Coming Together of Theory and Praxis: Applying the Dialogic Model

   Namami Sharma  ¹  

Abstract

The action research was carried out with the post graduate students pursuing the Masters of Arts in Social Work at Tezpur University. The research was done in two phases. This first phase was carried out during the first semester and in continuation the second phase was carried out with the same batch during the second semester. The research took place in a cycle, beginning from identification of a problem, based on observations in the classroom over the last one year. The problem identified was the disconnect between theory and praxis with respect to social work practice in an open community. Praxis is related primarily to the component of ‘Field Work’ which is a crucial part of the Social Work discipline. The problem identified was corroborated by baseline data collection and analysis following which the intervention of dialogic model was introduced in two phases. Application of the dialogic model has resulted in better understanding, improved participation in the class, critical questioning and efforts in connecting theory and praxis.

1. Namami Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work Tezpur University