Guidance and Counselling Note

 

Unit One: Nature of Guidance and Counselling

🔸 POINT FROM TEXT
Explanation

🔸 1. The Meaning of Guidance

“Guidance is to direct, pilot or guide” (Shertzer and Stone, 1976)
“Guidance is a form of assistance that involves many activities” (Kolo, 1992)
“Guidance refers to a more directive or prescriptive form of assistance” (Akinade, 1996)
“Guidance is a family name for all helping services” (Idowu, 1998)

Explanation:
Guidance means helping a person know what to do by giving direction or advice. It involves giving support, especially through useful information, to help someone make good choices in life—like choosing a subject or a career. It is more structured and instructional.

🔸 2. The Meaning of Counselling

“Counselling is a more open and less directive method of helping” (Akinade, 1996)
“Counselling is a face-to-face relationship” (Olayinka, 1972)
“Counselling is an enlightened process that encourages growth” (Makinde, 1983)
“Counselling is a learning process” (Shertzer and Stone, 1976)

Explanation:
Counselling means having a private talk with someone trained to help you. Instead of giving direct advice, the counsellor listens and guides you to make your own decisions. It’s personal, emotional, and helps you understand yourself better.

🔸 3. Basic Differences Between Guidance and Counselling (Kolo, 1992)

Counselling

Guidance

Student-directed

Tutor-directed

Client and counsellor plan together

Tutor gives information

Client assesses needs

Counsellor does evaluation

Focus on how decisions are made

Focus on the decision itself

Emotional learning involved

Feelings not considered important

Explanation:
In counselling, the student (client) is more involved and makes their own decisions. It is about understanding emotions and personal growth. In guidance, the counsellor gives advice or information and the process is less personal. Guidance is more about what to do, while counselling is about how and why you do it.

🔸 4. Purposes of Guidance and Counselling

a) “To assist students in making appropriate and satisfying personal, vocational and educational choices.”
b) “To assist students acquire a positive image of self.”
c) “To assist teachers...understand the needs and problems of each student.”
d) “To assist schools...improve educational objectives.”
e) “To contribute to educational planning.”
f) “To mobilize all resources...for vocational, educational and personal needs.”

Explanation:
The purpose is to help students and others make wise decisions about life, work, and education. It builds self-confidence, helps teachers understand students better, supports schools in planning, and brings all available help together for the student’s benefit.

🔸 5. Principles of Guidance and Counselling (Okon, 1984; Idowu, 1998)

  1. Guidance and Counselling is for everyone
  2. Activities should be based on the needs of individuals
  3. It must respect human dignity and worth
  4. It is a continuous process from birth to death
  5. It is closely related to the teaching process
  6. It helps each student learn more about themselves
  7. All staff should be involved
  8. Requires effective leadership
  9. Practitioners must act ethically
  10. Must focus on clients' needs
  11. Must be confidential

Explanation:
Guidance and counselling must serve everyone and meet their individual needs with respect and care. It should continue throughout a person’s life, and it works best when teachers and counsellors cooperate. It must be done by trained professionals who keep everything private and act honestly.

🔸 6. Need for Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria

a) “Expansion in enrolment of pupils/students in primary and secondary schools”
b) “Skilled workforce shortage in technical, educational, and medical sectors”

Explanation:
As more students enter school, they need help making the right educational and career choices. Also, because Nigeria lacks enough skilled workers in many areas, guidance and counselling can help direct people into needed jobs, helping both individuals and the country.

🔸 1. Automation in the World of Work

Explanation:
Automation and technology are changing jobs fast. Machines and computers now do many tasks that people used to do — like using robots in industries or computers in offices. As jobs change, people must also change careers, move locations, and learn new skills to remain employable. Because of this, guidance and counselling are needed to help students prepare for an uncertain future and succeed in the modern workplace.

🔸 2. Growing Needs of Youths in this Country

Explanation:
Youths in Nigeria have many personal, emotional, and social needs as they grow. These include:

·         Finding their identity

·         Learning values

·         Building personal relationships

·         Making plans for the future

·         Becoming independent from parents

Guidance and counselling help young people deal with these developmental challenges and support them in becoming well-rounded, responsible adults.

🔸 3. Repeated Changes in the Education System

Explanation:
Nigeria’s education structure has changed many times (e.g., 8-5-2-3, then 6-5-2-3, now 6-3-3-4). These frequent changes confuse students and parents, making it hard to plan for the future. Guidance is needed to help students adjust, make good choices, and understand how the changing system affects their careers and education paths.

🔸 4. Unrest in Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions

Explanation:
Unrest in universities and changes in academic calendars disrupt students’ academic and career plans. Also, students in universities often face confusion about subject choices, study habits, and life direction. This mixed group of students — some serious, others not — need guidance and counselling to help them adjust, stay focused, and plan their future wisely.

🔸 5. Problem of National Integration

Explanation:
Nigeria has many ethnic, religious, and political groups, which often leads to division and conflict. Guidance and counselling can help promote unity by teaching youths tolerance, respect, and shared national values. This helps create stable citizens who understand and accept each other despite their differences.

🔸 6. Changes in Home and Family Life

Explanation:
Many Nigerian families are changing. Some parents are too busy to care for their children, some set bad examples, and others live in cities with people from many cultures. Divorce, single parenting, and smaller families are also more common. These changes affect children emotionally and socially, so counsellors are needed to support students in dealing with family stress and confusion.

🔸 7. Problems of Cultism

Explanation:
Cult activities in tertiary institutions have increased and become more dangerous. Students join cults for power or protection but end up in violence and crime. Guidance and counselling can help by exposing the dangers of cultism and guiding students to make safe, positive life choices.

🔸 8. Types of Guidance and Counselling

Here are the major types listed in the text:

🔹 8.1 Educational Guidance and Counselling

Explanation:
Helps students do better in school, manage study time, pick the right subjects, and solve learning problems. It’s all about helping them reach their full academic potential.

 

🔹 8.2 Vocational Guidance and Counselling

Explanation:
Supports students in choosing the right career based on their interests, talents, and job opportunities. It also helps with job training, preparation, and workplace adjustment.

🔹 8.3 Personal and Psychological Guidance and Counselling

Explanation:
Focuses on helping individuals solve personal, emotional, or social issues. It includes support in relationships, personal growth, mental health, and spiritual guidance.

🔹 8.4 Marital Guidance and Counselling

Explanation:
Helps individuals or couples choose suitable partners and solve problems in married life, such as communication or conflict issues.

 

🔹 8.5 Rehabilitation Counselling

Explanation:
Supports people whose lives are disrupted by trauma, war, natural disasters, accidents, or job loss. It helps them rebuild their lives and regain confidence.

✅ Summary of School-Focused Types

Only three types are mainly practiced in schools:

·         Educational counselling

·         Vocational counselling

·         Personal/Psychological counselling

 

UNIT TWO: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING, and go through the key points systematically.

Key Point 1: Vocational Guidance Movement (USA)

From the textbook:

The pioneering efforts of Frank Parsons who was the first director at Boston Vocational Guidance Bureau (1908) played a great role in the evolution of modern Guidance and Counselling... Frank Parsons... was also the author of perhaps the first standard text in the career guidance titled "Choosing a vocation" published in 1909.

Explanation:
Frank Parsons is considered the father of guidance in America. He started the vocational guidance movement to help young people choose careers wisely, especially during a time of poverty and unemployment. His book "Choosing a Vocation" laid the foundation for career counselling.

Key Point 2: Standardized Testing Movement

From the textbook:

The testing movement also led to the development of test devices, which greatly improved inventory and appraisal components of Guidance and Counselling.

Explanation:
This movement introduced psychological and educational tests (like aptitude or intelligence tests) to help counsellors understand individuals better. It added scientific tools to the counselling process.

Key Point 3: Mental Health Movement

From the textbook:

Clifford Beers was one of the pioneers of the mental health movement. The publication of his book titled "A Mind that Formed Itself" revolutionized mental health practices and... promoted the development of counselling...

Explanation:
Mental health awareness helped shape counselling into a profession. Clifford Beers’ personal experience in a mental institution led him to campaign for better treatment of the mentally ill, thus connecting counselling to emotional and psychological health.

Key Point 4: Pro-Counselling Legislative Acts

From the textbook:

Some of these legislations are the Vocational Education Act of 1917... National Defence Education Act of 1958... The National Defence Education Act of 1958 more than any piece of legislature promoted the growth of guidance and counselling...

Explanation:
Laws were made in the U.S. to support counselling services in schools. The most impactful was the National Defence Education Act (1958), passed because the U.S. wanted to catch up with the Soviet Union in science and education. It brought massive funding to train school counsellors.

Key Point 5: Start of Modern Guidance in Nigeria (1958)

From the textbook:

1958 can be regarded as the date of the commencement of modern guidance in Nigeria. That year, the Catholic Reverend Sisters in St. Theresa's College, Ibadan, recognized the need to give adequate career or vocational guidance to their final year students...

Explanation:
Guidance and counselling began formally in Nigeria in 1958, when Catholic sisters invited professionals to talk to students about careers. This simple event started the movement across Nigerian schools.

Key Point 6: Formation of Nigeria Careers Council (1967)

From the textbook:

In 1962, Ibadan Careers Council was formed... In 1967, Nigeria Careers Council grew out of the Ibadan Career council... They continued along the line of vocational guidance.

Explanation:
The Ibadan Careers Council was the first organized body promoting guidance in Nigeria. It later became the Nigeria Careers Council, which focused on giving students proper career direction.

Key Point 7: Counselling Association of Nigeria (Now CASSON)

From the textbook:

December 1, 1976 marked the birth of Counselling Association of Nigeria at the University of Ibadan... In order to avoid confusion [with other “CANs”], the Association dropped CAN and took up CASSON...

Explanation:
CASSON is the national body for counsellors in Nigeria. It began in 1976 to promote the profession and offer training and support to guidance counsellors.

Key Point 8: First Guidance and Counselling Department in Nigeria

From the textbook:

In 1975, the first Department of Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria was established in the University of Ibadan...

Explanation:
The University of Ibadan was the first institution to offer formal degree programs in guidance and counselling. Other universities followed after that.

Key Point 9: Federal Government Recognition (National Policy on Education, 1981)

From the textbook:

The Federal Government has inserted the need for guidance and counselling courses in our schools in its National Policy on Education (1981)...

Explanation:
In 1981, the Nigerian government officially accepted guidance and counselling into the school system, making it a recognized part of education nationwide.

Key Point 10: Problems Militating Against Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria

Let’s list and explain the five major problems mentioned:

a) Paucity of Trained Counsellors

Textbook: Ratio should be 1:250, but it was 1:800 or worse.

Explanation: There are not enough trained counsellors, making it hard to meet student needs, especially in public schools.

b) Relative Newness of the Discipline

Textbook: Guidance started in 1958, long after western education.

Explanation: Guidance is still seen as new and not fully accepted in schools compared to teaching or administration.

c) Doubt about the Efficacy of Counselling

Textbook: Some adults doubt its effectiveness.

Explanation: Many people, especially older ones, don’t believe in counselling, seeing it as something only children need.

d) Blurred Role of Counsellors

Textbook: Some headteachers see counsellors as rivals.

Explanation: Teachers and school leaders often don’t understand what counsellors do, leading to confusion and lack of cooperation.

e) Resistance from Colleagues and Principals

Textbook: Counsellors face suspicion and resistance.

Explanation: School authorities sometimes feel threatened by counsellors and may try to limit their work or ignore them.

Would you like me to now pick and explain points from "prospects for guidance and counselling" or from the ACTIVITY QUESTIONS?

Thank you for providing the full text. Now, let's carefully pick the remaining key points (6–11) from the problems militating against the development of guidance and counselling in Nigeria, followed by the prospects of guidance and counselling — using direct references from the textbook before explaining each one in simple language.

 PROBLEMS MILITATING AGAINST THE DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING IN NIGERIA

6. Feeling of Suspicion of the Role/Integrity of Counsellors

From the textbook:

Some school personnel still see the counsellors as having a “hidden agenda”... Some give counsellors negative or derogatory labels... more so where workers doubt the moral integrity of counsellors who give individual counselling to young ones... more serious when a male counsellor treats female students and gives the interaction high confidentiality...

Explanation:
Some teachers and school staff don’t trust counsellors, especially when they see students, particularly girls, going in and out of the counselling room. They may assume the counsellor is hiding something or behaving inappropriately. This suspicion creates a negative image of counselling in the school.

7. Confidentiality

From the textbook:

Clients expect their secrets... to be kept confidential... referral agents such as teachers, parents, and principals expect counsellors to divulge such information... Revealing the secrets leads to loss of faith... counselling will be the big loser on the long run.

Explanation:
Counselling depends on trust and privacy, but sometimes teachers or parents want to know what a student shared in confidence. If the counsellor breaks confidentiality, students will no longer trust them. But if the counsellor keeps the secret, others may become suspicious. This makes the work very delicate.

8. Lack of Commitment of Government Officers

From the textbook:

Although... guidance and counselling [is] in the NPE (1981), there is still much to do... adequate planning... both short and long term goals as well as strategies of evaluating the progress...

Explanation:
Although the Nigerian government included counselling in its National Policy on Education, it hasn’t shown strong commitment to support the program. There is a lack of proper planning, funding, and supervision, making the program weak in practice.

9. Inadequate Funding

From the textbook:

Enough funds are not allocated to each school... very little is earmarked for counselling purposes... Yet... effective counselling demands adequate funding to purchase items such as psychological tests, journals... organize excursions, Career Day...

Explanation:
Most schools do not have enough money to run proper guidance services. Counsellors need money to buy tools, arrange career events, and set up offices. Without funding, counselling becomes ineffective and limited.

10. Lack of Counselling Office/Room

From the textbook:

Problem of space or office accommodation is common... One may see a counsellor interacting with a client in one corner of the staff room, under a tree... such areas are never distraction-free...

Explanation:
Counselling must be done in a quiet and private space, but many schools have no dedicated rooms for it. As a result, counsellors may hold sessions in open or noisy places, which ruins the privacy and quality of the counselling process.

11. Paucity of Psychological Tests

From the textbook:

There are very few “made in Nigeria”... Several tests... not standardized... few counsellors can identify, use and interpret... Foreign tests may not be culture-fair...

Explanation:
There are not enough local psychological tests developed for Nigerian students. Most available ones are foreign and may not suit Nigeria's culture. Also, many counsellors lack training on how to use or interpret these tests properly, which reduces the scientific accuracy of counselling.

🟢 PROSPECTS FOR GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING IN NIGERIA

Now let’s look at the future (the positive possibilities) for guidance and counselling in Nigeria, as explained in the textbook:

1. Awareness and Acceptance

From the textbook:

The entire educational system in Nigeria is aware of the need... Federal Government approved study programmes... Almost all Nigerian universities have Guidance and Counselling Centres... many bodies are becoming interested...

Explanation:
There is growing national awareness about the importance of counselling. Most universities now offer counselling courses, and many organizations are supporting guidance workshops. This shows the field is gaining recognition.

2. Integration into Teacher Education

From the textbook:

Guidance and Counselling is also being proposed to be integrated into the training of Nigerian Teachers...

Explanation:
Soon, all teachers may be trained in guidance and counselling. This would help reduce tension between teachers and counsellors and help them work together to support students more effectively.

3. Increasing Social Problems

From the textbook:

Problems of various types are emerging... marital, family, vocational, retirement problems... As long as these problems exist... guidance counsellors will always have work to do...

Explanation:
As society faces more complex issues (like family conflict, job stress, or youth misbehavior), counsellors will remain needed in both schools and workplaces. The more the problems, the brighter the future for counsellors who can help people cope.

SUMMARY (Simplified)

·         Many problems like poor funding, lack of trained counsellors, and distrust are slowing down the growth of guidance and counselling in Nigeria.

·         Despite this, the future looks bright because of increasing awareness, teacher involvement, and rising demand for counselling services in society.

Would you like me to turn all this into a study sheet, flashcards, or a PDF summary to help you revise faster?

Here are five key points picked from your textbook, each followed by a clear explanation based strictly based on the text content:

1. Feeling of Suspicion of the Role/Integrity of Counsellors

From the Textbook:

“Some school personnel still see the counsellors as having a 'hidden agenda’… Some give counsellors negative or derogatory labels… especially when a male counsellor treats female students and gives the interaction high confidentiality.”

Explanation:
This point highlights a major challenge counsellors face in schools — mistrust from other staff. Some teachers or administrators may feel suspicious of counsellors, thinking they’re hiding something, especially when sessions are private. In some cases, gender differences (like male counsellors handling female students) worsen this suspicion. This affects the effectiveness of counselling because counsellors need to be trusted and respected to help students.

2. Confidentiality

From the Textbook:

“Clients expect their secrets… to be kept confidential… referral agents such as teachers, peers, parents… expect counsellors to divulge such information… Revealing the secrets leads to loss of faith in counselling…”

Explanation:
Confidentiality is central to counselling. Students (clients) need to know their personal issues won’t be shared. However, this often clashes with what teachers or parents want — they expect counsellors to reveal what’s going on. When confidentiality is broken, students lose trust and may stop seeking help. On the other hand, keeping secrets may lead to suspicion from staff. This creates a difficult situation for counsellors.

3. Inadequate Funding

From the Textbook:

“Guidance and Counselling is not well funded… Very little is earmarked for counselling purposes… Yet effective counselling demands adequate funding to purchase… psychological tests, journals, gadgets…”

Explanation:
Without proper funding, counsellors can’t carry out their duties effectively. They need tools like psychological tests, journals, and materials for career events. Unfortunately, the government often does not allocate enough money for these needs. This lack of support limits the success of counselling programs in schools.

4. Lack of Counselling Office/Room

From the Textbook:

“There is hardly any spare room… one may see a counsellor interacting with a client in one corner of the staff room, under a tree… but such areas are never distraction-free…”

Explanation:
Privacy is essential in counselling, but many schools don’t provide proper office space. Without a quiet, private environment, students may feel uncomfortable or unsafe sharing their problems. Counsellors are often forced to conduct sessions in public or noisy areas, which undermines the quality of support they can offer.

5. Paucity of Psychological Tests

From the Textbook:

“There are very few ‘made in Nigeria’ psychological tests… foreign tests may not be culture-fair… Deliberate efforts should be made to construct and standardize more psychological tests…”

Explanation:
Psychological tests help counsellors understand students' abilities, interests, and challenges. But in Nigeria, there are few tests designed for the local context. Most available ones are foreign and don’t fit the Nigerian culture or education system. This limits the accuracy of assessments. More local, culturally appropriate tests are needed.

Based on the textbook content you provided from Unit Three: Characteristics of a Guidance Counsellor, here’s a detailed breakdown of the requested points:

1. Give a brief description of a counsellor

From the Textbook:

“The term 'Counsellor' is reserved for those with professional training in Counselling... The professional Counsellor is therefore an expert in his area of specialization and also has cultivated skills in helping people understand their situation, clarify their values and make informed decisions for which they assume responsibility.”

Explanation:
A counsellor is a trained professional who helps people understand themselves and their problems so they can make wise decisions and solve personal issues. Unlike just giving advice, counselling involves a skilled, purposeful process. A counsellor creates a safe space where clients feel comfortable sharing their feelings and exploring solutions.

 

2. List the six basic qualities of a counsellor according to the American Personnel and Guidance Association (APGA)

From the Textbook:

The American Personnel and Guidance Association (APGA) stated six basic qualities a Counsellor should have:

  1. A belief in each person as an individual
  2. A commitment to individual human values
  3. An alertness to the world
  4. Open-mindedness
  5. Self-understanding
  6. Professional commitment

Explanation:
These six qualities emphasize that a counsellor should value each client as a unique individual, hold firm to human values, stay informed about what is happening in society, remain open to new ideas, understand themselves, and stay professionally dedicated. These traits enable the counsellor to support and guide others effectively.

3. Identify three major roles played by the counsellor as specified by the American Counselling Psychologists

From the Textbook (as quoted from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles):

  1. Remedial/Rehabilitative Role

"To help persons who are presently experiencing difficulty."

    • This involves helping clients solve current personal, academic, emotional, or social problems.
  1. Preventive Role

"To anticipate, circumvent and if possible, forestall difficulties which may arise in the future."

    • The counsellor works to prevent problems before they occur, by educating and guiding individuals early.
  1. Educative and Developmental Role

"To help individuals to plan, obtain and derive maximum benefit from educational, vocational and other experiences..."

    • This means helping people grow personally, socially, and academically so they reach their full potential.

Explanation:
The counsellor doesn’t only solve problems. They also help to prevent future problems and support overall development. This makes the counsellor vital to the school and the community.

Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of:

  • The personality attributes of a counsellor
  • The roles to specific groups (students, teachers, parents, administrators)
  • Or assistance with Activity II if it follows this section.

Here is a brief examination and explanation of all the seven basic guidance services that make up a viable school guidance programme, based strictly on your textbook content:

1. Orientation Service

Definition (from the textbook):
This service is designed to assist students to adjust better when in new environments.

Explanation:
Orientation helps new students adapt to school life — emotionally, socially, physically, and mentally. It includes introducing them to:

  • School rules and regulations
  • Clubs and societies
  • School buildings and facilities
  • Key school officials and services (like counselling)

Activities include:

  • Group lectures
  • Discussions
  • Film shows
  • Field trips around the school

This service must be well-planned, inclusive, and involve prepared speakers and suitable venues for it to be effective (Kolo, 1992).

2. Appraisal Service

Definition (from the textbook):
A service that is used to collect information on the individual to help in the process of guidance and counselling.

Explanation:
The purpose is to evaluate a student’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, abilities, and personality. This helps counsellors create accurate treatment or support plans.
Tools used include:

  • Psychological tests
  • Observations
  • Interviews
  • Review of academic records

The counsellor selects the method based on the nature of the client's problem and available resources.

3. Information Service

Definition (from the textbook summary):
A service designed to provide students with data about educational, social, and vocational opportunities in their environment.

Explanation:
This service equips students with the right information to make informed decisions about:

  • Career paths
  • Academic programmes
  • Social engagement opportunities

It supports students in planning their future effectively by giving them access to relevant and timely information.

4. Placement Service

Definition (from the textbook):
The goal is to assist students to secure appropriate placement in education, the world of work, or other relevant programmes.

Explanation:
Placement matches individuals with roles, studies, or activities that suit their:

  • Interests
  • Abilities
  • Personalities
  • Age

Examples:

  • Class placements
  • Sports and clubs
  • Career/job placements
  • Assignments like head prefect or club leader

Kolo’s (1992) 4 placement principles:
a) Must reflect current needs
b) Should benefit everyone
c) Involve cooperation from all staff
d) Must protect clients from being forced

5. Follow-Up, Research and Evaluation Services

Definition (from the textbook):
A service that seeks to determine the effectiveness of school guidance programmes.

Explanation:
After students have received counselling or been placed in roles, this service:

  • Tracks their progress
  • Evaluates outcomes (e.g., academic improvement, reduced truancy)
  • Checks if guidance objectives are being achieved

It also involves research into how effective the counselling strategies or services have been.

6. Referral Service

Definition (from the textbook):
Sending your client to another person or place in order to continue the service needed by that client.

Explanation:
When a counsellor cannot fully help a student due to:

  • Limited time or expertise
  • Lack of client cooperation
  • Personal closeness
    They may refer the student to a better-suited professional (e.g., medical doctor, psychologist).

Important: The counsellor should follow up after referring the client to ensure they receive proper help.

7. Counselling Service

Definition (from the textbook):
A face-to-face relationship between a counsellor and a client to solve or better understand a problem.

Explanation:
This is the core of guidance services. Counselling helps clients:

  • Live well with themselves and others
  • Reach life goals without hurting others
  • Develop positive problem-solving behaviour

Types of counselling offered in schools:

  • Vocational counselling: For career decisions and preparation
  • Academic counselling: For improving learning and academic success
  • Personal-social counselling: For resolving interpersonal and emotional issues

✅ In Summary (Key Points):

Guidance Service

Main Purpose

Orientation

Help new students adjust to school

Appraisal

Understand student’s abilities and needs

Information

Provide data about careers, schools, and social opportunities

Placement

Match students with suitable roles or programmes

Follow-Up/Research

Check if guidance services are working

Referral

Send client to external help when needed

Counselling

Solve problems through personal interaction

 

I. GUIDANCE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MAJOR STAKEHOLDERS

We'll look at each stakeholder one by one, pick their key points from the text, then explain.

🔹 1. The School Principal

Key Responsibilities (from textbook):

1.      Recognize and appreciate the need for a comprehensive school guidance programme.

2.      Provide budget, facilities, and administrative support.

3.      Coordinate guidance activities with other staff.

4.      Set up school guidance committees.

5.      Develop in-service training for guidance staff.

6.      Mobilize community-based resources.

7.      Create a growth-promoting school climate.

Explanation:
The principal is the chief executive in the school and must ensure guidance services are prioritized. They fund it, lead the team, organize structures like the guidance committee, and support counsellors and teachers with training. Most importantly, they must make the school a safe and supportive place for student development.

🔹 2. The Classroom Teacher

Key Responsibilities (from Zeran & Riccio, 1962):

1.      Observe and understand student behaviour.

2.      Provide personal, educational, and occupational info to students.

3.      Support students’ self-understanding and goal setting.

4.      Cooperate in planning and evaluating guidance programmes.

5.      Participate in in-service training and case conferences.

6.      Refer students beyond their own competency.

7.      Integrate guidance into teaching (subjects, activities, curriculum).

Explanation:
Teachers are frontline support for students. They’re in daily contact with learners, so they are key in detecting emotional, academic, or behavioural issues early. They must be guidance-oriented in their teaching and refer students for further help when needed.

🔹 3. The School Counsellor

Key Responsibilities (from Zeran & Riccio, 1962):

1.      Evaluate and improve their professional capacity.

2.      Clarify their role with the principal and staff.

3.      Encourage teachers to identify and refer students.

4.      Help potential dropouts and gifted students.

5.      Organize and participate in case conferences.

6.      Maintain public relations and consult with parents.

7.      Support the school library and teachers with information materials.

8.      Refer cases beyond their competence.

Explanation:
The counsellor is the technical leader of the guidance programme. Their job includes helping students with personal, academic, and vocational challenges while working cooperatively with staff, parents, and community. They also organize records, identify special cases (e.g., dropouts), and evaluate the programme.

🔹 4. The Parents or Guardians

Key Responsibilities:

1.      Provide information to guide their children effectively.

2.      Encourage their children to use counselling services.

3.      Use school guidance services to better understand their child.

4.      Examine the home environment.

5.      Teach children values like honesty, responsibility, and self-discipline.

Explanation:
Parents play a supportive and cooperative role. Their insights into their children’s backgrounds, behaviour, and home conditions help counsellors better serve students. When parents promote good values and encourage their children to seek help when needed, the guidance programme becomes more effective.

🔹 5. The Pupils/Students

Key Responsibilities:

1.      Cooperate with staff when referred to counselling.

2.      Recognize the authority and role of the counsellor.

3.      Use guidance services and materials available.

4.      Be open and truthful during counselling.

5.      Promote guidance services to peers.

6.      Inform parents about the needs of the guidance programme.

Explanation:
Students are not just passive recipients. They must actively participate, seek help, open up during counselling sessions, and promote awareness among peers. They can even involve their parents to support the programme.

II. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL GUIDANCE

Key Areas of Participation (from textbook):

1.      Referral resource base: Community professionals like doctors, psychologists, social workers, etc., can support school counselling services.

2.      Interest in school activities: Community should attend and support school guidance events.

3.      Provide work-study opportunities: Companies and trades in the community can give students real-life career exposure.

4.      Field trips: Community organizations can host students for educational visits.

5.      Placement services: Job and education opportunities in the community must be well-understood by the school.

6.      Career talks and resources: Professionals in the community can serve as resource persons to inspire and inform students.

Explanation:
The school does not operate in isolation. The community’s involvement enriches guidance programmes by offering real-world connections, exposure, resources, and relevance. Counsellors must therefore build strong relationships with community members and organizations.

SUMMARY CHART: STAKEHOLDER ROLES

Stakeholder

Key Roles

Principal

Leadership, funding, policy, climate setting, coordination

Teacher

Early detection, referrals, integration of guidance into teaching

Counsellor

Technical leader, provides counselling, supports staff, evaluates programme

Parents

Provide information, encourage guidance use, instill values at home

Students

Use services, cooperate, share info, promote awareness

Community

Offers resources, support, opportunities, and real-world career exposure

 

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