Running head: POSTTEST REFLECTION ESSAY

Posttest Reflection Essay

Jordan Abernathy-Cornelius
Georgia State University

SW 3000 Communication/cultural Diversity

Dr. Karen Watkins
November 30, 2014

Running head: POSTTEST REFLECTION ESSAY

Introduction
On November 8, 2014 I completed two cultural competency surveys. This paper will
describe how my competency level changed and how my perceptions and assumptions about
cultural self-awareness and diverse group competencies have changed since the beginning of the
course. It will also explain how I will use what Ive learned this semester in the future as a social
work practitioner.
Competency Level
My overall score for the Social Work Cultural Competencies Self-Assessment Posttest
was 136 while my score for the Social Work Competencies with Culturally Diverse Groups
and Social and Economic Justice was 256. After taking the Social Work Competencies with
Culturally Diverse Groups and Social and Economic Justice (Lum, 2010, p. 507) my score
increased by 28 point from my first pre-test. On that first pretest my score for older adults was
19. However, the second time my score was 24 instead of 19. My score for peoples with
disabilities improved to a 27 (on the first test it was 19). Furthermore, my score for African
American improved as well. The score was 27 out of 28.
After taking the first pretest, my first initial reaction was shock after receiving my score.
However, after taking the second test my feelings were of elation. Not only did my scores
improve, but my knowledge increased as well. The activities we conducted this semester that
helped become more culturally competent would almost single-handedly have been the group
project.
Perceptions/Assumptions
My perceptions and assumptions about my cultural self-awareness changed dramatically.
I had assumed that growing up in a diverse neighborhood I was culturally well-rounded and
competent however, after taking this course that belief has been completely dispelled. Since
the beginning of the course, my competence about diverse group has developed. For example,
when the Women group presented I never realized how much that group faces oppression and
discrimination. Even in everyday life, this oppression and exploitation are visible. Despite my
nave thinking that in the year 2014 we have moved on from oppression, exploitation, and
discrimination, its not true. I had assumed that this was no longer an issue. However, after
taking this course my perception on the various diverse groups we discussed has completely
changed.
The Future
As a social work practitioner, I can utilize what Ive learned to help me in the future. Ive
learned how to become culturally competent and utilize these skills. In my opinion, the most
important thing Ive learned after taking this class is to listen to the client and see from where
theyre coming.
After our group projects my knowledge about certain groups increased, however by
working in the field with my designated client, Ill be able to form deeper relationships with
them and learn more about them. Furthermore, through volunteering and my internships, my
growth as a social worker will continue.
Also, by earning my Masters degree at the University of Georgia my knowledge will
increase as well. The University of Georgias social work master program mission states that
their graduate students are culturally competent and dedicated to social and economic justice
(University of Georgia, 2014).Not only will this expose me to the knowledge and experiences
needed to become truly culturally competent but also allow me to become more confident in my
abilities to empower others.

Running head: POSTTEST REFLECTION ESSAY

Conclusion
After taking this course, I realized that my scores, as well as my knowledge, have
improved greatly. At the beginning of the course, there were a lot of things that were unfamiliar
to me, whether it was about diverse groups or my cultural awareness. Even though Ive come a
long way for the beginning of the semester, there is always room for improvement. By
continuing my education and increasing my cultural awareness, the gaps in my knowledge will
be filled.

Running head: POSTTEST REFLECTION ESSAY

References
Lum, D. (2010). Culturally Competent Practice: A framework for understanding diverse groups
and justice issues. Belmont, California: Brooks/Cole
University of Georgia School of Social Work. (2014). Mission & Goals. Retrieved from
http://ssw.uga.edu/academics/msw/msw_mission.html