Abstract:

Personal Development (PD) is a mandatory module across the four years of the B.A (Hons) in Social Care work (SCW) at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). The aim of this study was to examine if PD is relevant and beneficial to social care work learners (SCLs). PD modules are not provided as stand-alone modules by other Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) offering SCW or similar programmes, hence, the desire to research the topic arose. Moller and Rance’s (2013) and McMahon and Rodillas’ (2020) studies are the most applicable to the TUS SCW PD modules. Additionally, Kivlighan III, Adams, Obrecht, Kim, Ward and Latino (2019) suggests research to examine the processes of PD groups connected to attaining development as a learner is required. It seems research that determines the potential therapeutic benefits of PD/growth groups to its members is also lacking (Eskridge, Ohrt, Reysen and Young (2013).

This is a study of retrospective reflection of SCW graduates’ PD learning experiences. A qualitative interpretive case study approach was adopted for this study. Semi-structured interviews were convened with 21 SCW graduates to address the research question-The research question “Is the PD module from LIT’s SCW HE programme relevant and beneficial for SCLs, Subquestions were devised to answer the main research question and are provided below:
- How is PD defined, conceptualised and operationalised?
- How do participants articulate the content of their learning and their experience of PD as a pedagogical process?

The findings portray the SCWs experiences of PD as a module and, subsequently, its transference to their practice. Unexpectedly, the findings also unearth the difference between SCWs with PD learning and those without PD learning. Moreover, the findings highlighted how practise and physical and mental well-being is impacted when PD learning is not provided during SCW education. Gaps in the literature identified and addressed in this research highlighted the importance of PD for SCLs.

Keywords:

Personal Development, Therapeutic, Health and Social Care, Higher Education, Learner's.