Abstract:

The research aim is to analyse specific theoretical organisational aspects of supervision and conduct an empirical study on the importance of supervision and its contribution to the professional growth of career counsellors. The research is current due to a combination of several circumstances. Career counsellor is a new profession in Latvia and has yet to develop its traditions. Representatives of this profession work with children and youth in general and vocational education institutions, youth centres, municipalities. The use of supervision as a form of support and professional improvement in the educational environment is minimal or occasional.

The empirical study was performed in Latvia in the first half of 2021 when career counsellors (n=154) had had at least two supervisions. Participation in the supervisions and in the research was voluntary. The research results show that 94.8% of the participants recognise supervision as an effective form of professional improvement. The respondents also appreciate the improved skill of exploring the career support needs of students, performing self-analysis of their own work, the ideas acquired for future work, the supervisor’s supportive attitude, and breaking down any problems. The methods used in supervision were considered acceptable and suitable by 97.4% of the respondents.

The conclusions support the necessity to continue the use of supervision in the professional development of career counsellors.

Keywords:

Supervision process, school career counsellor, professional and personal benefit.