Authors :
Theresa Antwi
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://shorturl.at/xFM67
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8021502
Abstract :
Counselling practicum is a vital component of
counseling programs, as it provides counseling students
with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience
working with clients under the supervision of a licensed
or experienced counselor. Therefore, this study sought to
explore challenges and prospects of counseling
practicum among students pursuing postgraduate degree
programs in University of Education, Winneba (UEW)
in the Central Region of Ghana. Exploratory case study
design within qualitative research approach was adopted
in this study. Seven (7) students were sampled using
purposive (maximum variation) sampling technique.
Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data
from the participants. Data were analyzed in themes. It
was established that limited availability of practicum
sites, inadequate supervision, limited exposure to diverse
populations, time management, difficulty in balancing
academic coursework and practicum, inadequate
resources and limited practical experience were some of
the challenges faced by students. Also, to develop
counseling skills, gain hands-on experience, network
with professionals, and contribution to the field through
research and professional development activities were
key opportunities for these students. It was concluded
that counseling practicum can be a challenging
experience for university students, as it requires them to
navigate complex ethical, personal, and professional
issues into practice, it also contributes to the enrichment
of the students' counselling practices and
experiences.Recommendations were made based on the
findings and conclusion drawn
Keywords :
Challenges, Counselling Practicum, Opportunities, Experiences
Counselling practicum is a vital component of
counseling programs, as it provides counseling students
with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience
working with clients under the supervision of a licensed
or experienced counselor. Therefore, this study sought to
explore challenges and prospects of counseling
practicum among students pursuing postgraduate degree
programs in University of Education, Winneba (UEW)
in the Central Region of Ghana. Exploratory case study
design within qualitative research approach was adopted
in this study. Seven (7) students were sampled using
purposive (maximum variation) sampling technique.
Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data
from the participants. Data were analyzed in themes. It
was established that limited availability of practicum
sites, inadequate supervision, limited exposure to diverse
populations, time management, difficulty in balancing
academic coursework and practicum, inadequate
resources and limited practical experience were some of
the challenges faced by students. Also, to develop
counseling skills, gain hands-on experience, network
with professionals, and contribution to the field through
research and professional development activities were
key opportunities for these students. It was concluded
that counseling practicum can be a challenging
experience for university students, as it requires them to
navigate complex ethical, personal, and professional
issues into practice, it also contributes to the enrichment
of the students' counselling practices and
experiences.Recommendations were made based on the
findings and conclusion drawn
Keywords :
Challenges, Counselling Practicum, Opportunities, Experiences
