Understanding why people suffer, how they change, and how to help them live more satisfying and gratifying lives is a fascinating, huge, and important undertaking.
John Sommers-Flanagan & Rita Sommers-Flanagan, 2015
Domains of Counselling
ACADEMIC
Grades
Attendance
Submission of assignments
Add/Drop
Independent
Behaviour
CAREER
Course selection
Electives/Course Sequence
Further Studies
World of Work
Scholarships
PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Peer relationships
Family relationships
Conflict Management
Time Management
Social Media Issues
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Stress management
Anger Management
Depression
Anxiety
Paranoia
Why School Counselling?
A school counseling program provides the type of support a student need to be academically successful and develop into a physically, mentally and emotionally healthy individual that can contribute positively to his school, family, and community.
It is a support system to faculty, students, families, and communities.
The shift due to covid 19: Face-to-face to Online to Both
Has its advantages and disadvantages.
It creates mixed emotions.
It challenges relationships.
Affects interests and motivation.
Not matter how well you handle the shift, the fact is, that the shift has thrown you off balance. It has brought about stress. Know that your experience is normal.
The Difference
Real time learning versus asynchronous.
The physical environment: the class room, school compound, field trips versus computer screen.
Personal guidance from lecturer versus guided instructions.
Interactions with peers versus technological communications.
Tips for Success
Follow the Covid 19 Protocols
Approach this semester with an open mind.
You are not alone.
Your classmates as well as your lectures are also making the transition.
Be open to the transition.
Seek help if you need to.
Do not wait until its too.
Ask questions don’t assume.
Be assertive
You are responsible for your learning and your success.
Scheduling
Check your emails everyday (mornings).
Check your platforms daily/regularly.
Create a schedule with your face-to-face and on-line classes.
Insert your down loading of notes/PowerPoint time.
Research time
Assignment time
Lab time
Whatever it is that needs to be scheduled in, add it to your schedule.
If you have never done this before, this is certainly the time to do so.
Creating a Routine
Organize a routine out of all that has been said:
Schedule – job, class, study, reading, research times
Deadlines – tasks, assignments, tests, projects
Communication – emails, chats
For those of you who do not have internet or access to a computer/laptop, begin the discussion to arrange for access to the school computer lab.
Stress Managing Tips
Stay social
Get enough sleep/rest
Exercise
Eat well
Get organized
Manage your time
Get help if you need it
Take breaks
Check in with yourself
Attention and Clarification
Pay attention to deadlines given.
Mark them on your calendar and rearrange your schedule if necessary to keep up.
Pay attention to instructions from lecturers.
What you don’t know… ask.
Seek clarification where ever and when ever necessary.
Make sure you have all the contact information of your Lecturers (email, cell numbers, WhatsApp class group).
Follow the threads in emails and WhatsApp class group messages.
Organization and Environment
Use an extra notebook for assignments, tasks, projects with deadlines, etc.
Homework Log Book.
Keep track of your own grades, assignments turned in and assignments pending.
Create a work area at home, thereby creating the school environment to put your head in the school mind set, especially if you are doing online courses.
Check List
I have organized a workstation at home.
I have a time table with class time, homework time, study/reading time.
I keep to my time table at least 90% of the time.
I have a homework logbook that I use.
I keep deadlines.
I have a notebook per course and take notes or download and print notes.
