..Can students gain from working in the community? ....Is it possible that such work can challenge and transform the way we view our own responsibilities as citizens?
Work based learning can provide excellent opportunities for social science students to engage in socially meaningful work and to reflect upon the broader social-political context and iimplications of this work. It is increasingly the case, especially in Britain and the US that central and local government are distancing themselves from direct service provision and relying to a far greater extent upon the activities of the voluntary sector and upon a new generation of citizens. Along with many other universities, Sheffield Hallam University has been particularly interested in adapting to these political changes and to providing opportunities for its students to work in the local community. As part of a module on Social Policy Work Experience, we asked students to reflect upon a range of issues including: The nature and importance of the voluntary sector -
How voluntary work impacted on their own skills development -
Their role in the community
Sharing the experiences from the tutors' perspectives: Part 1
Audio 12:37 mins
Sharing the experiences from the tutor's perspectives: Part 2
Audio 9:15
Work Based Learning & social sciences
The 'SWAP Report' 
The Reflective Diary Template 
Social and Moral Responsibility