Module 1: Underlying Dynamics of Attitudes and Behaviours

What are ideal, real, and ought selves? How do they relate to the career decision? What are the building blocks that make us who we are? Which psychological dynamics influence our decisions? How can we manage these dynamics? Critical concepts that help us understand these dynamics and ourselves are comprehensively examined. Participants are guided in becoming aware of the effect of these concepts on career decisions. They also learn the in-class application of these concepts through interactive activities.

Module 2: Understanding the Brain

How does our brain function and how it is structured? How do different parts influence our emotions, thoughts, behaviours and attitudes? Teenagers’ career decisions are examined from a neuroscience perspective. Participants learn the relationships between students’ brains and their decision making, as well as how this information can be explained to students.

Module 3: Learning to Learn

What is happiness and success and how do they relate to learning? What is the deep learning model? How do our perceptions affect the learning process? Is awareness something learnt? What is cognitive and affective learning? The mechanism behind how information makes a difference on one’s self and one’s surroundings will be evaluated and discussed in detail. Commonly accepted definitions of happiness and success are questioned.

Module 4: Mind-sets and Neuroplasticity

What are fixed and growth mind-sets? How do students nurture growth mind-sets? What is neuroplasticity? What are internal and external loci of control? How can we support students in nurturing an internal locus of control? By examining the relationship between mind-sets, locus of control and neuroplasticity, these concepts are understood from the perspective of the brain. The effect of limiting beliefs and lack of responsibility on the career decision is addressed. Possible career guidance applications are discussed.

Module 5: International Standards in Career Education and Guidance

What are career theories and what is their history? What are postmodern theories and contemporary models? What are the international standards in career education? The historical development of career theories is explained from the perspective of the educational paradigm shift. Details of postmodern theories and contemporary models are clarified. Participants identify the relationship between zeitgeist and theories. International standards in career guidance are identified.

Module 6: Critical Dimensions and Skills in Career Planning and Construction

What are the consequences of being indifferent and incurious about life and career decisions? What are the essential skills? What is the relationship between resilience and career decisions? What is the importance of values in life and career decisions? Whilst the importance of ‘small details’ is emphasised, participants will learn to approach the career decision process from a broad and comprehensive perspective. Critical life skills that need to be developed for career decisions are discussed. The importance of values in the career decision process as well as methods for how students can establish these values is addressed.

Module 7: Applied Group Project

Do I know and understand the current dynamics in the field? Do I learn from my colleagues? Do I share my knowledge? Participants evaluate their learning from the programme and each other, applying this learning in a creative way to an individual or group project.

TurQuest Cambridge Profile

What are the interests and aptitudes of high school students? What are the requirements of the career areas they are interested in? Which sectors are their life and career values in line with? How can they evaluate how realistic their current career interests are? How can they be supported in choosing suitable career areas?

Participants attending the Certificate Programme can complete the TurQuest and Cambridge Profile Inventory Implementer Training Programme in 1 day instead of 2 days.