OVERVIEW

The course is aimed at presenting the conceptual and methodological foundations of vocational psychology declining them through the major constructs and tools used in the intervention practices. The various guidance functions (information, advice, support) will be contextualized within the services and operational contexts in which the psychological skills are at play.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To build conceptual maps for the understanding of the psychosocial variables implied in the orientation process, mainly focusing on the key constructs implied in the choice processes. To approach the main methodologies and tools typical of the several orientation strategies in the transition processes. To develop skills for designing and managing orientation activities in small groups. To develop skills for conducting orientation interviews.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to accompany students to:    

• Acquire theoretical and conceptual maps for the comprehension of the psychosocial variables involved in the orientation process, with specific focus on the main constructs implied in the choice processes.
• Approach the different methods and tools typical of the several orientation practices during processes of transition.
• Develop proper skills aimed at the design and management of orientation group activites.
• Develop vocational and orientation interview skills

At the end of the class students will be able to:

• Know and contextualize the main constructs involved in the school and professional orientation;
• Adopt criteria for the analysis of the orientation needs of possible clients
• Know and reflect upon professional orientation processes related to the design, direction and assessment of orientation initiatives;
• Use tools for the evaluation of metacognition, motivation, interests and social skills

PREREQUISITES

The knowledge acquired in the following areas is considered prerequisites:

1. work and organizational psychology;
2. general psychology;
3. developmental psychology;
4. testing, interview and questionnaire methods.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching method alternates lectures with individual training exercises within small group, as follows:

• In-depth analysis of theoretical and conceptual contents in plenary session through Teams channel and the study of texts and material provided during the lessons
• Small group activities through sub-channels in Teams
• Essays assignments: use of Teams and AulaWeb
• Approach to contexts: case study

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will address the following topics:

• Approaches to orientation: the life-span perspective
• The psychosocial variables occurring in the transition processes
• The service organizations: the case of school
• Methods and tools in orientation practices
  • Analysis of needs
  • Using the group in orientation processes
  • The interview as an orientation tool
• The main constructs implied in the choice process, from motivation to social skills
• Self perception and anxiety
• Assessment tools for the evaluation of the constructs implied in the choice process

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

PROGRAM FOR THE NON ATTENDING STUDENTS

Di Fabio, A. (2009) Manuale di psicologia dell’orientamento e career counseling nel XXI secolo. Giunti O.S., Firenze.

Di Nuovo, S., Magnano, P. (2013) Competenze trasversali e scelte formative. Strumenti per valutare metacognizione, motivazione, interessi e abilità sociali per la continuità tra livelli scolastici, Erikson, Trento.

PROGRAM FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS:

The material will be provided during the lessons and will comprise both the above-mentioned textbooks and further material specifically prepared by the teachers and that will be posted on AulaWeb.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

FABRIZIO BRACCO (President)

ANDREINA BRUNO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes begin September 25th. The lessons will be online, on the Microsoft Teams channel METODI E STRUMENTI IN PSICOLOGIA DELL'ORIENTAMENTO (Team code: 30vdajd)

Class schedule

METHODS AND TOOLS IN PSYCHOLOGY ORIENTATION

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will be an oral test.

Students with learning disabilities, other forms of disability or any special education need to contact the professors at the beginning of the course in order to agree on the most suitable teaching and assessment methods which, with respect of the learning objectives of the course, will take into account specific personal learning modes and provide proper compensatory tools.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam will allow the evaluation of:

• Mastery and in-depth knowledge of theories and models
• Mastery in applying the skills

Evaluation criteria will be:

• Quality of exposure
• Proper use of the specialistic lexicon
• Capacity of analysis and critical reflection, also on discussed cases

Exam schedule