Reflexivity in Action: Building Student Resilience During A Pandemic

ABSTRACT: The current novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has transformed social work tertiary education delivery across the world. In this case, the university’s response was to initiate a hasty transition from a 'blended' program, comprised of both the use of technology and face to face components, into an entirely online learning model. This scenario suggested a need for academics to be open to creative ways of building and maintaining relationships with students to facilitate positive learning outcomes and student wellbeing. This article uses reflexivity to examine two vignettes that present our responses to students’ collective and individual issues experienced during the COVID-19 isolation period in Australia. A reflexive lens illuminated the role of practical, emotional, and relational work in social work education in a virtual context. Specifically, this article offers important insights for academics concerning ways social work students and academics may work together to create a sense of hopefulness during uncertain times.