Heterodoxy in Social Work Education

Panelist(s)

Nafees Alam, PhD

Associate Professor
University of Nebraska Kearney
Heidi Rueda, MSW, PhD

John E. Christensen Community Chair in Child Welfare
University of Nebraska Omaha
Bruce A. Thyer, PhD, LCSW

Distinguished Research Professor
Florida State University
vicki lens, MSW, J.D., PhD

MS
Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, CUNY

Moderator(s)

Steve Hoffman, PhD

Associate Professor
Brigham Young University

This proposal explores the role of heterodoxy in social work education, emphasizing viewpoint diversity, constructive disagreement, and open inquiry. It examines diverse perspectives enhancing critical thinking, disability advocacy, and inclusive learning. By fostering heterodoxy, social work education can better prepare students to navigate complex issues, promoting disability justice and joy.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:

Attendees will identify the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities (SWOT) to advancing open inquiry and viewpoint diversity in social work education.
Attendees will analyze the validity and credibility of diverse viewpoints in social work education.
Attendees will learn how to promote constructive disagreement in the classroom so that students can successfully engage with diverse viewpoints impacting social work.