KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICEAMONGUNIVERSITY OF BENIN STUDENTS
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Abstract
This study explores the level of knowledge and awareness of social work practice among students of the University of Benin. Social work, as a professional field, plays a vital rolein promoting human well-being, advocating for social justice, and enhancing the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities. Despite its growing significance in contemporary society, social work remains a misunderstood and under appreciated discipline, particularly among university students who are expected to be future change agents. The research assessed the extent to which students from various faculties and departments understand the goals, principles, and practical applications of social work. It also investigates factors that influence awareness levels, such as faculty of study, exposure to social work education, and participation in social intervention programs. The methodology adopted for this study is a quantitative survey research design, aimed at
collecting numerical data that can be statistically analyzed. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to a stratified random sample of 500 undergraduate students across different faculties within the University of Benin. The questionnaire contained both closed and open-ended questions designed to measure students' awareness, understanding, and perceptions of social work as a discipline and profession. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency tables and percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests) to determine the relationship between students' demographic variables and their level of awareness. The findings revealed significant gaps in knowledge about social work practice among students, with recommendations geared toward improving social work visibility and integration into general university curricula. Ultimately, the study underscores the need for greater advocacy and educational campaigns to raise awareness and promote the relevance of social work in national development, especially in higher education institutions such as the University of Benin
social work in national development, especially in higher education institutions suchasthe University of Benin
collecting numerical data that can be statistically analyzed. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to a stratified random sample of 500 undergraduate students across different faculties within the University of Benin. The questionnaire contained both closed and open-ended questions designed to measure students' awareness, understanding, and perceptions of social work as a discipline and profession. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency tables and percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests) to determine the relationship between students' demographic variables and their level of awareness. The findings revealed significant gaps in knowledge about social work practice among students, with recommendations geared toward improving social work visibility and integration into general university curricula. Ultimately, the study underscores the need for greater advocacy and educational campaigns to raise awareness and promote the relevance of social work in national development, especially in higher education institutions such as the University of Benin
social work in national development, especially in higher education institutions suchasthe University of Benin
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