Authors Rutter and Brown present students, academics, and professionals working in a wide variety of contexts with the fourth edition of their comprehensive examination of the critical thinking skills central to successful social work. The authors have organized the main body of their text in eight chapters devoted to the general principles of critical thinking, professional judgment, using knowledge in practice, critical reflection, and a wide variety of other related subjects. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
Critical thinking as a process can appear formal and academic, far removed from everyday life where decisions have to be taken quickly in less than ideal conditions. Now more than ever, though, it is seen as a vital part of social work, and indeed any healthcare and leadership practice within the current agenda for integration, and in the post Francis inquiry health care context.
This fourth edition now reflects this wider arena, but also includes new material in response to the continuing review of the social work Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). It continues to take a pragmatic look at the range of ideas associated with critical thinking, focusing on learning and development for practice. The chapter on professional judgement has been extended to provide a wider discussion on practical reasoning and judgement in relation to developing expertise. Other chapters and reading lists have also been updated, and activities revised to enhance learning. The authors continue to emphasise the importance of sound, moral judgement based on critical thinking and practical reasoning; whilst also acknowledging the tensions for staff and teams facing complex, uncertain situations and sometimes oppressive workplace cultures. Their hope is that increased and informed attention to your thinking can help nurture wise deliberation and action in such challenging times.
Helps students and practitioners understand what critical thinking is and what it looks like in practice, supporting them to be a more confidant and competent practitioner.
