Study Guide

Objective

Students gain basic knowledge and skills in creative activity methods and practices using narrative methods for example literature and other texts, writing, reminiscence, the storytelling method, methods promoting self-knowledge (the lifeline method, treasure map and diaries). Students understand how creative, culture and art methods can promote self-image, self-esteem, self-expression and sense of community. Students know how to organise goal-oriented group activities using narrative methods. They are able to motivate and encourage individuals and group members to express themselves using narrative methods. Students know how to work in a systematic manner in the area of creative activities and they are able to plan a full process of creative activity. Students are aware of their creative resources and they are motivated to use and develop these resources in the context of professional social field work.

Content

- creative group methods in the work of Bachelors of Social Services
- process in creative work
- narrative methods in creative group activities
- literature and other texts, writing, reminiscence, the storytelling method, methods promoting self-knowledge, the lifeline method, treasure map, diaries
- activity-based and experiential exercises using expressive methods
- the process of creative activity
- developing one's creative resources in the context of professional social field work

Materials

- Hohenthal?Antin, L. 2013. Muistellaan: luovat menetelmät muistisairaantukena. Jyväskylä: PS-kustannus
- Karlsson L. 2014. Sadutus- avain osallisuuden toimintakulttuuriin. Helsinki: PS-kustannus
- Lauerma, L. (2021). Suvun jäljillä, löydä oma tarinasi. Kirjapaja.
- additional material will be announced in the beginning of the study course

Teaching methods

Face-to-face teaching, exercises, independent tasks, familiarization with literature, planning and implementation of a group guidance exercise with a client group

Completion alternatives

As an alternative delivery method, studying via Living Lab, where the student completes the course by doing group supervision with clients, planning, implementation, evaluation report and one written assignment of the course. A more precise form of execution will be agreed upon with the teacher.

Student workload

106h, of which 16h of classroom teaching

Evaluation scale

Passed/failed

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

X

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Pass:
The students
- have a good possession of the knowledge about creative methods and concepts in the field of narrative methods, described in learning objectives
- are able to plan and to implement a creative process using narrative methods as working tools
- are aware of their creative strengths
- are able to use their creative skills as working tools
- have capacities to reflect the ways how to apply use of narratives in the context of social work.

Assessment methods and criteria

The course is evaluated on a pass/fail scale. Methodical exercises and written assignments are done in the course, which are evaluated. In addition, the planning and implementation of the small group situation is evaluated.
In the approved performance, the student knows how to plan and implement the process of creative activity using methods that utilize storytelling. The student knows how to use his creative skills as a work tool and to consider the ways of applying storytelling in the context of professional work in the social sector.

Qualifications

most part of the module Knowledge Base in Social Work

Further information

Students choose between this and the following courses:
- Use of Pictures in Group Activities
- Use of Drama Methods in Group Activities