LEXINGTON, Ky. – As technology transforms higher education and social work practice, faculty at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) are leading the way with a new textbook designed to prepare students for the realities of modern social work practice.
Field Instruction: A Practicum Handbook for Social Work Students (8th Edition) provides a fresh, practice-ready approach to one of the most critical components of social work education—the practicum experience. The handbook helps students bridge classroom learning with professional application while navigating emerging technologies and ethical challenges in the field. The team of authors will also be sharing more information about the handbook at the 2025 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2025 Annual Conference from October 23 – 26.
“This new edition reflects the dynamic nature of social work practice today,” said Dr. Jenifer Gamble, co-author and CoSW faculty member. “With new ways of communicating, such as texting, chat platforms and social media, students now have clear guidance on how to apply ethical standards to these evolving tools and engage technology responsibly to enhance service delivery.”
The updated handbook is organized into three clear sections to mirror the student experience from start to finish: Preparing for Practicum, Beginning Practicum, and During Practicum. It also features a new chapter on technology use in practicum, which integrates the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), CSWE, and Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Technology Standards through practical examples and ethical applications.
“Social work programs can now more effectively integrate this handbook early in the practicum process,” Gamble noted. “Students are encouraged to take an active role in selecting placements that align with their goals, ensuring a successful start and a strong and confident finish.”
The authors designed the text to be accessible, ensuring that all students, regardless of background or program type, can see themselves reflected in its examples and guided toward practicum opportunities that support their professional aspirations.
Field Instruction: A Practicum Handbook for Social Work Students was co-authored by CoSW faculty, Drs. Karen Badger and Jenifer Gamble, and Professors Emeritus Dr. David Royse and Dr. Surjit Singh Dhooper. Their collective expertise in social work education, supervision, and ethical practice ensures that this edition serves not only as a guidebook for students but as a cornerstone resource for programs seeking to elevate practicum education nationwide.
For more information on Field Instruction: A Practicum Handbook for Social Work Students (Practicum Handbook; ISBN 978-1-4786-5386-8) please visit Waveland Press. The textbook will be available October 2025.
