Reflection III

Does HBSE teach students to do anything?

In this article they discuss reasons why HBSE is used in Social work and why it is
taught to students. They discuss the meaning of assessment and how social
workers use it. Charles Zatstrow says because the purpose of (Pincus & Minaha,
1973) Social Workers must first asses these client systems (Zastrow). He then goes
on to quote Barker from 1991 by explain the definition of assessment which
includes the process of determining nature, cause progression and prognosis of a
problem and the personalities and situations involved therein; the social work
function of acquiring an understanding of a problem what causes it, what can be
changed to minimize or resolve it (Zatrow). He then goes one to explain this in
length and provide his findings as to why HBSE does teach students. Then the next
part of this is William E. Powell respectfully argument that the HBSE does not teach
students. He touches on Zatsrows use of Bakers 1991 definition of assessment, his
argument is with Zatrows lack of the explain of the word process because this is
done over time and he is unsure that HBSE in a class room setting can accurately
teach an on-going process in social work (Powell). Powell then goes on to explain
his reasoning for believing that HBSE does not teach students. Each as a unique
theory behind this and neither is wrong, but each make valid points.
Should HBSE favor social environment theories or theories of individual
behavior?
This article raises a very good question. Which is more important to be teaching
students, the individual or the environment as a whole. As over time theories,
perspective and interventions have evolved and changes so has the opinions of
many. The first view that we hear is that of Deborah Siegel, she argues that as of
recent teaching more focus has been placed on induvial and that she believes the
importance of the social environment is being ignored. She believes that these
systems are important and should continue to be taught. Nina Rovneu Heller then
discuss her opinion on this question, stating that in some senses she agrees with
Dr. Siegel about the importance of the social environment. Heller states though that
her thoughts are that the Social work is complex and that it involves the
demonstrates a continuing effort to understand what we do as social workers, what
we need to know as practitioners and what we believe about people and how their
worlds interact. I like this quote because it explains the important to know it all and
why students should be taught that as well.