Develop Your Knowledge and Skills
At Laurier, develop these competencies through both curricular and co-curricular opportunities to help you achieve your goals for the future.
Functional Knowledge
- Develop an understanding of human and environmental factors and processes that influence social functioning in contemporary life.
- Understand major social problems and strengths in the history of social welfare and in current Canadian and international social welfare policies and programs.
- Gain an awareness of current social, community and ethical issues and relevant policies, as well as knowledge and skills, which contribute to constructive, institutional change and development.
- Demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to the impact of government policies, economic inequities and ideologies related to culture, class, gender and race on individuals and communities.
- Demonstrate the interpersonal competency to combine self-insight with critical analysis of one’s role as a social worker in order to give fair consideration to the impact of power relations and identity in the practice of social work.
- Discover how information is sourced, valued and used in creating new knowledge.
Collaboration & Teamwork
- Work effectively as part of a team by identifying your role and contributing, leading, teaching, motivating and/or encouraging others for team success.
- Oversee, lead and/or contribute to a project including determining goals, planning details, making decisions and completing tasks.
- Demonstrate professional behaviour and an understanding of individual perspectives and diversity.
Communication
- Explain information, ideas and opinions effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Probe for information by asking questions and listening, and engage in constructive conversations.
- Prepare interesting and informative reports and presentations for diverse audiences using current technology.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Apply critical thinking and reflective analysis in the interest of social justice.
- Identify and access a wide range of relevant information and resources.
- Learn, understand and critically interpret information and apply knowledge to new situations.
- Set priorities, meet deadlines and manage time, data and resources.
- Make well-reasoned decisions, think creatively, identify and consider all sides of an issue.
- Analyze and evaluate data to discuss, support and/or question ideas, opinions, reports, theories and proposals.