The Role of Guidance & Counseling
The Role of Guidance & Counseling
ABSTRACT
The purpose of education is not only to impart knowledge but also to develop the whole
person. Students need more than academic excellence to succeed in life; they also require
social, emotional, and behavioral skills. Guidance and counselling services in schools play a
vital role in ensuring that students receive a holistic education that prepares them for the
challenges of life. This paper examines the role of guidance and counselling in effective
teaching and learning in schools. The objectives of this paper are to: 1- Investigating the
various domains in which school guidance counselors operate. 2- Analyzing the aims of
guidance and counselling in schools. 3- Exploring the role of guidance and counseling in
enhancing students' academic and personal growth. 4- Evaluating effective teaching and
learning practices from a guidance and counseling perspective. 5- Examining the advantages
of the school counseling program for students. This paper is a literature review that examines
previous studies on the role of guidance and counselling services in schools. The review
involved searching various databases, including Google Scholar, JSTOR, and ResearchGate.
The keywords used in the search were "guidance and counselling," "career," "teaching and
learning," "schools," and "academic performance." The study found that guidance and
counselling services in schools help to identify and address the social, emotional, and
behavioral needs of students, thus improving their academic performance. Counselling
services also help students to develop personal and social skills that are essential for their
success in school and beyond. The integration of guidance and counselling services in
schools can help to create a conducive learning environment, promote student well-being and
enhance academic achievement. Guidance and counselling services are crucial in ensuring
that schools provide a holistic education that goes beyond academic excellence. The
integration of guidance and counselling services in schools can help to create a conducive
learning environment, promote student well-being and enhance academic achievement.
Teachers and counsellors need to work together to ensure that students receive the support
they need to succeed in school and beyond.
1
Assistant Professor (Department of Psychology), Shibli National College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
2
Research Scholar (Department of Psychology), Shibli National College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
*Corresponding Author
Received: April 17, 2023; Revision Received: April 28, 2023; Accepted: May 03, 2023
© 2023, Darakhshan, P. & Shameem, A.; licensee IJIP. This is an Open Access Research distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which
permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly
cited.
The Role of Guidance and Counselling in Schools: A Literature Review
Guidance and counselling play an essential role in effective teaching and learning in
schools. It provides support and assistance to students, helping them develop their academic,
social, emotional and personal skills, leading to improved academic achievement, personal
development and overall wellbeing.
Guidance and counselling programs help identify and address issues that can affect a
student's learning, such as anxiety, stress, depression, or behavioral problems. It helps
students develop problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, and coping strategies to
manage challenging situations, thereby enhancing their academic performance.
Counsellors also play a vital role in career guidance, helping students identify their
strengths, interests, and career goals, which can help them make informed decisions about
their future. They provide information about different career paths, job requirements, and
employment opportunities, helping students to plan and prepare for their future.
Effective guidance and counselling programs also involve collaboration between teachers,
counsellors, and parents, promoting a supportive and positive learning environment for
students. This collaboration helps identify and address issues early, leading to improved
academic and personal outcomes for students. The role of guidance and counselling in
effective teaching and learning in schools is critical. By providing support, assistance, and
guidance, students can develop their academic, social, emotional, and personal skills,
leading to improved academic achievement and overall wellbeing.
Guidance - Guidance is the help given by one person to another in making choices and
adjustments and in solving problems. Guidance aims at aiding the recipient to grow in his
independence and ability to be responsible for himself. It is a service that is universal - not
confined to the school or the family. It is found in all phases of life - in the home, in
business and industry, in government, in social life, in hospitals and in prisons; indeed, it is
present wherever there are people who need help and wherever there are people who can
help'' (Jones., 1970)).
According to Crow and Crow (1960)," Guidance is not direction. It is not the imposition of
one's point of view upon another. It is not making decisions for an individual which he
should make for himself. It is not carrying the burden of another's life, rather guidance is
assistance made available by personality qualified and trained men or women to an
individual of any age to help him manage his own life activities, develop his own point of
view, make his own decisions and carry out his own burden ".
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The Role of Guidance and Counselling in Schools: A Literature Review
Areas of Guidance -
Guidance was started as a movement for professional and adaptive development of the
individual, but gradually the scope of guidance expanded and guidance became an integral
part of the education system. The main areas of guidance are as follows:
VOCATIONAL
EDUCATIONAL PERSONAL
GUIDANCE
DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH
AVOCATIONAL
Figure - 01
• Educational Guidance
• Vocational Guidance
• Personal Guidance
• Developmental Guidance
• Avocational Guidance and
• Health Guidance etc.
Counselling –
According to Gustad, J. W. (1953)," Counselling is a learning oriented process, carried on a
simple, one-to-one social environment, in which the counsellor, professionally competent in
relevant psychological skills and knowledge, seeks to assist the client, by methods
appropriate to the latter's needs and within the context of the total personal program, to learn
how to put such understanding into effect in relation to more clearly perceived, realistically
defined goals to the end that the client may become a happier and more productive member
of society ".
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The Role of Guidance and Counselling in Schools: A Literature Review
EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS
MENTAL HEALTH RESIDENTIAL
CARE CENTRES CARE CENTRES
COUNSELLING
Figure - 02
• Rehab Centers
• Mental Health Care Centers
• Residential Care Centers
• Workplace
• Family
• Educational Institutions etc.
One of the primary roles of guidance and counseling in effective teaching and learning in
schools is to help students develop self-awareness and self-confidence. Self-awareness and
self-confidence are essential qualities that enable students to take charge of their lives and
make informed decisions. Students who lack self-awareness and self-confidence tend to
struggle with their studies and may exhibit disruptive behavior in the classroom. Guidance
and counseling help students to develop a positive self-image and instill in them the
confidence to pursue their academic goals.
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The Role of Guidance and Counselling in Schools: A Literature Review
Another critical role of guidance and counseling in effective teaching and learning in
schools is to promote the holistic development of students. Holistic development refers to
the development of an individual in all aspects of their lives, including social, emotional,
cognitive, and physical aspects. Guidance and counseling help students to develop healthy
relationships with their peers, teachers, and other members of the school community. They
also help students to develop emotional resilience, which is critical in dealing with stress,
anxiety, and other emotional challenges that may affect their academic performance.
Guidance and counseling also play a crucial role in addressing academic challenges that
students may face. Academic challenges may include difficulties in understanding academic
concepts, poor study habits, and low motivation. Guidance and counseling help students to
identify the root causes of their academic challenges and provide them with the necessary
support to overcome these challenges. This may include providing students with study skills,
organizing tutorial sessions, and providing them with individualized attention. Guidance
and counseling also play a critical role in promoting a positive school environment. A
positive school environment is essential in fostering student learning and academic success.
Guidance and counseling help students to develop a sense of belonging and connectedness
to their school community. This, in turn, promotes positive behavior, reduces absenteeism
and promotes academic achievement.
Objectives
The objectives of this paper are to:
• Investigating the various domains in which school guidance counselors operate.
• Analyzing the aims of guidance and counselling in schools.
• Exploring the role of guidance and counseling in enhancing students' academic and
personal growth.
• Evaluating effective teaching and learning practices from a guidance and counseling
perspective.
• Examining the advantages of the school counseling program for students.
METHODOLOGY
This paper is a literature review that examines previous studies on the role of guidance and
counselling services in schools. The review involved searching various databases, including
Google Scholar, JSTOR, and ResearchGate. The keywords used in the search were
"guidance and counselling," "career," "teaching and learning," "schools," and "academic
performance.
S
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In the field of guidance and counseling, these terms carry distinct connotations. "Guidance"
typically refers to the holistic development of students, whereas "counseling" is often
focused on resolving specific problems. In other words, guidance aims to be proactive and
supportive of growth, while counseling is typically reactive and remedial (Lai-Yeung, 2014).
The global trend in this field has shifted from a casework and problem-solving approach to a
preventative and developmental approach to providing guidance and counseling services
(Gysbers & Henderson, 1994; Yuen, 2002; Lai-Yeung, 2014). As such, guidance and
counseling are essential therapies for school-aged children.
According to O'Concubhair (1981), guidance in schools refers to the specific measures taken
by educational institutions to assist students in realizing their full potential and preparing for
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The Role of Guidance and Counselling in Schools: A Literature Review
adult and professional life. Akinade (2012) defines guidance and counselling as a process
that helps individuals gain a complete understanding of themselves, including how they
respond to environmental influences. This process further aids individuals in identifying
personal significance in their behavior and in creating and organizing a set of objectives and
principles for future behavior.
In 1981, the Cork branch of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors created a job description
outlining the responsibilities of school guidance counsellors. This job description included
the following areas of work:
• Providing individual counselling sessions and offering vocational guidance through
group education.
• Assisting students who are experiencing personal problems, such as social or
emotional issues.
• Helping students with personal development.
• Providing advice on study techniques.
• Providing guidance on job applications and interviews.
• Conducting psychological testing and other forms of testing, if required.
• Referring students to other relevant agencies, if necessary.
• Coordinating a school-wide system of pastoral care.
• Compiling and making available occupational information to students.
• Adapting counselling activities to meet the needs of the school, while enjoying
freedom and flexibility in their organization.
Additionally, the report identified four primary areas of work for school counsellors:
individual counselling, group guidance, occupational information, and psychological testing.
(I.G.C. Journal, Spring 1981)
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The Role of Guidance and Counselling in Schools: A Literature Review
In schools, it is essential for students to make informed choices regarding their subjects and
careers after completing their four-year university education or six-year education program
in primary and secondary schools, as per the Nigerian education system. Borrow (1983)
asserts that the guidance and counselling program must provide students with the necessary
information about the available courses and the qualifications required for each one. Such
information can help students develop a realistic self-concept based on their academic
capabilities.
During the adolescent stage, which is when most secondary school students are in, they
often experience feelings of alienation. This syndrome can include distrust, anxiety,
pessimism, egocentrism, meaninglessness, normlessness, and powerlessness, according to
Robert and Elizabeth (1983). To help these students better understand their developmental
stage and adjust to school life, guidance and counselling services are often necessary.
Additionally, these services can assist students in choosing and pursuing achievable career
paths.
Career choice can be particularly challenging in today's complex and dynamic world, as
noted by Borrow (1983). With constant changes in technology, society, and culture, it can be
difficult to determine the best path to follow. Guidance and counselling programs can help
students navigate this uncertainty by providing information about various career options,
including required qualifications, responsibilities, and the nature of the work. By doing so,
students can make informed decisions and develop clear occupational goals.
An important factor in teacher effectiveness is the use of instructional resources, which can
help them master the necessary subject matter knowledge and improve their teaching skills.
Retaining experienced and efficient teachers is crucial for the success of organizations such
as schools. Research conducted by Hammon (2006) has identified factors such as subject
matter knowledge and teaching capability as key contributors to teaching effectiveness.
Effective teachers not only strive to enhance students' academic achievement but also equip
them with essential life skills. They are adept at applying strategies that promote holistic
learning and support learners in coping with various challenges (Goodstein, Nolan, &
Pfeiffer, 2006).
According to Abolade (2000) as cited in Egbo (2013), teaching refers to a set of activities
designed to produce changes in the behavior of learners. Popham (2010) defines teaching as
the act of explaining, demonstrating, guiding, and counseling by the teacher to effect change
in the learner. Okoye (2010) states that the primary goal of teaching is to assist individuals
in acquiring or altering skills, attitudes, knowledge, ideas, or appreciation, ultimately
resulting in desirable changes in the learners. She also notes that teaching is considered
effective only when learners have accomplished the set behavioral objectives. Nnabuike
(2012) suggests that a teacher is also a learner since learning is a continuous process.
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The Role of Guidance and Counselling in Schools: A Literature Review
According to Okoye (2010), learning is the mental process of acquiring, retaining, and
utilizing knowledge, skills, attitudes, ideas, and virtues, resulting in progressive changes in
behavior and conduct. Oketch (2012) defines learning as the acquisition of new behavior or
a change in behavior, including the acquisition of knowledge, information, skills, and
cultures, which ultimately leads to changes in thought, patterns, and feelings. Learning also
involves cognitive processes, especially mental reasoning, and is intimately connected with
teaching, as one cannot occur without the other. Nnabuike (2012) suggests that the role of
the teacher is to facilitate learning by deliberately and consciously manipulating information,
knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and habits in order to effect desirable changes in the
character of the learner. In summary, effective teaching cannot be said to have taken place
unless learning has occurred. The implications for guidance and counseling suggest that
teachers should observe their students both during and after class, and evaluate their level of
understanding and assimilation. If a student requires counseling, the teacher may choose to
invite a counselor for a general class discussion or refer a specific student to the counselor
for guidance sessions.
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The Role of Guidance and Counselling in Schools: A Literature Review
On the basis of above literature and facts the current study found that guidance and
counselling services in schools help to identify and address the social, emotional, and
behavioral needs of students, thus improving their academic performance. Counselling
services also help students to develop personal and social skills that are essential for their
success in school and beyond. The integration of guidance and counselling services in
schools can help to create a conducive learning environment, promote student well-being
and enhance academic achievement.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, guidance and counselling are essential in helping students make informed
decisions about their lives and future ambitions. The role of a counsellor in building the
confidence of a student cannot be overstated, as it allows for a healthy relationship that
promotes trust and the sharing of vital information. Furthermore, counselling is not only
necessary for Childrens/students in school environment but also for adults who may be
facing difficult situations in their personal or professional lives. It is important to understand
that seeking guidance and counselling is a sign of strength, and not a weakness. With the
right guidance, individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their desired goals.
Additionally, guidance and counselling play a crucial role in promoting the mental and
emotional well-being of children/students in schools. Counsellors can help students identify
and manage their emotions, cope with stress and anxiety, and build healthy relationships
with their peers, teachers and family members. By providing a safe and non-judgmental
space for students to express themselves, counsellors can empower them to navigate the
challenges of life and develop the resilience and coping skills necessary for a successful and
fulfilling future. Overall, guidance and counselling are valuable tools in promoting the
holistic development of students at school, family level and empowering them to become
confident, responsible, and well-adjusted members of society.
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Acknowledgement
The author(s) appreciates all those who participated in the study and helped to facilitate the
research process.
Conflict of Interest
The author(s) declared no conflict of interest.
How to cite this article: Darakhshan, P. & Shameem, A. (2023). The Role of Guidance and
Counselling in Schools: A Literature Review. International Journal of Indian Psychology,
11(2), 558-568. DIP:18.01.058.20231102, DOI:10.25215/1102.058
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