Impact of career-related experiences on career education and guidance at new senior secondary level

Abstract

“Career-related Experiences (CRE)” is one of the components of Other Learning Experiences (OLE) within the New Senior Secondary (NSS) curriculum system. This research is a multiple case study to investigate the impacts of CRE on career education and guidance practices at NSS level. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with the career masters, class teachers, subject teachers and Secondary 5 students from three aided schools of varying academic levels. The results of interviews reveal that school management and teachers are in general positive towards the implementation of CRE. Correspondingly, changes are brought to the preexisting practices of career education and guidance, which include the adoption of developmental approach, and increased diversity of activities and allocation of resources. However in terms of students’ career development, the impacts on self-understanding and perception of future career are relatively shallow, when compared to the effort made by the career team. It is suggested that higher concerns should be placed on the depth of programmes so as to help students internalise their learning through career education. While the value of CRE is to a certain extent confirmed in this study, practical suggestions for implementing of CRE are made. Topics for further research are also proposed with regard to the limitations of this research.