Enhancing Research Experience in MSW Curriculum: A Practicum-Based Approach to Program Evaluation

This Teaching Note introduces a practicum-based instructional model designed to enhance Master of Social Work (MSW) students’ research education by embedding real-world program evaluation projects within their field placements. Recognizing persistent challenges in research instruction, such as student anxiety, limited faculty expertise, and fragmented course design, this approach integrates classroom learning with hands-on evaluation experiences that are directly aligned with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), particularly Competency 4 on research-informed practice and practice-informed research. The model features a structured sequence of research courses supported by interactive pedagogy, mentoring, and reflective practice. Students engage in applied evaluation activities, including pre-post outcome assessments, client satisfaction surveys, and practitioner job satisfaction studies, which allow them to develop practical research skills in agency settings. These projects are framed as program evaluation rather than formal research, enabling students to explore ethical implementation and methodological rigor without the pressure of producing statistically significant or generalizable results. In collaboration with the university Institutional Review Board (IRB), students complete mock IRB applications and obtain agency support letters, reinforcing ethical awareness and institutional compliance. This experiential learning model fosters student confidence, reduces anxiety, and strengthens the connection between research and practice. The Teaching Note offers a replicable framework for social work educators seeking to improve research instruction, promote evidence-based decision-making, and prepare MSW students for professional roles that demand analytical thinking, ethical inquiry, and practice-based evaluation.