Educational Guidance
Educational Guidance, the helping of persons to do better in their studies and to select courses and schools that will be fitted to their tastes and abilities. Closely related is vocational guidance, the helping of persons to find the right kind of work.
Persons who give educational guidance are usually called counselors. Many schools employ trained full-time counselors. Their work often includes helping with students' emotional problems. In many schools the principal or one or more selected teachers serve as part-time counselors. Home-room teachers often play a main part in a school's guidance program. In colleges and universities, professors (called faculty advisors) and deans of students act as counselors.
A counselor tries to help each student to understand himself better and make the most of his talents. The counselor first learns about his family background, the school subjects he likes or dislikes, and his interest in athletics or other activities. He studies the student's school record and may give him aptitude and other special tests. In working with the failing student, the counselor may advise on how to improve study habits. Counselors provide information on college or graduate school entrance requirements and scholarships, and may also give vocational guidance.