Guiding the Guidance Counsellors: A Case Study of New Directions in Guidance and Counselling

Other Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Archer, Ben
Abstract

The Open Educational Resource (OER) New Directions in Guidance and Counselling (Archer, 2023) emerged as an innovative response to the challenges posed by COVID-19 lockdowns. Originally, students in the Masters of Guidance and Counselling program were to undertake original research during placements for their capstone unit. However, pandemic restrictions necessitated a rapid pivot in assessment design. This shift led to the development of a major work centered on comprehensive literature reviews. Students received explicit training in advanced literature review techniques, ensuring their contributions maintained high academic standards despite the inability to conduct field research. This adaptation not only addressed immediate assessment needs but also equipped students with valuable skills in synthesizing and critically analyzing existing research. The assessment required students to develop their major research literature reviews , showcasing the ability to engage deeply with current scholarship in guidance and counselling. The collection spans various topics, reflecting contemporary trends and emerging areas of focus in the field. Each piece underwent rigorous evaluation for academic merit, relevance to current practice, and potential impact. Compiling these works into an OER served multiple purposes: -It provided a meaningful culmination of students’ studies despite pandemic disruptions. -It offered a platform for showcasing student research in a time of limited opportunities. -It created a valuable resource for practitioners and fellow students navigating similar challenges. The project highlighted the potential of student-generated content in creating substantive educational resources, even under restrictive circumstances. It demonstrated the adaptability of both students and educators in the face of unprecedented challenges. Ultimately, this COVID-19-induced pivot resulted in a unique learning experience. Students engaged with the scholarly publication process from literature review to peer review, while educators gained insights into facilitating collaborative academic work in a remote environment. The resulting product stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the guidance and counselling student community during the pandemic.

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Open Education Down UndOER: Australasian Case Studies

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7

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Council of Australian University Libraries

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Brisbane, QLD, Australia

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