Beyond Words: Comics in the Social Work Classroom. (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akesson, Bree; Oba, Olufunke
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work education. Volume 53:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 595
• Page End: 606
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Social work education -- Periodicals; Social work education -- United States -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1080/10437797.2016.1275898
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-7797

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Equipping future social workers to interrogate social justice, human rights, and cultural issues requires a revision of social work education. Culturally relevant teaching is increasingly important in today's globalized world. In this article, we explore the role of comics as a form of social work pedagogy to tackle complex social issues. The article argues that comics offer specific benefits to educators seeking to develop critical thinking and self-reflexivity in their students. We present findings from focus group discussions with social work students to examine the relevance of comics in social work education. Ultimately, the use of comics as a teaching tool contributes to the effective preparation of future social workers through the mutual transformation it engenders in students and educators.