Esther Rodriguez
Describe what brought you to this research:
As a part of my fieldwork in school counseling, informal conversations with 8th grade students revealed a lack of direction in post-secondary planning. According to Trusty, Niles, and Carney (2005) longitudinal studies reveal that almost half of first time freshman pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree do not attain it within 8 to 10 years. “Encouraging unwarranted high post-secondary expectations keeps students from examining realistic educational and occupational alternatives such as apprenticeship programs” (Trusty, Niles, & Carney, 2005, p.3). Effective education-career planning can help students better analyze post-secondary options, including career alternatives other than college. Furthermore, effective post-secondary planning does not begin in high school. Yet, research has shown that the career development needs of middle school students are often not being met (McCotter & Cohen, 2013). The overall purpose of this study was to examine the use of small group counseling to impact 8th grade students’ perspectives of post-secondary planning. I noticed a disinterest in exploring the future among students who were several months shy of starting high school. I thought that if students were provided with focused exposure to career readiness they might subsequently approach their future planning with purpose.
What was your specific research question?
My research question was two-fold:
How can career-oriented group counseling impact students’ perspectives on post-secondary planning?
How can I deepen my practice as a professional school counselor when implementing group work?
How has action research prepared you for your current career?
Action research has opened a new door for critical self-reflection. As I apply to jobs I seek a position that will empower me and further encourage me to approach my practice with intent and purpose.
Exploring Students' Perspectives of Post-Secondary Planning: An Action Research Project
Abstract
The target intervention for this action research was implementing a career development counseling group for 8th grade students who have been identified as at-risk of academic failure. The overall goal of the intervention was to impact students’ perspectives of post-secondary planning. Two 5-week cycles of action research took place at a public middle school. Qualitative data was collected through participant journals, participant self-assessments of their involvement in the group, and researcher self-reflective journaling. Findings discussed include the researcher’s experience with group work at a middle school and students’ experiences of the group. With the support of a counseling group oriented towards career development and planning, students were able to share concerns and enthusiasms as well as explore a variety of career opportunities after high school.
To explore more of Esther's action research, see the file provided below:
