32097 - Methods and Techniques for School Vocational Guidance

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student

- knows the main  theoretical models of career decision making process

- is able to design and implement a group career intervention

- is able to use the main techniques of career counseling interview

Course contents

The course will take place during the second semester (from February until May 2017 at the Cesena Campus of the School of Psychology and Education, Aula E, Piazza Aldo Moro 90, Cesena (FC).

Course Prerequisites are background knowledge in developmental, work and groups psychology, as well as in methodology of individual and group interventions. To apply for the School and Community Psychology Master, students are required to demonstrate the required level of knoweldge.

The course alternates frontal lessons with simulation activities and case studies and it is divided into two parts:

First Part Teacher: Carla Maria Ruffini

- Historical evolution of theories and professional practices in the guidance field. Main current theoretical approaches. Life-long self development and vocational process

- Nature and specific characteristics of psychosocial transitions and guidance practices: variables characterizing decision-making processes in the different transitions and typology of guidance activities

- Vocational and career counseling: design, development and evaluation of activities and paths to facilitate overcoming transitions in school, training, working and community environments

- Guidance interviews: theoretical constructs, methods and instruments; conducting the interview through the use of narrative methods

Second Part Teacher: Rita Chiesa

- Vocational development and guidance: theoretical approaches to career planning as part of the developmental process

- Guidance intervention methods at group level: development and implementation of programs to facilitate successful transitions of students from one school/work environment to another

- Monitor and evaluate programs designed to promote vocational development: use assessment techniques to measure progress toward goals and to evaluate outcomes of intervention strategies

Readings/Bibliography

Guglielmi, D. & D'Angelo, M.G. (2011). Prospettive per l'orientamento, Roma, Carocci. Parte Prima (Cap. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Ruffini C., Sarchielli V. (2006). "Ambiti, approcci e metodi del counseling", in Di Francesco (a cura di). Consulenza alla persona e counseling. ISFOL, Temi & Strumenti

Ruffini C., "Pensare e agire la narrazione. Il paradigma narrativo e autobiografico nell'azione consulenziale", in Contesini S., Frega R., Ruffini C., Tomelleri S. (2005). Fare cose con la filosofia. Apogeo, Milano

The students not attending will add:

Sarchielli, G. (2008). Psicologia del lavoro. Il Mulino, Bologna, 2ª edizione (cap. IV e V)

Recommended readings:

Pombeni, M. L., Chiesa, R. (2009). Il gruppo nel processo di orientamento. Carocci, Roma

Ruini, C., Scrignaro, M., Bassi M. & Fianco A. (2017). Le pratiche della psicologia positiva. Strumenti e Prospettive. Milano, FrancoAngeli

 

Teaching methods

A participatory approach to learning and a teaching active method will be favoured. Teaching methods include lessons, individual exercises, group work, meetings with experts and practitioners, simulation and case study.

During the lessons the attendance will be recorded.

Assessment methods

For students attending at least 70% of classes:

The exam will be composed by due written papers (individual case study and a group project work) and an oral exam, that the student may take the exam at the end of the course, before the examination sessions.

a1) A written individual case study about transition or changing/development issues. The assignment request to project an intervention of vocational counseling or career counseling, and it will assess the students' achievement of the desired Learning Outcomes:

• knowledge of theories and professional practices in the guidance field; nature and specific characteristics of psychosocial transitions

• skills in design, development and evaluation of vocational and career counseling activities

• skills in counseling interview

a2) A written group project work about an intervention of vocational guidance. The assignment request to project an intervention on the bases of evidences reported by an research article and it will assess the students' achievement of the desired Learning Outcomes:

• knowledge of theoretical approaches to vocational guidance;

• skills in design, development and evaluation of guidance intervention group methods

• knowledge of techniques to monitor and evaluate guidance programs

1. An oral exam aimed to assess the students’ awareness of achieved Learning Outcomes

For students attending less than 70% of classes.

The students may take the exam during the official examination session. The assignments are:

a) A written individual case study. The assignment request to project an intervention of vocational counseling or career counseling and it will assess the students' achievement of the desired Learning Outcomes:

• knowledge of theories and professional practices in the guidance field; nature and specific characteristics of psychosocial transitions

• skills in design, development and evaluation of vocational and career counseling activities

• skills in counseling interview

• B) An oral exam aimed to assess the students' achievement of the desired Learning Outcomes:

• Knowledge of techniques of design, implementation and evaluation of vocational and career counseling activities

• Knowledge of techniques of design, implementation and evaluation of group career interventions

The final mark is the sum of the marks obtained to the assignments.

 

The exam timetable is published on Almaesami about four weeks before exams. In order to be admitted to the exam, you must book your exam session on Almaesami. If you miss the deadline to book your exam session on Almaesami (usually two days before the exam date), contact the teacher via email as soon as possible.

Teaching tools

Slide, guidance tools, case studies

Office hours

See the website of Rita Chiesa

See the website of Carla Maria Ruffini