Courses

The course Empowering Families: Evidence-Based Social Work and Behavioral Approaches for Children with Disabilities is designed as an international COIL course for bachelor's students in social work and related disciplines. It responds to the increasing demand for professionals capable of integrating a psychosocial understanding of family systems with evidence-based behavioral approaches when supporting children with disabilities and their families. The course develops students' ability to understand the complex impact of disability on family functioning, including psychological burden, coping strategies, and processes of adaptation. At the same time, it introduces key principles of evidence-based practice, particularly Applied Behaviour Analysis, Positive Behaviour Support, and Functional Behaviour Assessment, and situates them within the framework of social work and family-centered practice. A central objective of the course is to bridge the gap between relationship-oriented, empathetic approaches and analytically grounded behavioral interventions. Students learn to interpret challenging behaviour within its broader social and family context, identify its functions, and design interventions that are both effective and socially responsive. Emphasis is placed on the use of systematic analytical tools, including A-B-C analysis, and on the development of practical intervention strategies applicable in real-life situations. The international dimension constitutes a core component of the course. Through collaboration in multinational student teams, participants compare systems of early intervention and social support across countries, analyse cultural differences in the perception of disability, and critically reflect on their implications for professional practice. This comparative perspective supports the development of culturally sensitive and context-aware interventions. The course is delivered through a combination of synchronous online learning and asynchronous teamwork. Synchronous sessions provide theoretical input, guided discussion, and methodological training, while asynchronous collaboration enables students to engage deeply with case studies and co-create family support plans in international teams. The course culminates in a collaborative project integrating psychosocial analysis, behavioral assessment, and intercultural reflection. Teaching and Learning Methods The course is based on an interactive and collaborative teaching model combining synchronous online lectures, discussion-based seminars, and practice-oriented workshops with asynchronous international teamwork. Students engage in guided reading, case study analysis, and reflective learning activities. The COIL format enables the integration of international perspectives while supporting the development of practical, intercultural, and communication competences.