Application of fishbowl and role-playing techniques for professional ethics training: the perception of social work students at the university of Alicante

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1329

Keywords:

higher education, social work, students, competencies, ethics, active learning, role-playing, fishbowl

Abstract

Introduction: This paper analyzes the application of the group techniques role-playing and fishbowl in Social Work education. It examines students' perceptions of the activity's content and methodology, as well as the acquisition of ethical competencies. Methodology: 111 students from the External Practicum courses of the Social Work degree at the University of Alicante (Spain) completed the data collection process. A quantitative method of descriptive and explanatory type was employed. Results: A positive perception is observed regarding both the content and methodology of the activity and its impact on the acquisition of ethical competencies. Discussion: The main results are analyzed and interpreted, relating them to the existing body of knowledge on ethics in Social Work. Conclusions: It is concluded that the combination of the role-playing and fishbowl techniques is effective for the development of ethical competencies, according to the participating students' perceptions.

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Author Biographies

Javier Ferrer-Aracil, University of Alicante

PhD, Social Worker, Anthropologist and Professor at the Department of Social Work and Social Services, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Alicante (Spain). His teaching interests focus on Social Work with Communities, as well as on Models and Methods of Social Work. His main research interests include community intervention, diversity management and educational innovation in Social Work. Currently, he is Academic Coordinator of Social Work Internships at the University of Alicante.

Elena M. Cortés-Florín, University of Alicante

PhD, Social Worker and Professor at the Department of Social Work and Social Services, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Alicante (Spain). Her teaching interests focus on Models and Methods of Social Work, Social Work research and social services. Her main research interests include participation, systemic intervention, intervention in social services and educational innovation. Currently, she is a Tutor of the Tutorial Action Program (PAT) of the Degree in Social Work at the University of Alicante.

María Aragonés-González, University of Alicante

PhD, Social Worker, Equality Agent and Professor at the Department of Social Work and Social Services, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Alicante (Spain). Her lines of research revolve around the relevance of Social Work in the educational system and the role of education in the prevention of social problems, such as gender inequality, gender violence and social exclusion. Likewise, she is interested in teaching improvement and innovation in higher education.

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Published

2025-01-23

How to Cite

Ferrer-Aracil, J., Cortés-Florín, E. M., & Aragonés-González, M. (2025). Application of fishbowl and role-playing techniques for professional ethics training: the perception of social work students at the university of Alicante. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1329

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