Research in the practice of school counseling in the Philippines

This study explored the skills and experience of Filipino school counselors in research. Thirty (30) Filipino school counselors were interviewed to identify their research skills and discuss its use in their school counseling practice. Using thematic analysis, results show that when it comes to research, Filipino school counselors are skilled in collecting data, planning out research activities, and writing reports. Moreover, Filipino school counselors gained these skills through their studies and were further enhanced at work. These skills were utilized not only in research but also in school counseling activities, specifically in case management and program design. Filipino school counselors’ motivations for research were their determination to provide better school counseling service and the importance that employers place on research. Research was perceived to facilitate professional development, increase school counseling service efficacy, and generate personal achievement. However, Filipino school counselors also perceive that research costs time and money. Skills in collecting and analyzing data, as well as writing a research report were identified by Filipino school counselors as requisites for them to be more competent in research. This study adds to the limited studies about research in the practice of school counseling in the Philippines. The recommendations for Filipino school counselors, professional accrediting organizations, counselor educators, and employers were discussed