Building professional identity during social work education: the role of reflective writing as a tool

The aim of this study was to increase knowledge about how the process of building a professional identity can be incorporated into social work education at a Swedish university. In the subject called Personal and Professional Development (PPD), taught during the first five semesters, students are trained in specific generic skills and approaches required in social work. Different pedagogical tools, such as keeping a logbook in which students can reflect on different course elements, are used to support the learning- and development process. The data consists of 95 log texts and critical reflections from 41 students who finished the PPD course. Thematic content analysis with both quantitative and qualitative elements was used. The results indicate that this course gives students the opportunity to begin the process of developing their professional identity by linking knowledge and skills training to ideas about their future profession. The results point to the field placement as a central part in this process where theoretical knowledge can be contextualized and focus can be broadened from the individual to the societal level. One conclusion is that reflective writing seems to be a valuable and important part of students' development of metacognition by making their own learning visible.