Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 12: The department of social sciences and humanities under the Institute of Management and Commerce at Srinivas University organised two flip guest talks on February 23 at its Mukka Campus, focusing on important concepts in social work and psychology.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr Venkatesh S Amin, dean of the Institute of Management and Commerce, and Prof Joyson Prenky Cardoza, head of the department of social sciences and humanities.
The first session was delivered by Nithya M V, a second-year MSW student of the department, on the topic 'Social casework recording (meaning, needs, importance, types)'. The session aimed to help students understand the concept and significance of casework recording in professional social work practice.
During her presentation, the speaker explained that social casework recording involves systematic documentation of a client’s background, problems, interventions and progress. She emphasised that proper recording helps maintain professional accountability, ensures continuity of care and supports effective communication among professionals.
She further highlighted the need for casework recording in maintaining accurate records, facilitating supervision, and supporting evaluation and research in social work. According to her, proper documentation also assists in assessing problems, planning interventions and monitoring client progress.
The speaker also elaborated on the importance of casework recording as a legal document and a professional learning tool that promotes transparency and enhances service delivery in settings such as hospitals, schools and community organisations. She explained different types of casework recording including narrative recording, process recording, summary recording and verbatim recording, supported by practical examples. Ethical principles such as confidentiality, accuracy and objectivity in maintaining records were also discussed.
The second session was conducted by Avanthika Chandran M V, also a second-year MSW student, who spoke on the topic 'Functional Approach'. She explained the concept and principles of the functional approach and its relevance in psychology and social work practice.
The resource person highlighted that the functional approach focuses on understanding the purpose and functions of human behaviour and mental processes. She explained how this perspective helps in analysing how individuals adapt to their environment and how psychological processes serve specific roles in everyday life.
She also discussed key principles such as adaptation, individual differences and the practical application of psychological knowledge in real-life situations. Through examples, she illustrated how environmental and social factors influence behaviour in educational, social and professional contexts.
The session further explored the application of the functional approach in social work, counselling, education and community development. The speaker explained how understanding behavioural functions helps social workers design effective interventions and support individuals in addressing social and psychological challenges.
The programme was attended by faculty members including Dr Laveena Dmello, Dr Stutima Bassista and Prof Ranjith Bhat from the department of social sciences and humanities. First-year MSW students actively participated in the sessions.
Both talks were part of the academic enrichment and guest lecture series organised by the department. The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session followed by a vote of thanks, with the department expressing appreciation to the resource persons and participants for making the sessions informative and engaging.