INITIAL TRAINING OF SCHOOL COUNSELORS THROUGH PRACTICUM STAGES – PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
INITIAL TRAINING OF SCHOOL COUNSELORS THROUGH PRACTICUM STAGES – PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Summary/Abstract: Practicum represents an important component of initial training of school counselors due to its integrative function to strengthen knowledge and skills by translating them into complex competences within the process of solving work problems. During practicum stages students have opportunity to involve in professional activities, to directly experience specific professional roles and tasks, to confront with problems and to reflect on possible solutions. However, the question is if the manner practicum stages are organized allows the development of all competences needed in profession. What problems arise in organization of practicum stages and how this initial training component can become more efficient? In this paper, we explored the opinions of counselors and of students enrolled in Educational Psychology and Counseling Master Program about the efficiency of training through practicum stages and about the strategies facilitating significant learning. Data were collected through in depth interviews and were processed through qualitative content analysis. Implications of the results in organization of school counseling practicum stages are discussed.

• Details
• Contents