Not just for romance: Applications of ‘speed dating’ in social work education

Beth R Crisp and Jane MaidmentPEPE Conference January 2008

Introduction

• How to get meaningful conversation in large classes?

• ‘Speed dating’ as a new social phenomenon in which participants have several brief conversations with a specific intention

Educational applications

• Primary, secondary and tertiary education

• “Getting to know you” exercises

• Peer teaching of course content

• Exam revision

Question 1

If you weren’t at PEPE, where would you be and what would you be doing right now?

Question 2

Why did you come to PEPE?

What are you hoping to get out of this conference?

Question 3

What’s been the highlight of the conference so far?

Question 4

What will you be able to take away from the PEPE conference?

Question 5

How do you engage large classes (or other groups) in conversation?

What has worked for you?

Question 6

How important is it that all members of a class actively participate in classroom conversations?

Question 7

How are you finding the experience of speed dating in this workshop?

Question 8

Do you think speed dating may be worth exploring with your students?

Study skills exercise (1)

1. What hints do you have about time management to get you through this semester?

2. Why come to classes?

3. Do I need to take notes when I come to class? If so, some advice?

Study skills exercise (2)

4. Why is using library resources a big deal? Can’t I just use Google?

5. What is Harvard referencing and how do I go about finding out about this? Is it the same as APA? What about footnoting?

6. What is plagiarism?

Debriefing exercise (1)1. What are some of the ‘unwritten’ rules you

have observed in your placement agency?2. What differences do you and your field

educator have in relation to the way you approach your work?

3. What have you learnt about yourself so far on this placement?

4. How is being on placement impacting upon relationships you have with friendsand family?

Groupwork principles and processes

• Function and objectives of group

• Ground rules

• Group leadership

• Need for planning

• Phases of groupwork

Applications outside the classroom

• Conference presentations

• Student selection

• Large events such as a ‘careers expo’

• Professional development programs