School Guidance & Counseling in the 21st Century: A Focused Review

Abstract

Guidance is a process of helping, assisting and classifying with the major emphasis on the development of an individual as a happy citizen who is secure enough so that he can work towards helping others to achieve a similar security. Although they could employ different methods to accomplish their goals, this is the fundamental goal shared by counsellors and teachers alike. In particular, the goal of guiding in the educational process is to pinpoint and remove the reasons behind failure, poor adjustments, sporadic attendance, and other issues impeding the student's development. In a basic one-on-one social setting, counselling is a learning process where a counsellor helps a client gain a better understanding of and acceptance of who they are. The counsellor also teaches the client how to apply this newfound understanding to more clearly defined and achievable goals, ultimately enabling the client to become a happier and more productive member of society. Counselling is a dynamic and intentional connection between two people. The process varies depending on the needs of the clients, but both the counsellor and the student are constantly involved, with the clients' self-categorization and self-determination being the main focus. Today, school counsellors must evolve from their current helper-responder positions to proactive leaders who champion the academic achievement of all children. They are expected to be responsible from personal guidance, social guidance, vocational guidance, health guidance, educational guidance & counseling in new school based social skills programs; expected to be a responsible partner in school crises involving threat, potential harm, schools guns, death, suicide, violence and assaults; understand and managing online data and privacy of children; consider multiculturalism and mental health needs and assist driving talented children.