ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the values, biases and assumptions human behaviour that underlie human services fieldwork. It examines the relevance for working with those who are racially or ethnically different. The outlines how to assist students to work with clients, the necessity for linking the personal and political, and minority students’ special needs. Current Western theories, practices and training in the human services do not adequately explain, predict and deal with cultural difference and best-practice approaches for field education. Challenging the appropriateness of theories and practices that have been taught and internalised by field educators and students is part of working effectively with cultural difference. Field educators can reduce the chance of imposing the values and goals on their students by declining to take an expert role, instead focusing on, and listening intently to, what the student is expressing and requesting.
