Research Skills for Social Services Mentoring Programme

At the end of the programme, participants are expected to achieve the following objectives:
• Plan and complete a small-scale research project independently
• Appreciate the strengths and limitations of different research designs and methods
• Present and apply research findings at work

All participants are required to:
• Conceptualise and complete a research project, either individually or in small groups
• Submit two assignments to the mentors for comments
• Attend and contribute actively during the workshops and mentoring sessions
• Present research findings on programme graduation day (the presentation will be attended by participants and invited guests only)

All participants of the programme are expected to attend and contribute actively during the workshops and the discussion groups organised by the mentors.
Participants will be organized in small groups of 3 members each, where they will arrange with their mentors on suitable times to meet. Each mentoring session will last about 2 hours and the discussions may take place mainly through online video call meetings.

Other than fulfilling the programme requirements stated above, participants will need to prepare for their research proposals, conduct library research, collect data, perform data-analyses, write  reports, and prepare for their conference presentations. A large part of the learning from this programme will come from mutual sharing of their research progress among the participants. Participants must be prepared to share their research progress with their mentors and with other
participants

The programme welcomes all participants working in the social service or health sectors, who have a strong interest in research. Participants should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and basic knowledge on social research. In particular, the programme is targeted at:

• Social workers
• Medical social workers
• Allied health professionals
• Social service practitioners and professionals from government agencies or voluntary welfare organisations

All necessary programme materials will be provided in digital or electronic versions and they must not be circulated beyond the purpose of this training programme. There will be no hardcopies provided.

Aligned with the objectives of the National Social Work Competency Framework, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation for attendance and submission of two required assignments. Course participants are eligible for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits with the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW). One CPE credit will be awarded for each contact hour. Approval of CPE credits are to be submitted through the CPE Log Book under each accredited professional’s account.