Evaluating in Practice

Ian F. Shaw, Professor of Social Work, University of York, UK

• Contents: Preface to the second edition; Keeping social work honest; Walking the borders: practice and research; Practitioners talk; A frame for evaluating in practice; Interlude; New agenda, new methods: evaluating assessments and plans; Social work in action: evaluating the process of practice; The end game: evaluating outcomes; Developing evaluating in practice; Bibliography; Index.

'Shaw brings a rare depth of scholarship to examining evaluating in practice. He effectively combines ideas of forgotten scholars with the latest innovations in qualitative research. The result is a powerful reminder of the importance of reflective-mindedness in social work and related disciplines.' Mirja Satka, University of Jyväskylä, Finland 'Evaluating in Practice is a very important book that should be required reading for social work students and established professionals alike. The integration of social science knowledge illuminates aspects of social work practice that typically go unnoticed.' Catherine Kohler Riessman, Professor Emerita, Boston College, USA 'Fundamentally challenging conventional notions of practice and evaluation and utilizing thoughtful and carefully supported arguments, Shaw develops the notion that evaluating should be an integral dimension of every aspect of social work practice. In elegant prose he skillfully paces the reading experience and offers exercises for "taking it further", mapping a path toward enacting this new vision of methodological practice.' Karen M. Staller, University of Michigan, USA 'By deploying qualitative methods in practice, Evaluating in Practice moves fact/value discussions forward. Shaw's argument preserves values while maintaining critical inquiry; in short, he offers a "model" for practice not a "source."... Evaluating in Practice is a cogent argument for addressing the "conflict between instinctive judgement and theoretical conviction." Shaw has moved us beyond the usual either/or pitfalls and broken new ground for imagining how qualitative methods, evaluation, and practice are interdependent.' Qualitative Social Work 'This is an excellent book for all involved in social work practice for three reasons. Firstly, it clearly demonstrates how the use of qualitative evaluation and inquiry can enhance practice. Second, it emphasises the importance of methodologically-based practice, and, thirdly, it pr