Internet-based videos, pedagogical methods, social welfare policy
Abstract
Students often feel disconnected from their introductory social welfare policy courses. Therefore, it is important that instructors employ engaging pedagogical methods in the classroom. A review of the literature reveals that a host of methods have been utilized to attempt to interest students in policy courses, but there is no mention of using internet-based videos in the social welfare policy classroom. This article describes how to select and use appropriate internet-based videos from websites such as YouTube and SnagFilms, to effectively engage students in social welfare policy courses. Four rules are offered for choosing videos based on emotional impact, brevity, and relevance to course topics. The selected videos should elicit students’ passions and stimulate critical thinking when used in concert with instructor-generated discussion questions, writing assignments, and small group dialogue. Examples of the process of choosing videos, discussion questions, and student reactions to the use of videos are provided.
Author Biography
Sarabeth Leukefeld, University of Kentucky
Sarabeth Leukefeld, MSW, has over thirteen years of practice experience and is a doctoral student in the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky where she is also employed. Ms. Leukefeld coordinates a program for students who receive TANF benefits. Her academic and research interests include women’s experiences with TANF, educational attainment, and poverty as well as social welfare policy and teaching.
