A first in Turkey: The second Social Service Application Class opened at MAKÜ

At Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, the second Social Work Practice Class, which was established as a first in Turkey in 2019, was opened. The opening ceremony took place with speeches highlighting the importance of qualified practice areas in social work education.

Social Work Department Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Umut Yanardağ emphasized in his speech at the ceremony that the practice class offers a great opportunity for social work students to develop their professional skills. Yanardağ stated that social workers work with the most vulnerable segments of society and expressed that despite the professional challenges, the academics working in this field bear the responsibility of training future social workers in the most equipped way.

At MAKÜ, students are supported not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical training

Yanardağ stated that the practice class is structured with a scenario-based learning model and that students experience real case-like experiences with artificial clients. In this process, students are supported not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical training. Additionally, it is aimed that these studies, which will be associated with micro-credentials in the upcoming period, will be documented in a format that adds value to students' resumes after graduation.

Yanardağ stated that with the artificial intelligence and virtual reality laboratory planned to be completed soon, students will experience a more interactive and technological education process, and efforts are being made to open this infrastructure to social work students across Turkey. Yanardağ emphasized that the supportive approach of the university administration played a significant role in the department's success and thanked all senior management, especially Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar. He also extended special thanks to Barış Uluhan, who provided most of the equipment for the practice class.

Rector Dalgar “We are the best social work department in Turkey”

Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, speaking at the ceremony, emphasized that the MAKÜ Social Work Department is the best social work department in Turkey. Dalgar noted that the importance of social work has increased in a period where social problems are increasing and highlighted the importance of differentiation and practice-oriented education in this field.

Rector Dalgar stated, “In a field like social work that touches individuals, the place of experiences gained in the field in professional development is very significant. As MAKÜ, we aim to graduate our students in a well-equipped manner with the projects and practice opportunities we carry out in this field. I thank all our academic staff who contributed to this success.”

Following the speeches, a certificate of appreciation was presented to Barış Uluhan, the representative of Uluhan İnşaat firm, which supported the construction of the class. The ceremony concluded with the cutting of the opening ribbon of the class by Rector Dalgar, department faculty members, and guests.

MAKÜ Social Work Department continues to maintain its innovative and pioneering approach in the field of social work with its emphasis on practice-based education.