Belmont Social Work Faculty Lead in Innovative Teaching Method

International collaboration with Queen's University Belfast brings UK-mandated approach to US classrooms

Belmont's social work faculty are at the forefront of implementing an innovative teaching approach known as service user pedagogy in the United States. This method, which has been mandated in the United Kingdom since 2002, involves incorporating the perspectives of individuals who have used social work services (typically referred to as clients in the U.S.) into the educational process. 

The initiative began in 2018 when Dr. Joe Duffy from Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, visited Belmont as a Fulbright recipient. Dr. Sabrina Sullenberger of Belmont introduced Duffy to Nashville-area community partners and clients willing to participate in a service user pedagogy demonstration. 

Professor Julie Hunt has since incorporated this teaching method into one of her courses each year. Further, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Health Sciences and Social Work Chair Dr. Jennifer Crowell-Thompson has provided crucial support, particularly in securing institutional commitment to the model. 

"This approach aligns perfectly with Belmont's commitment to experiential learning," said Crowell-Thompson. "By bringing service users into the classroom, we're not just teaching theory, we're providing our students with real-world insights that will shape their future practice. It's a transformative experience for both our students and the service users who participate." 

Eager to share their groundbreaking work, Sullenberger, Hunt and Crowell-Thompson, along with Duffy, have presented at numerous national conferences. Their enthusiasm for the project led to a peer-reviewed publication in 2023, co-authored by Duffy, Sullenberger and Hunt, further disseminating their collaborative findings. 

The impact of their work has reached even further. In May 2024, following discussions with Duffy, the Council on Social Work Education announced plans for a Curricular Guide focusing on service user involvement in U.S. social work education. Dr. Duffy will lead this initiative, with Dr. Sullenberger serving as co-chair alongside Dr. Katharine Dill from Marist College. Other Belmont faculty members, including Drs. Hunt, Crowell-Thompson and Carmen Foster, will also take on leadership roles in this groundbreaking project. 

Students have responded positively to this innovative approach. 

"I can't imagine not having had the opportunity to learn directly from someone who worked with a social worker,” shared a member of the class of 2024. “I know it made me a better student in field, and it will make me a better social worker in practice." 

This initiative underscores Belmont's commitment to forward-thinking teaching methods and its leadership in social work education. By incorporating service user perspectives, Belmont is preparing its students to become more empathetic, communicative and effective social workers.