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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

EDUC 5551: Introduction to Secondary School Counselling

NOTE: To register for this course, please email edgradadvising@tru.ca or call 250-377-6067.

A study of counselling as related to secondary school practice. Emphasis is on the secondary counsellor's role and functions.

This course examines the role and functions of secondary school counsellors, with particular attention to their involvement with counselling and consulting in the areas of educational, career, and personal/social development. A comprehensive and developmental approach will be used in studying how to establish a guidance and counselling program in secondary school settings.

Learning outcomes

  • Apply and assess the areas of personal/social development, educational development, and career development to secondary school guidance and counselling services;
  • Justify the role of the secondary school counsellor in the broad spectrum of education in our society;
  • Construct a comprehensive and developmental guidance and counselling program based on the needs of a particular school;
  • Evaluate the use of data and conceptualize data-informed decision-making models in guidance and counselling service delivery;
  • Recognize and maintain ethical boundaries;
  • Act upon legal limitations related to privacy legislation and the Public Schools Act in BC;
  • Construct curricular learning outcomes to infuse guidance and counselling services into the daily routine of students in secondary schools;
  • Conceptualize the role and function of school counsellors within the student support team design;
  • Assess the implications of mental health issues within schools;
  • Defend the importance of counsellor self-care;
  • Differentiate between the counsellor's role in working with parents, staff, administrators and the community; and
  • Utilize technology required in counselling programs.

Course topics

  • Lesson 1: Introduction and Orientation
  • Lesson 2: School Counselling-- Understanding the Profession
  • Lesson 3: The School Counsellor-- Ethical Practitioner
  • Lesson 4: The Foundation and Framework of School Counselling Programs--From Position to Program
  • Lesson 5: Comprehensive School Counselling Programs
  • Lesson 6: Data Driven Decision-Making
  • Lesson 7: The School Counsellor--Effective Leadership
  • Lesson 8: The School Counsellor--Effective Team Member
  • Lesson 9: The School Counsellor as Advocate
  • Lesson 10: The School Counsellor: Know Thyself
  • Lesson 11: The School Counsellor as Responsive Leader
  • Lesson 12: The School Counselor as Professional

Required text and materials

Online MEd students are responsible for sourcing and/or ordering their own books. Please see the list of required textbooks here: https://www.tru.ca/distance/courses/MEd_Textbook_List.pdf

Students may be able to order the text through the TRU Bookstore at http://thebookstore.tru.ca.

If students have any questions about obtaining the correct textbook, please contact OLMaterials@tru.ca.

Assessments

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 70% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory project.

Assignment 1: Student Interview 15%
Assignment 2: Movie Analysis 5%
Assignment 3: Video Project (including peer feedback) 25%
Assignment 4: The Use of Data 10%
Assignment 5: Counsellor Interview 15%
Assignment 6: Discussions 10%
Final Project (mandatory) 20%
Total 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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