Guidance Counselor Lesson Plans
Every good guidance counselor must have great lesson plans that can be executed with relative ease. In order to implement the best lesson plans possible, there are ten main areas that must be addressed within them, which include: resources, learning objectives, and a main message; additional concepts and generalizations, learning experiences, modifications, and materials; and finally, assessment, rationale, and standards.
Resources, Learning Objectives, and the Main Message
Resources, learning objectives, and the main message of the guidance counselor’s lesson plan is the heart of what the guidance counselor is trying to teach someone. Without a good plan, a person seeking help is going to feel lost and confused. Resources are some type of print or online materials that can be referenced in the creation of the lesson plan–including, but not limited to books, encyclopedias, websites, and any other relevant sources of information. Learning objectives help guide the lesson, with “by” statements. One example of a learning objective might be, “The student will be able to communicate feelings clearly by expressing adjectives (angry, happy, sad, etc.) that accurately describe the situation in which the student finds himself or herself.” The main message of the lesson would be a single statement trying to describe what the overall lesson or counseling session aims to achieve. For example, the main message of the lesson might be, “The student will learn how to speak frankly about feelings in a non-threatening manner.” All of these elements are part of the start of a great lesson plan.
Additional Concepts and Generalizations, Learning Experiences, Modifications, and Materials
Additional concepts, learning experiences, modifications, and materials are the linchpin of any good guidance counselor’s lesson plan. Additional concepts and generalizations are other goals or messages, which are secondary–in addition to the main message–that must be addressed. Learning experiences are the types of ways in which a lesson will be implemented, as well as a time frame in which the activity is to be completed. For example, a learning experience might be the following: “Direct instruction in which the counselor educates the student about the types of potential harm that different chemical substances can have on the body over an extended period of usage, i.e. that too much alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. (10 mins.)” Modifications which are necessary for special needs students would be included. Materials to be used would be mentioned.
Assessment, Rationale, and Standards
Assessment, rationale, and standards are the way the guidance counselor’s lesson will ultimately be evaluated. Assessment measures–with reliable and valid methods–what a student has learned, checking for deep understanding as well as general knowledge. Assessments can include informal methods such as spot checking (when counseling groups), or formal methods like a summative quiz or exam. Rationale describes why the learning experiences are aligned with assessments. Of course, at least one main state standard is chosen to guide the lesson and give it purpose–which varies by state.
The ten components of a guidance counselor’s lesson plan will assure excellence in its ultimate implementation.