Psychology
in the Schools of Four Asian Countries
S. Hu & T. Oakland |
This
paper summarizes information obtained through the use of a detailed
questionnaire that surveyed knowledgeable psychologists in Hong Kong,
India, Japan, and Thailand. Those sections within the survey that
identify demographic characteristics of psychoeducational professionals,
their knowledge and skill areas, significant problems, as well as
internal and external threats that may jeopardize the delivery of
psychological services within schools are discussed. These professionals
who work with children predominantly in school settings typically
hold titles as counselors or educational psychologists. They are
overwhelmingly female and most have bachelor's degrees. Among 90
knowledge and skill areas, the fourteen that are very important to
these professionals in all four countries include academic areas
of psychology (e.g., learning, individual differences, motivation,
and cognition) and clinical skills (e. g., interviewing, observing,
consulting, guidance, and counseling). Few problems are common to
the four countries. The most common internal threats include the
lack of research and lowering standards for selecting and preparing
professionals. Among the external threats, the lack of adequate finances
to support their services is the most significant and common.
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