In a society where the future is uncertain, the belief that "if you live according to a fixed route, things will somehow work out" is a precarious understanding.
To live happily and authentically, each individual needs to decide their own way of living.
In the field of school education, efforts are being made in career education to cultivate the ability for children to live while expressing their individuality in a society that is difficult to predict.
On August 21, 2021 (Saturday), a workshop was held at the "24th Kurashiki Future K School" to learn about career counseling.
We will introduce what we learned through lectures such as "What is career education?" and "What is required in career counseling?"
What is Kurashiki Future K School?
"Kurashiki Future K School" is a monthly seminar held at Ohara House Katalyzer, aimed at comprehensive educational reform between schools and society and supporting aspiring teachers.
On August 21, 2021, we invited Emori Mayako, a writer and editor specializing in educational projects, as an instructor to conduct a workshop on career counseling.
Many participants are current teachers from elementary, middle, and high schools.
Considering the state of emergency declared in August 2021, the event was held completely online.
It was a challenging endeavor to conduct a workshop on career counseling, which requires empathetic communication, through a screen.
Introduction of Instructor Emori Mayako
Instructor Emori Mayako has a background as an editor for educational magazines at Recruit Co., Ltd.
Since 2015, she has been working on educational projects at Okayama Prefectural Wake Shizutani School as a member of the regional revitalization cooperation team in Wake-cho, Okayama Prefecture, and later established the "General Incorporated Association Manabito" to promote education and human resource development aimed at community building.
Currently, while living in Wake-cho, she continues to work as a freelance editor and writer, focusing on editing and writing about educational projects nationwide.
Although the theme this time is career counseling, Emori does not have a background as a career counselor.
She mentioned that she planned this workshop out of a desire to contribute the insights gained from her experience as a writer and editor back to the field of education.
What is career education?
Career education and career development
The lecture began with the definition of career education.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology defines career education as follows:
Education that promotes career development by nurturing the necessary foundational abilities and attitudes for each individual's social and professional independence.
Central Council for Education "On the Future of Career Education and Vocational Education in Schools" (Report) January 31, 2011
To understand the meaning of career education, we also confirmed the definition of the term career development.
The process of realizing one's own way of living while fulfilling one's role in society.
Central Council for Education "On the Future of Career Education and Vocational Education in Schools" (Report) January 31, 2011
Emori provided an easy-to-understand explanation of the definitions of career education and career development as defined by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Career education is often recognized as conveying occupational views and work ethics to children, but the roles of people in society are diverse.
Working as a salaryman in a company, working as a teacher in a school, as well as doing housework or participating in community volunteer activities are all roles of individuals in society.
The process of choosing roles based on personal will and fulfilling those roles authentically in society is career development.
In other words, Emori emphasizes that career development has no end and continues until death.
She taught that career education is the foundation for fulfilling one's role authentically in society as career development progresses.
What is career counseling?
Emori explains that there are two directions in career education.
- Acquiring the power to live
- Considering how one wants to live and be
Career education encompasses both, and career counseling is support for considering how to live and be.
For each individual to live authentically in society, it is necessary to know society and to know oneself.
Furthermore, career education is about gaining the power to position oneself in society and shine.
In the process of advancing career education, supporting individuals in verbalizing their values is also part of career counseling, she mentioned.
Workshop 1 - Favorite and Unfavorite Teachers -
Overview of Workshop 1
In Workshop 1, we discussed the following themes.
Each group consisted of three people, with roles assigned as client (student role), counselor (teacher role), and supervisor.
The counselor asked the client about the characteristics and specific episodes of their favorite and unfavorite teachers, aiming to clarify the client's values.
After the workshop, the supervisor, who had been observing the dialogue between the counselor and client from an objective standpoint, shared impressions with all participants.
Workshop 1 - Sharing Impressions -
One group of clients mentioned, "I didn't view teachers as either favorite or unfavorite."
At the very beginning of the workshop, the client seemed unable to recall any special feelings towards the teachers they had encountered in the past.
However, as the counselor asked questions while sharing their own experiences, the client became more comfortable and began to express their thoughts.
The supervisor shared their perspective, stating, "The counselor's gentle way of speaking created a relaxed atmosphere, allowing the client to naturally find their words."
Additionally, from other groups, there were comments like, "Because the counselor was thinking along with the client, it seemed that the client was able to face themselves honestly."
Workshop 2 - Reflecting on the Present Self -
Overview of Workshop 2
In Workshop 2, we engaged in dialogue reflecting on "the present self as a teacher."
Similar to Workshop 1, the counselor asked questions to the client to delve deeper into their values.
While Workshop 1 focused on the past, Workshop 2 is themed around contemplating the present self.
Workshop 2 - Sharing Impressions -
In a group where a current elementary school teacher acted as the counselor and a current high school teacher played the student role, there was feedback stating, "Due to the different ages of the students we usually interact with, I felt that the perspectives were different."
"On the other hand, there were also points of empathy as fellow teachers, and I felt the charm of the teaching profession," they said.
The counselor's expressions and words of interest in the other person were seen to draw out the client's charm.
In another group, the counselor was a school nurse from an elementary school, while the client was a high school teacher.
The supervisor shared their impression, stating, "From the counselor's appearance of struggling and thinking together with the client's concerns, it was felt that the client was beginning to trust them."
Reflections from Instructor Emori
Emori mentioned that she conducted the workshop not as an instructor but as a facilitator.
This time, she intentionally did not convey specific counseling techniques, instead entrusting the method of dialogue to the participants.
However, despite not conveying specific methods, she felt that the ability to draw out the client's values and charms through the workshop indicated that teachers already possess the skills to listen to others.
The essence of a facilitator is to believe that the answers lie within the client (student) and to entrust them with the process.
She taught that the key to career education is how to draw out and illuminate the gem-like charms that lie within the client.
Learning about career counseling
I used to think that career education and career counseling were about career guidance.
I learned that the meaning of career extends beyond just advancement to higher education or employment, and refers to one's way of living.
I have chosen my career path through high school, university, and employment without much thought, but I have questioned the meaning of living since starting to work.
While I am currently fulfilled in my job, engaging in community volunteer work and writing activities is for the sake of enjoying life.
By encountering the values of many people, I feel that my perspective has broadened and my heart has become richer.
To live happily, it is important to have opportunities to verbalize why we live and what brings us joy.
I hope for a society where all children can recognize their own charms and live joyfully, and I have high expectations for career education.
Article about Ohara House Katalyzer
24th Kurashiki Future K School / Career Counseling Skills: Teacher's "Self" Exploration Workshop Data
| Name | 24th Kurashiki Future K School / Career Counseling Skills: Teacher's "Self" Exploration Workshop |
|---|---|
| Date | August 21, 2021 (Saturday) 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
| Location | 1-2-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City |
| Homepage | 24th Kurashiki Future K School Special Program Career Education Instructor Training Seminar |
Favorite teachers from childhood.
Unfavorite teachers from childhood.