Bridging the Gap Between Practice and Science: Reflections on the Journey Towards Becoming a Scholar-Practitioner

Authors

• Willem Jan H. Roestenburg, North-West UniversityFollow

Abstract

The scholar-practitioner paradigm has become increasingly important in social work as the profession continues to strengthen its commitment to evidence-based practice (EBP) and accountability. This article reflects on the role of the social work practitioner as both a consumer and producer of knowledge, emphasizing the importance of practice-based research in narrowing the gap between theory and practice. Drawing on the author’s three decades of experience as a social work educator, doctoral program coordinator, and mentor to undergraduate and postgraduate students, the article reflects on how practitioners transition toward becoming scholar-practitioners. Four developmental phases are proposed: (1) the beginning phase, in which practitioners learn to connect theory and practice; (2) the discovery phase, characterized by the use of theory and evidence to guide practice decisions; (3) the scholar realization phase, where practitioners begin generating and analyzing practice-based evidence; and (4) the practicing scholar phase, in which findings are disseminated through presentations, publications, and broader scholarly engagement. The article highlights common barriers to practitioner-led research, including time constraints, organizational limitations, insufficient research training, and uncertainty regarding the implementation of EBP. It further identifies key characteristics of successful scholar-practitioners, including methodological competence, data literacy, technological adaptability, writing proficiency, and engagement in mentorship relationships. The article concludes that strengthening the scholar-practitioner identity is essential for advancing social work knowledge, improving practice outcomes, and enhancing professional accountability. Recommendations are offered to promote practitioner-scholarship through supportive training environments, mentorship opportunities, and dedicated publication platforms that encourage the dissemination of practice-generated evidence.

Recommended Citation

Roestenburg, Willem Jan H. (2026) "Bridging the Gap Between Practice and Science: Reflections on the Journey Towards Becoming a Scholar-Practitioner," Journal for Social Work Scholar-Practitioners: Vol. 1: Iss. 1, Article 9.
Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/jswsp/vol1/iss1/9