Unit information: Counselling Young People and Families in 2014/15

Unit name	Counselling Young People and Families
Unit code	EDUCM5912
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Mrs. Knowler
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Education
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

This unit considers a selection of issues that are frequently raised by clients in educational settings and provides the opportunity to critically evaluate established frameworks and practices that inform counsellors' responses and use of counselling skills. The unit will consider a selection of at least five topics chosen in consultation with students. These could include: bullying; difficulties with learning; impact of assessment; behaviour and discipline; bereavement; coping with transition and major life changes; vulnerability arising from abuse or neglect; self-harm; anxiety and depression; eating disorders and substance abuse. The selected topics will be considered from the perspectives of the person seeking help and their families and what is appropriate to educational settings.

The aims of this unit are to:

• develop a theoretical understanding of at least five selected issues that that are likely to be brought by young people seeking help in educational settings.

• examine and evaluate theoretical differences

• critically analyse the implications for theory and practice

• draw on participants' own life experience and of others known to them to deepen their understanding

• formulate appropriate strategies for helping by use of counselling skills that take account of the individual needs, cultural norms and the educational setting

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate that they:

• have a critical knowledge of and the ability to evaluate different approaches to issues presented by young people for help in educational settings

• can explain with reasons any preferred approaches to offering help or use of counselling skills

• understand the implications of life story and personal experience for offering help

• can formulate an appropriate way of helping someone with specified issues for which help is being sought.

Teaching Information

A variety of approaches to learning and teaching will be used including: tutor input, small group discussion, experiential work, case studies, student led seminars and presentations, the use of audiovisual materials

The needs of a wide range of students, including those with disabilities, international students and those from ethnic minority backgrounds have been considered. It is not anticipated that the teaching and assessment methods used will cause disadvantage to any person taking the unit. The Graduate School of Education is happy to address individual support requests as necessary.

Assessment Information

Students will be required, usually working collaboratively in small groups, to make a presentation to class about a selected issue. The presentation will not be summatively assessed but will be discussed in class; formative feedback will be offered. Undertaking this exercise is required as preparation for the assessed submission.

The formal assessment will be based on an assignment of the equivalent of 4000 words about a selected issue that demonstrates a critical ability to understand and apply relevant literature; select an appropriate intervention; and to appreciate the challenges of implementation.

Reading and References

• Dallos, R. & Draper, R. (2000) An Introduction to Family Therapy: systemic theory and practice. Buckingham, Open University Press

• Geldard, K. and Geldard, D (2004) Counselling Adolescents. London, Sage

• Geldard, K. and Geldard, D (2002) Counselling Children: a practical Introduction. London, Sage

• Hornby, G., Hall, C. & Hall, E. (eds.) (2003) Counselling Pupils in Schools: skills and strategies for teachers. London, Routledge/Falmer

• Sederholm, G. H. (2003) Counselling Young People in School. London, Jessica Kingsley

• Lee, C. (2004) Preventing Bullying in Schools: a guide to teachers and other professionals. London, Paul Chapman.