Teaching Note—Applying Critical Theory to the BSW Classroom

The use of critical theory in social work education is paramount because it analyzes social systems and confronts various types of oppression. This teaching note presents a classroom exercise at the baccalaureate level that could enhance the understanding and application of power distribution in the social work curriculum. It provides a summary of self-reflections from the participants’ experiences to highlight the awareness that this framework’s educational process can generate. The proposed exercise also links to the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. The ramifications of this classroom experience for social work education are examined.