Introduction
Education is not limited to classroom instruction and textbook learning. It aims at the holistic development of students, which includes academic success, emotional stability, vocational awareness, and social adjustment. To achieve this, schools run structured guidance and counseling programmes. In these programmes, the teacher holds a pivotal role. A teacher is not only a knowledge-giver but also a guide, mentor, counselor, and facilitator who helps learners face challenges and make informed decisions in life.
Role of the Teacher in Guidance Programme
1. Teacher as an Educational Guide
One of the primary responsibilities of teachers in a guidance programme is to assist students in their educational journey.
Helping students choose appropriate subjects and courses according to their interests and abilities.
Identifying learning difficulties and providing remedial teaching.
Guiding students to develop good study habits, time management, and examination skills.
Encouraging students to use libraries, laboratories, and ICT tools effectively.
Providing feedback on academic performance to both students and parents.
Teachers thus ensure that students get the right academic support and remain motivated to achieve excellence.
2. Teacher as a Vocational Guide
With growing competition and changing career opportunities, students need proper vocational guidance. Teachers play an important role in:
Creating awareness about different careers, professions, and training opportunities.
Relating classroom knowledge to real-world applications.
Identifying talents and interests that can shape career choices.
Advising students on higher education and skill-development courses.
Inviting professionals and organizing career talks or workshops for career exploration.
By helping students match their abilities with career paths, teachers prepare them for a successful future.
3. Teacher as a Personal Guide and Counselor
Students often face personal, emotional, and social challenges. Teachers, being close to learners, are in a position to provide personal guidance:
Listening to students’ problems with empathy and confidentiality.
Helping them deal with peer pressure, stress, and anxiety.
Guiding them towards self-discipline, moral values, and positive behavior.
Identifying cases of behavioral issues, bullying, or lack of self-confidence, and offering support.
Referring serious psychological cases to professional counselors.
Thus, teachers act as first-line counselors, ensuring students’ mental well-being and emotional balance.
4. Teacher as a Facilitator of Guidance Services
Teachers not only provide individual guidance but also help in organizing the overall guidance programme in schools:
Assisting the school counselor in maintaining student records.
Conducting aptitude, interest, and achievement tests.
Coordinating with parents to discuss students’ progress and needs.
Organizing workshops, seminars, and orientation programmes.
Collaborating with the school guidance cell for planning student support services.
This shows that teachers are the backbone of guidance services within the school system.
5. Teacher as a Role Model and Mentor
Students often imitate the behavior, values, and attitudes of their teachers. Hence, the teacher’s personality itself becomes a guiding factor.
Setting an example of discipline, honesty, and dedication.
Motivating students through encouragement and positive reinforcement.
Helping learners develop confidence, decision-making skills, and problem-solving ability.
Inspiring students to set goals and work hard to achieve them.
When teachers act as role models, they provide silent yet powerful guidance that shapes students’ character.
Importance of Teachers in Guidance Programme
The contribution of teachers in guidance cannot be underestimated:
They are in direct contact with students on a daily basis.
They can easily observe students’ behavior, interests, and difficulties.
They bridge the gap between school counselors and parents.
They help integrate guidance into everyday classroom teaching.
Thus, without the teacher’s involvement, any guidance programme remains incomplete.
Conclusion
The role of the teacher in the guidance programme is multidimensional. From educational and vocational guidance to personal counseling and moral support, teachers act as mentors who shape the personality and future of students. Their role is not limited to classroom instruction; instead, they play a vital part in the overall development and adjustment of learners.
By recognizing and strengthening the teacher’s role in guidance, schools can ensure that students receive the necessary support to achieve academic success, make wise career choices, and grow into responsible citizens.
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