DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION


Teaching and Learning
Our Faculty
also teach in the MSW Program


mathwritingandsocialwork
Math, Writing and Social Work

Math and writing are important to college performance because they are the essentials of learning. Math skills allow you to collect information, analyze data and discover new and interesting patterns in your world.  Writing well gives you the power to communicate those discoveries. These two skills are very important to a competent social worker. The better you are at them, the sharper your skills will be as a social worker.  College level algbra and intermediate college level writing/composition will help you to succeed and perhaps excel at your chosen profession.

Your ability to read, process, analyze and communicate your observations is all a part of social work practice.  You will be asked to explain your analysis of case studies and articles.  The quality and clarity of your writing are attributes you will need while working with clients to record their case histories, compose court reports, referrals, other official documentation.  Writing skills affect how well you address and present the literature on their situation and the best practices you will need to apply.  The better you are at the writing
writing and math
process as a student the better you will be as a professional.  Make yourself the best writer you can be. You can do this by taking several courses that focus on writing in your first or sophomore year. And don't be afraid to use the writing workshop on campus.  

The ability to analyze data is key to professions that deal with human behavior.  Social workers use statistical analysis to measure how effectively they are in assisting their clients or how effective their agency is in relation to program goals.  The best social workers take as much pride in their abilty to write well and problem solve as they do in their abililty to empathize and sympathize.

Writing and math are essential tools for a student and a professional.   Master them early and use them often.
©2008 BSW Program Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis Minnesota USA
1.800.330.1000