Teaching critical thinking in social work education: a literature review

Abstract

While there has been considerable discussion about reflective practice and evidence-based practice in social work education over the last decade, less specific attention has been paid to critical thinking. There are generic critical thinking skills and attitudes, however the research suggests critical thinking should be taught in both explicit and disciplinary-specific ways. This article reviews the literature on teaching critical thinking in social work and human services education. In doing so, it outlines educational strategies that have been used to promote critical thinking in social work, and argues that understanding the client or consumer perspective is a vital part of the critical thinking process.