An investigation of class teachers, class guidance teachers and psychological counselors? (working at elementary school) opinions regarding to comprehensive/developmental guidance program

The aim of this research was to investigate opinions of class teachers, class guidance teachers and psychological counselors about comprehensive/developmental guidance program.Sixteen psychological counselors, 195 class teachers and 121 class guidance teachers from thirteen elementary schools registered with Ministry of Education in Düziçi and Osmaniye Center participated in the research. The study was conducted on two steps. On first step a survey method was used while interviews with ten class teachers, nine class guidance teachers and six psychological counselors, total 25 participants, were conducted on the second step of study. A semi-structured interview schedule developed by researcher was used on the second step. Techniques of ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H and Tukey test were used to examine whether class teachers, class guidance teachers and psychological counselors? opinions regarding to comprehensive/developmental guidance program showing any difference. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data derived from interviews.The results of quantitive analysis showed that, there are significant differences among opinions of the class teachers, class guidance teachers and counselors? regarding comprehensive/developmental guidance program.Analysis of interview data indicated that, class guidance teachers, psychological counselors and class teachers find classroom guidance activities helpful in meeting students? personel and social needs. Majority of counselors said that they provide information teachers about guidance activities, interview with them and help them in solving problems in the classroom. Both class teachers and class guidance teachers mentioned that they had problems with photocopying materials, time, crowded classrooms, evaluation of acivities and adaptation of activities to level of students. Counselors emphasized the importance of the collaboriation with teachers. All participants of teachers and counselors suggested that time devoted to guidance activities should be increased. Although the majority of counselors follow the guidance program and they think teachers also trying to work for the students within this program there were also teachers and principals do not consider applying the program and do not give importance to activities.Key Words: Developmantal guidance program, psychological counsellor, class teacher, class guidance teacher