The Theory and Practice Relationship

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that is both interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary and draws on a wide array of scientific theories and research. Theory and practice need to be connected by bridges such as reflective practice and other strategies for more effective social work intervention.

• How can the dialogue be strengthened between the professional world and the academic world?
• How can social work education contribute to its own academic knowledge production and practice development?
• What are the most successful experiences that can inform the curricula of the future?
• What strategies can bring the two worlds closer?
• How can systematic reflection on social work action give life to new theories and how can new theories born in the academic work be useful in the practice?
• What should the contribution be from the other human sciences?