online courses

5 Associations and networks

6 Here’s what else to consider

Social Work

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