Growth in Motivation, Performance, and Positive Emotions: Experiential Learning in Macro Social Work

Abstract

The Control Value Leaning Theory can be used to understand and impact student knowledge, interest, and experiences in content relating to health professions and associated topics, including working with organizations and communities and being a part of a task group or interdisciplinary team. This case study reports on the experiences of 19 students in a graduate practice social work course: Practice of Social Service Delivery II. Students’ increased control and input in assignments and perception of the assignments’ value were associated with increased motivation, performance, and enjoyment. Experiential learning opportunities that emphasized greater student choice and value increased students’ exposure to the professional realm and appeared to increase the perceived importance of a course topic in which students previously had low knowledge and interest.