Functions of Guidance Services

FUNCTION OF GUIDANCE SERVICES If a guidance program is to justify its existence within the scheme of the educational program, it must accomplish tasks and perform functions and services not normally made available in the conventional school programs. 1. To improve self-understanding. Test result, counseling, enrichment programs and proper utilization of records are some of the means by which students arrive at more objective, realistic and enlightened awareness and attitude about themselves. This improved understanding should minimize frustrations experienced by students lacking the necessary comprehension to account for the discrepancy between their accomplishment and the school's expectations. The same principle applies as well to the brighter students, many of whom never become aware of their unusual potentialities or aptitudes. 2. To increase student understanding of self in relation to others. Guidance services encourage pupil participation and social interaction. Achieving a satisfactory working relationship with others is essential because of society's expectations and because of the desire of each student to be liked and accepted. 3. To emphasize relationships between academic pursuits and personal development. Because the importance of self-knowledge and satisfactory relationships, all learning experiences, in order to be meaningful and to result in new skills and understanding, should have a relationship to other activities within the lives of individuals. 4. To promote better understanding of the teacher to achieve such an important role in relating learning to life, the student should have understanding of his teacher. A more wholesome positive, fruitful attitude exists if students have an appreciation for the teacher as a person and if they can be aware of the motives which prompt teacher's action. 5. To contribute to the feeling of security. An increase in self-understanding, which includes a realistic appraisal and awareness of