The competency-based school counseling model in high schools: A Vietnamese case

• Published in: Children and youth services review 2021-01, Vol.120, p.105713, Article 105713
• Main Authors: Huynh, Van-Son, Giang, Thien-Vu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Academic achievement; Academic guidance counseling; Case studies; Competence; Competency-based development; Competency-based school counseling model; Counseling; Educational programs; Policy making; Qualitative case study research; School counseling; Secondary school students; Secondary schools; Student health services; Teachers; Vietnamese education
• ISSN: 0190-7409; 1873-7765
• DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105713

The article discusses the assessed results of a competency-based school counseling model for Vietnamese high school students. This is a qualitative case study research using semi-structured in-depth interviews to explore the experience and feedbacks of the participants about the proposed model. The five groups of participants are: high school students, parents, teachers, school counselors, and school managers. Based on the thematic analysis, four key themes relating to the participants’ experience and feedback were identified from informant responses. The findings suggest that the proposed model assessed appeared to be necessary, feasible and responsive to the new requirements of the Vietnamese 2018-general educational program. However, to meet the participants’ expectations, the model must orient more clearly on how to consolidate highly qualified school counselors and ensure the requirements of facilities and professional policies. Overall, through a trial and assessment process by the participants, the proposed model meets the requirements of developing three core competencies for Vietnamese students, as well as clearly showing the implementation process and coordinated effectively in school counseling work. This is an achievement for the field of school counseling in Vietnam.