Browsing by Author "Ayala, Jessica"
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- ItemOpen AccessSocial workers within Canadian public libraries: A multicase study(2018-04-30) Schweizer, Elizabeth; Ayala, Jessica; Koltusky, Laura; Burns, Victoria F.; Hewson, Jennifer A.This study explored the emerging field of social work practice within Canadian public libraries. This is an interdisciplinary area of practice that has been increasing in prevalence across North America over the last decade. Despite the burgeoning movement that has begun to gain attention within public library circles and the popular media, comparatively little research has been published on library social work practice. There is a particular dearth of research in the area from Canadian social work perspectives. A mixed methods multicase study was utilized, consisting of a preliminary online survey distributed across Canada followed by analysis of four cases in which there are library-based social workers: Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL), Kitchener Public Library (KPL), Mississauga Public Library (MPL), and Edmonton Public Library (EPL). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants, along with document review. Analysis was first performed for each individual case, followed by cross-case analysis. Four library social work models used by the urban public libraries were identified: social service agency partnership, local university partnership, municipal partnership, and full-time social work staff. In addition to the models, the major themes identified are grouped into two categories: public library motivations for including social workers within their operations, and the nature of social work practice in these settings. Primary findings indicate that library social work is an emerging distinct area of interdisciplinary practice that shows promise at individual and systems levels in helping to address social exclusion and improve community-based responses to broader social challenges such as homelessness, housing instability, poverty, mental health concerns, and substance misuse. Implications for social work and public library research and practice are provided.
- ItemOpen AccessSocial Workers' Perspectives on Sexuality in Social Work Practice(2017) Berry, Jane; Calhoun, Avery; Ayala, Jessica; Estefan, AndrewSexuality has been underexplored by social work scholars. To help address gaps in this area, I studied social workers’ perspectives on various aspects of sexuality in my thesis research. I used qualitative, feminist methodology because of the fit with the topic area and research questions. The sample of 14 social workers participated in semistructured interviews. Thematic Analysis indicated that the participants were predominantly comfortable with sexuality-related topics. Generally, they disclosed acceptance of their own sexuality and had sought additional related education. The participants agreed that social work educators should increase curriculum on sexuality but recognized some of the constraints involved. Overall, the participants considered capacity to address sexuality-related topics in therapeutic conversations a key aspect of competent practice and identified several tools for that purpose. These findings have implications for social work generally, and for aspects of practice, education and research specifically.
- ItemOpen AccessThemed Conversation: Tips for Active Learning in Online Environments(2018-02-26) Brown, Barbara; Ayala, JessicaThe Themed Conversation Series is a series of noon-hour discussions, hosted by the Teaching Academy once a month, which explore a range of topics related to teaching in higher education. These conversations give participants an opportunity to share experiences, explore ideas, and dialogue with peers about a variety of teaching issues. Are you wondering how instructors maximize student engagement and collaboration using online spaces? Tips provided in this document supported our conversation on active learning in online environments and helped us lead a conversation about designing dynamic and participatory online learning experiences.
- ItemOpen AccessUniversity Women's Beliefs and Attitudes about Sexuality: A Feminist Ethnography(2017) Haney, Carly-Ann; Ayala, JessicaThis study explores female university students’ beliefs and attitudes about sexuality. A feminist ethnography was utilized in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 female university students between the ages of 18-28 at the University of Calgary. Themes were compared across interviews and common themes and sub-themes were identified. The major themes that arose from participant interviews were as follows: defining features of university culture, defining sexuality, gender roles and sexual relationships, consent, and rape myths. Within the literature, themes regarding gender roles, consent, and rape myths are beliefs that can influence sexual assault labelling and reporting behaviours. Primary findings indicated that more research is needed to understand these beliefs and attitudes and how they influence both sexuality and sexual assault reporting behaviours in a university context. Lastly, direct participant recommendations are provided which discuss areas of change regarding sexual violence prevention and consent education.