Creativity and Activity-based Methods in Client Work (5cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- utilise personal creativity and resources in client work.
- use creative and functional working methods while working with various clients.

Teaching methods

The study module includes in-person instruction on creative activities and their application in social work, as well as learning assignments. Attendance in in-person teaching is required at a minimum of 80%.

The implementation of the module is supported by a learning environment built in Canvas, and the creative activity workshops held on campus play a key role. The module involves group work and individual learning tasks.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Belfiore, E. & Bennett, O. 2010. The Social Impact of the Arts - An Intellectual History. Palgrave Macmillan UK.

Bethell, S. 2019. The Role of Creativity in Social Care Education and Practice. https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/159833/Laurea%20julkaisut%20101.pdf

Fancourt, D. & Finn, S. 2019. What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. Links to an external site. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe (Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report 67).

Huhtinen-Hildén, L. & Isola, A.-M.2019. Reconstructing life narratives through creativity in social work. Julkaisussa: Cogent Social Sciences, 5:1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311886.2019.1606974Links to an external site.

Matarasso, F.1997. Use or ornament? The social impact of participation in the arts. https://www.artshealthresources.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/1997-Matarasso-Use-or-Ornament-The-Social-Impact-of-Participation-in-the-Arts-1.pdfLinks to an external site.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

In the academic setting, all students have the right to showcase their skills and knowledge. When students believe they have prior competencies, they can request recognition and accreditation. This recognition is typically granted by the responsible teacher or a designated authority.

The assessment of these competencies follows established criteria and grading scales used for related study units. This integration ensures a consistent approach.

Students have the freedom to apply for recognition of their prior competencies, regardless of where or when they acquired them. They can also seek recognition for competencies gained through work-based learning as part of their degree.

Students must demonstrate their competencies and provide adequate information to support their claims. In this process, the responsibility for proving competence lies with the student.

Co-operation with working life and/or RDI

This study module does not include workplace projects.

Important dates

Based on the Degree Regulations (2024), students accepted into the course are required to confirm their participation by demonstrating active engagement at the start of the study module as follows:

To demonstrate active engagement, the student must be present at the first contact session or notify the responsible teacher of their absence to confirm participation. If the student fails to report their absence from the first session or the reason for absence is not considered justified, their registration will be rejected. Another student may be admitted in their place.

The first contact session will take place on xxx

Student workload

Credit Equivalency: One credit is approximately equivalent to 26.7 hours of student work.

Content and scheduling

During the module, students will become familiar with various creative and activity-based methods such as music, visual expression, drama, physical activity, and dance, as well as their use in social work. Through learning assignments, students will explore the significance of creativity and its various forms of expression in the field of social work.

Further information

In accordance with the degree regulations, students are required to attend the initial contact teaching session, or alternatively, they must formally inform the responsible teacher of their absence while affirming their commitment to participating in the course.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the quality of the study unit's implementation has undergone an evaluation process, and the self-evaluation report is accessible to students through the Canvas platform.

Evaluation scale

H-5