SWRK 235A: Theoretical Bases of Social Behavior

affordable • inclusive • engaging

Course Description

Theoretical Bases of Social Behavior is taught in two semesters and is designed to provide the foundation generalist social work knowledge, from an ecological perspective, concerning the application of bio-psycho-social/cultural/spiritual theories to contemporary social work practice situations. The course sequence is designed according to the Curriculum Policy Statement (CPS) on Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE) for Master’s Degree Programs in Social Work Education. There are typically about 15 students enrolled in the course. Weekly classes are in-person on campus and include a combination of lectures, discussions, and other activities.

In the Summer of 2023, I redesigned this course by integrating an Open Education Resource (OER) textbook as the primary course textbook. By replacing the previous text, this class went from low cost to no cost in Fall 2023!

Overview of the Redesign Project

I previously completed a different Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Faculty Learning Community (FLC) program aimed at reducing costs for students and identifying affordable learning solutions. During this process, I was able to work with the social work librarian to identify a OER text that could be utilized as the course text. I learned that this change would save students a significant amount of money, as the previous text was over $100. This was so motivating to me!!

Assessment of the Redesign Project

The current textbook cost is $0 (Theoretical Perspectives for Direct Social Work Practice : A Generalist-Eclectic Approach by Kristin Bolton, Christopher Hall, and Peter Lehmann). During the Summer Teaching Institute, I began the process of collecting additional reading materials to complement the new OER text. Throughout the summer of 2023, I finished redesigning the course by updating the course outline, weekly PowerPoint presentations, and other course materials.

Here are some ways in which I am assessing the impact of my redesign on student learning:

Modified assessment rubrics
Check-ins via Canvas
Student participation and engagement during student hours
Observation of teaching by faculty mentor (and processing of feedback)
Student success in the course

Per Fall 2023 mid-semester evaluations, students described the new OER textbook as:

“straightforward”
“readable”
“useful”
“appropriate”
“easy to understand and follow”

This table shows three ways I assessed my course redesign.
Course Materials: Zero Cost!	Community Agreements Activity	Review of Student Services and Resources
Substituted previous textbook with zero cost OER textbook and other materials.	Completed community agreements activity on day 1 in-person with students.	Spent time reviewing and discussing a variety of student services and resources on day 1.

Reflection

As I completed this redesign process, I was able to also integrate a number of other methods and activities that I learned during the Summer Teaching Institute:

collaborative learning
using shared docs/slides
updated grading rubric for written assignments
updating PowerPoint lectures and encouraging engagement
discussing and providing scheduling options/details for student hours
more in-depth description, organization, and explanation of student resources and services

Throughout this process, I learned the importance of patience and pacing. There have been so many great methods introduced during the Summer Teaching Institute that I want to learn more about. All in good time. Thanks everyone!

Faculty Biography

This table includes my faculty biography.
	Dr. Frances Furio, PsyD, LCSW (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS). She received her PsyD at California Southern University and her MSW at CSUS. In addition to her work at CSUS, she provides mental health services in the community and remains active in research related to the topics of mental health, forensic social work, and social and environmental justice. As an instructor, licensed clinician, and qualitative researcher, she is interested in understanding people’s lived experiences and highlighting the strength and resiliency of communities that continue to face barriers and injustice.

**Program Sponsors**
	This work was supported by: Sacramento State Anchor Initiative Sacramento State Academic Affairs - Center for Teaching and Learning