A Qualitative Study of School Counseling in Barbados: A Focused Ethnography

Dominiqua M. Griffin and Julia Bryan

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the roles, practices, challenges and demands of school counselors (known as guidance counsellors) in Barbados. A focused ethnographic approach is used to provide a comprehensive and nuanced view of five school counselors’ experiences. Using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) to code and analyze the data from the interviews led to three overarching themes: the 3Rs (Roles, Responsibilities and Requirements); Problematizing the Policies, Politics and Culture; and School Family Community Contexts. This study’s findings have implications for school counselor practice, policy, and training in Barbados and other small states, especially those with a colonial history, as they develop and implement school counseling programs.

More Articles

Plans and Policies

Special and inclusive education in the Eastern Caribbean: policy practice and provision

The National Policy on the Teaching of Reading seeks to establish clear guidelines and principles for the delivery of reading instruction in Barbadian schools. The policy provides a framework for the implementation of curriculum
initiatives in a way that extends literacy opportunities for all students and contributes to national development. The document will provide some background to the issue, outline the general policy to be observed in schools and also identify the specific instructional focus, which should be followed at particular class levels.

Read More »
Education Systems

The secondary headship: Perceptions, conceptions, performance and reactions of headteachers in Barbados

The National Policy on the Teaching of Reading seeks to establish clear guidelines and principles for the delivery of reading instruction in Barbadian schools. The policy provides a framework for the implementation of curriculum
initiatives in a way that extends literacy opportunities for all students and contributes to national development. The document will provide some background to the issue, outline the general policy to be observed in schools and also identify the specific instructional focus, which should be followed at particular class levels.

Read More »
Education Systems

Science Teachers’ and Students’ Perceived Difficult Topics in the Integrated Science Curriculum of Lower Secondary Schools in Barbados

The National Policy on the Teaching of Reading seeks to establish clear guidelines and principles for the delivery of reading instruction in Barbadian schools. The policy provides a framework for the implementation of curriculum
initiatives in a way that extends literacy opportunities for all students and contributes to national development. The document will provide some background to the issue, outline the general policy to be observed in schools and also identify the specific instructional focus, which should be followed at particular class levels.

Read More »
Plans and Policies

BEYOND COMMITMENTS:HOW COUNTRIES IMPLEMENT SDG 4

The National Policy on the Teaching of Reading seeks to establish clear guidelines and principles for the delivery of reading instruction in Barbadian schools. The policy provides a framework for the implementation of curriculum
initiatives in a way that extends literacy opportunities for all students and contributes to national development. The document will provide some background to the issue, outline the general policy to be observed in schools and also identify the specific instructional focus, which should be followed at particular class levels.

Read More »
Plans and Policies

SOMOA Pathway

The National Policy on the Teaching of Reading seeks to establish clear guidelines and principles for the delivery of reading instruction in Barbadian schools. The policy provides a framework for the implementation of curriculum
initiatives in a way that extends literacy opportunities for all students and contributes to national development. The document will provide some background to the issue, outline the general policy to be observed in schools and also identify the specific instructional focus, which should be followed at particular class levels.

Read More »
Plans and Policies

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2021

The National Policy on the Teaching of Reading seeks to establish clear guidelines and principles for the delivery of reading instruction in Barbadian schools. The policy provides a framework for the implementation of curriculum
initiatives in a way that extends literacy opportunities for all students and contributes to national development. The document will provide some background to the issue, outline the general policy to be observed in schools and also identify the specific instructional focus, which should be followed at particular class levels.

Read More »