Chonody’s textbook engages the next generation of social workers

Jill M. Chonody, professor in the School of Social Work, is shaping how social work is taught in classrooms across the country with her recently published textbook, "Teaching Activities for Social Work: Creative Pedagogies to Engage Students." The book serves as a practical teaching and learning guide designed to help instructors bring active, engaging and meaningful learning into social work education.

Chonody wrote the book to respond to a growing need within the discipline. As social work programs adapt to new educational standards and an increasingly varied student population that includes Gen Z learners and nontraditional students, instructors are seeking innovative ways to engage students in course content. Chonody's work provides clear, adaptable strategies that allow educators to implement active learning approaches or modify them to fit their own classrooms.

Rather than focusing solely on theory, the text offers concrete tools. It includes creative teaching methods, in class activities and assignments that encourage students to think critically, reflect on their experiences, and view themselves and the world from new perspectives. These activities span core areas of social work education, including research, policy, history, clinical practice and macro level work.

The textbook is organized into 20 themed sections comprising 100 chapters, each detailing a different teaching or learning activity. Topics range from photography, art, music, mindfulness and reflective writing to artificial intelligence, fun and games, and professional development. This structure allows instructors to easily find activities aligned with specific course goals and content areas.

Chonody also addresses a gap in faculty preparation. While many social work doctoral programs emphasize research, they often provide limited training in pedagogy, even though most graduates go on to teach. This book serves as a resource for new instructors, seasoned faculty, adjuncts and doctoral students who want to strengthen their teaching practices and make learning more interactive and engaging.

Throughout the text, Chonody contributes multiple chapters herself, reflecting her commitment to innovative pedagogy and student centered learning. Her contributions are woven alongside work from educators across institutions, highlighting collaboration within the social work education community.

"Teaching Activities for Social Work: Creative Pedagogies to Engage Students" stands as both a practical guide and a reflection of evolving priorities in social work education. By centering creativity, engagement and adaptability, the book supports instructors in preparing students not only to master content, but to think critically, reflect deeply and carry those skills into practice.

Chonody continues her impact on teaching, learning, and the future of social work education through this book.

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