Lectures will anchor instruction. Other methods may include: Audio-visual demonstrations,student self- assessment, case studies, guest speakers with particular expertise in vocational/career assessment and counselling, small group activities, group discussions, behavioural rehearsal, video, DVD and computer simulations.
Major theoretical models underlying vocational assessment and counselling.
- Vocational counselling relationship and process, including guidelines for ethical practice.
- Problem clarification and goal formulation.
- Analysis of Internal Variables:
- aptitude and achievement
- personality and vocational interests
- work values
Through:
- norm-referenced standardized testing
- ideographic assessment strategies and devices
- Analysis of External Variables:
- occupational skill and knowledge requirements
- key features of particular work environments
- current and future occupational availability
- compensation and mobility considerations
Through review of:
- career-related websites
- occupational description and outlook publications
- Decision-making and plan development.
- Plan implementation and evaluation.
- Written communication of integrated vocational assessment.
- Vocational counselling with special populations characterized by age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture, linguistic, special needs or disability variables.
- Vocational counselling in specific settings, including high schools, colleges and universities, adult career centres.
At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to:
- Describe the basic tenets of four major theoretical models underlying vocational counselling.
- Describe the essential features of effective counselling in this area.
- Outline effective procedures for problem clarification and goal formulation.
- Identify effective assessment strategies for aptitude, achievement, interest, values variables.
- Identify effective assessment strategies for external variables including job requirements, current and future availability, work environment and compensation/mobility features of occupations.
- Outline effective decision-making and plan development procedures.
- Outline effective strategies for plan implementation and evaluation.
- Communicate in writing an integrated vocational assessment, with recommendations.
- Discuss the application of relevant ethical principles.
- Describe the considerations accruing to special populations and settings.
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College policy. Evaluation will be based on course objectives and may include:
- Multiple choice, short answer or essay exams
- Term paper, research report or other written assignment
- A review of psychometric properties of a particular test
The instructor will provide a written course outline with specific evaluation at the beginning of the semester.
An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:
- Two exams – midterm and final at 30% each for a total of 60% toward the final grade.
- Written assignment 20%
- Test review 10%
- Participation 10%
Possible texts could include
- Amundson, N.E., Harris-Bowlsbey, J.G., & Niles, S.G. (2009).Essential elements of career counseling: Process and techniques(2nd ed.).Prentice Hall.
There may be instructor-designed written materials to accompany a text.