Page 20 - euroguidance-insight-2017-autumn

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The Use of ICT in Guidance

COLUMBUS: A new online guidance tool for Flanders

these self-assessments, pupils
receive qualitative and quanti-
tative feedback – including their
strengths and points of action
to take. This independent, re-
search-based feedback indeed
serves as a starting point for fur-
ther action - with support from
their school, pupil guidance
centres and parents.

Columbus will demonstrate
added value when it is em-
bedded within existing school
initiatives on study and career
guidance. It is not mandatory
and schools choosing to use it
register online. The instrument
is accompanied by a toolbox for
teachers, containing informa-
tion sheets for pupils and par-
Implementing the coalition agree- Pupils start and finish their Colum- ents, a technical manual and a
ment of 2014, the Flemish Min- bus route in ‘Base camp’, where script that supports schools with
ister of Education and Training a self-assessment questionnaire its integration in their own study
Hilde Crevits commissioned the is completed on six study choice and career guidance policy.
Board of Flemish Universities tasks (Choice orientation, Self-ex-
and Colleges (VLUHR) to devel- ploration, Broad Exploration of Ongoing monitoring and evalu-
op a new study choice tool. ‘Co- Options, In depth Exploration of ation processes will contribute
lumbus’ is the name of a new tool Options, Status of Decision and to the quality development and
for young people in their final year Commitment to Choice). future success of this exciting
of Flemish secondary education new tool.
who are considering higher ed- After ‘Base Camp’, students pass
ucation. The instrument aims to through 3 checkpoints, built around
provide them with an insight in 3 central questions: ‘Who am I’,
their own study choice process ‘What are my capacities’ and ‘’What
and to strengthen this process by are my interests?’ Each checkpoint
mapping their interests, knowl- offers a series of questions and
edge and skills. It helps young tasks and each can be completed For more information, please
people to focus on the way in during separate 1 hour sessions. contact joke.verlinden@
which they will choose (HOW), Following each checkpoint, pupils epos-vlaanderen.be
rather than being focused on can return to Base camp to mon-
making the final choice (WHAT). itor their progress. As a result of Euroguidance Flanders