OPINION | Impact of guidance counseling on students-teachers’ performance
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Guidance counsellors provide a unique set of services that even the most dedicated teachers cannot fully replicate due to their primary focus on academics and the need to reduce the time and energy spent on classroom management. Counsellors actively contribute to team building, staff morale, and the sense of community by cooperating with teachers, parents, and other school staff to prioritize student well-being. They provide consultation on classroom management, behaviour interventions, and student support strategies. This support fosters a positive school climate, increases learning gains, and improves students’ overall well-being.
Memento Maxima Digital MarketingThere is increased awareness of how mental health issues may negatively impact the education outcomes of children and adolescents. Counsellors conduct in-depth assessments of students’ social, emotional, and academic needs. This holistic view allows them to identify underlying issues impacting a student’s learning or behaviour.
Indeed, establishing a guidance office follows the recognition of the responsibility to help students navigate social and emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. Counsellors are trained to respond effectively to crises, such as bullying, violence, or trauma. They provide immediate assistance to affected students and staff, helping to minimize the impact of such events.
Moreover, counsellors play a vital role in assisting students with career exploration, college applications, and financial aid processes. This, in turn, cultivates the deeper habit of ensuring decision-making is as informed as possible. Guidance counsellors are often the best source of information for students related to potential career paths, providing strategic advice for bridging interests and opportunities.
Additionally, a good guidance counsellor generates value-added outcomes to a school’s curriculum by assisting in developing and supporting students’ soft skills. Through individual counseling sessions, group activities, and workshops, counsellors can help students cultivate essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. Through their interventions, guidance counsellors empower students with the essential soft skills necessary for success in both academic and professional settings.
For example, counsellors can facilitate group discussions and role-playing exercises to improve communication and interpersonal skills. They can guide students through problem-solving activities, teaching them to analyze situations, identify potential solutions, and evaluate outcomes. Also, by encouraging student participation in extracurricular activities and community service, counsellors provide opportunities for students to develop teamwork, leadership, and responsibility.
The importance of guidance counsellors is often overlooked by schools due to a variety of factors, including budget constraints, a lack of understanding of their role, and a focus on academic achievement. Budget constraints can limit the number of guidance counsellors available, leading to large caseloads and less individualized attention for students.
Additionally, some administrators and teachers may not fully understand the role of guidance counsellors, viewing them as primarily responsible for discipline or college counseling. This lack of understanding can lead to the underutilization of guidance services and a failure to recognize their broader impact on student well-being and academic success. Finally, a strong emphasis on standardized test scores and academic performance can overshadow the importance of social-emotional development and mental health, which are areas where guidance counsellors play a vital role.
Integrating guidance counseling into an educational institution requires a collaborative approach involving counsellors, teachers, and administrators. Regular communication and joint planning can ensure that guidance services align with the overall educational goals of the institution. Teachers can play a crucial role in identifying students who may benefit from counseling services, while administrators can provide the necessary support and resources.
Building strong relationships with students is essential for effective guidance counseling. Counsellors can achieve this by regularly interacting with students, participating in school activities, and creating a welcoming and approachable environment. Student awareness of available guidance services is crucial. Schools can promote guidance services through assemblies, classroom presentations, and school announcements or newsletters.
Mainstreaming the guidance role involves integrating the relevant principles and strategies into the overall school culture. This can be achieved by incorporating guidance concepts into classroom instruction, promoting social-emotional learning, and creating a positive and supportive school climate.
An effective guidance counselor’s office should be centrally located, easily accessible, and private to maintain confidentiality. The space should be large enough for individual and group counselling, with a flexible layout and comfortable furniture. Creating a welcoming atmosphere involves using calming colors, incorporating inspiring decorations, and adding plants. The office should also house a well-stocked library, online resources, and referral contacts.
Confidentiality and privacy are paramount, with designated private spaces for counseling sessions and clear communication of confidentiality policies.
Ethics aside, from the perspective of a cost-benefit analysis, school administrators should see hiring guidance counsellors as the smart choice. Counsellors free up teachers to focus on their core responsibilities of instruction and classroom management. This enhanced efficiency can lead to improved student outcomes and a more positive learning environment. By proactively addressing student needs guidance counsellors can help prevent more serious issues that could require costly interventions.
Good guidance furthers a holistic approach to education, taking into account its social, emotional, and career-related dimensions in addition to its academic aspects. Counselling is essential for creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment that fosters both short-term success and long-term growth beyond the classroom. By augmenting collaboration, building relationships, and mainstreaming the guidance role, educational institutions can create the comprehensive system of support needed to engender a community of content, confident, and capable graduates.
(The writer is Dean of Social Sciences and International Relations, Pannasastra University of Cambodia.)
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Kevin Nauen /
