Is the natural environment important to social work education and practice? Perspectives from social work students in Queensland, Australia

Abstract

This article reports on a quantitative research project with Bachelor of Social Work students in Queensland, Australia, about student involvement in environmental activities and environmental curriculum content. As environmental perspectives in social work are still emerging, research into student perceptions of the environment is limited, particularly in Australia. This project found most students valued the natural environment both personally and as emerging practitioners. Students participated in many environmental activities, with students more focused on future micro social work practice. Many students identified environmental content within their degree and expressed a desire for more, to support the future needs of clients.