Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 1) | Page 135

Good Questions and Show of Evidence

Dear Students of Social Work,
Good Questions with the end in mind
It is not uncommon for practitioners and interns to rush into getting
something out such as an evaluation, a survey, a compilation, a report or
another submission. By starting from this point, the question of what the work
is supposed to achieve is then often missed out.
To counteract this tendency, it is good to work with the end in mind. It helps
to always ask good questions. For example, when we ask for an evaluation,
it is helpful to write an evaluation brief. This is a short write up outlining what
the person drafting the evaluation or proposal needs to cover. In the case
of calling for a tender for a service, this would ensure that the final tender
proposals will be of better quality. When requesting updates on cases, it is
helpful to use specific questions which may include requesting the respondent
to provide a professional assessment or evaluation at that point in time. Such
efforts and clarity will increase the chances of having all the information that
is needed to make a decision.
Before writing the brief such as an evaluation brief, you should think through
the following points:
Who will do the work? In the case of a large piece of work, do you want
some parts of it to be done internally or by several parties or persons? Even
thinking through this step will mean thinking about capability and capacity
both internally and externally. It is also useful to show supporting materials or
existing materials and relevant websites that the drafter can refer to. Nothing
like having websites as a reference to discuss what the eventual product,
output or outcome might look like. There are limitations to how words alone
can do the job of communicating so these sites will be useful. In today’s
context, there are examples and options that can serve as starting points for
discussion.

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