Books
I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to write several books for social work students at both undergraduate and postgraduate study levels.
On this page, below, you will find information about books that I have written or co-written with colleagues. These books are all texts to support student learning in professional social work practice and allied professions. Some of the work has been published by Learning Matters Ltd with texts being available directly from the publisher and from most book sellers, including Amazon.co.uk. For a direct link to the text on Amazon, click on the ISBN numbers for each text below.
As well as the books detailed below, I have a book due to be published by Sage publications in October 2011 which focuses on interprofessional collaborative practice in social work. I am now working on two further books for the same publisher, both due for publication in 2012 – one is jointly authored and will provide undergraduate students with a guide to the practice learning elements of the social work degree – I am writing the second text alone and this will centre on groupwork practice for social workers.
Mathews, I. and Crawford, K. (2011) Evidence-Based Social Work: Using Knowledge in Practice Exeter: Learning Matters
Crawford, K. and Walker, J. (2010) Social Work and Human Development (3rd Edition) Exeter: Learning Matters
This book was written with my long-term colleague Janet Walker as an updated third edition of this successful text. It starts from the premise that social workers need to understand people and how they develop to provide context for service users’ life situations. This book introduces the reader to a range of perspectives on human development. All stages of the life course are considered – looking at the way people develop before birth, as babies and children, through adolescence and onto young, middle and older adulthood. This third edition has new, up-to-date case studies which are used throughout to draw out key points and reinforce learning. New research findings are included and government guidance and policy documents have been updated, reflecting current practice.
Walker, J., Crawford, K. and Parker, J. (2008) Practice Education in Social Work: A Handbook for Practice Teachers, Assessors and Educators Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd
This book was co-written with two colleagues. It was written for practice educators across the ‘helping professions’ in response to the post-qualifying requirements in these professions, particularly the social work post-qualifying framework from the General Social Care Council (GSCC). The book examines contemporary theories and knowledge in practice learning, teaching and education, and enables readers to reflect on how this relates to their role as a practice educator. The book also considers other roles associated with practice education – mentor, coach, supervisor, the “arms length” practice educator. In addition, it examines wider aspects of the practice educator’s role in supporting and mentoring colleagues in practice who are undertaking post-qualifying awards. Throughout, the book is structured not only around the new Post Qualifying Standards for Practice Education, but also the Higher Education Academy standards. (1051 copies sold as at December 2009)
Crawford, K. and Walker, J. (2008) Social Work with Older People (2nd Ed) Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd
This book was written by Janet and I as an update to the first edition largely because the legal and political context of social work practice with older people had changed and move forward considerably in the four years since the publication of the first edition. This book is primarily designed as an interactive resource with activities and case studies throughout the text. There are suggestions for further reading and links to current Government guidance and policy documents. (822 copies sold as at December 2009)
Crawford, K. and Walker, J. (2007) Social Work and Human Development (2nd Ed) Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd
ISBN-13: 978-1844451128
Following the very successful first edition of this text, this second edition was published in 2007 provided updates to relevant policy, legislation and research, with new case study materials to support learning. (3439 copies sold as at December 2009)
Crawford, K. (2006) Reflective Reader: Social Work and Human Development Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd
I wrote this book as sole author, it develops an original approach to introducing students and practitioners to reflective learning and knowledge-based practice, both key aspects of a social worker’s role. Readers are encouraged to consider the impact of social work practice from a life course perspective by using extracts from topical research, theory, academic texts and national strategy and policy. Numerous activities prompt personal reflection and help readers to develop skills in critical analysis, as well as providing ways in which they can evidence the impact this learning has on their professional development. (1146 copies sold as at December 2009)
Crawford, K. and Walker, J. (2004) Social Work with Older People Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd
ISBN-13: 978-1844450176
Again, written with my good colleague Janet Walker, this book aims to help students develop a distinctive focus on social work with older people. It enables the reader to develop the knowledge, skills and values that allow them to promote and protect the well-being of the older people they work with. As an interactive resource, with activities, case studies and summaries of contemporary research throughout, this book aids and reinforces the reader’s learning. There are also suggestions for further reading and links to current Government guidance and policy documents, all of which support best social work practice when working with older people. (4323 copies sold as at December 2009)
Crawford, K. and Walker, J. (2003) Social Work and Human Development Exeter:Learning Matters Ltd
ISBN-13: 978-1903300831
This was the first text that my good friend and colleague, Janet Walker, and I wrote together. Initially this was borne out of a need to respond to new requirements for social work education and national occupational standards. The book has seven main chapters covering human development through the life course and introduces students to a range of theoretical approaches to understanding human development with regard to social work practice. (7586 copies sold as at December 2009)
