Educational counsellors provide practical and emotional support to students in a educational institution, either in small groups, classrooms, or individually. They function as an accessible school official whom students may contact for a wide variety of issues. Educational counsellors may provide advice on personal problems such as social integration and behavioural issues, and on school-related matters such as composing adequate curriculum schedules, discussing test scores, and informing students on further education options. They may work closely with a school social worker and/or school psychologist and make referrals to other support services if necessary.

Tasks

In such cases tasks performed would include -
(a) Assessing students’ level of ability and determining learning needs;
(b) Planning, preparing and delivering programmes of study, lessons and workshops for individual students and groups;
(c) Preparing and presenting material on the theory of the subject area being studied;
(d) Instructing and demonstrating practical aspects of the subject area being studied;
(e) Assigning exercises and work relevant to students’ level of ability, interests and aptitude;
(f) Assessing students and offering advice, criticism and encouragement;
(g) Revising curricula, course content, course materials and methods of instruction
(h) Preparing students for examinations and assessments;
(i) Counselling students regarding educational issues such as course and programme selection, class scheduling, school adjustment, truancy, study habits and career planning;
(j) Counselling students to help them understand and overcome personal, social or behavioural problems affecting their education;
(k) Preparing students for later educational experiences by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks.