Teaching and Learning Social Work Practice Skills through the Use of Triads

Abstract

This article presents a structured way to teach and learn social work practice skills in an undergraduate or foundation practice class. Triads provide the opportunity for students to develop practice skills and confidence as they experience firsthand the role of a social work practitioner. Written from the perspectives of both the instructor and the student, this article examines how triads can be used to teach, apply, and reinforce skills in each of seven areas of the problem-solving model—engagement, assessment, planning/contracting, intervention, evaluation, closing, and follow-up—with additional opportunities to apply skills related to social work values and ethics, and diversity. The article discusses confidentiality and dual relationships as they relate to this teaching method and the risks and challenges of the use of this approach for both instructor and student.