Guidance in Education – Assignment One: Report Description:

Part A: You will carry out research on a current issue in Aotearoa New Zealand.

which is impacting upon hauora (wellbeing) and which guidance practitioners may be needing to support people with in their work. You will then write a report which outlines the issue, how it is impacting individuals, whānau, and the community in Aotearoa, and what the evidence says are useful responses to the issue. You will also include recommendations for guidance settings and practitioners.

Part B: You will write a reflection exploring your own connection and response to the issue you have explored.

You will notice that while this is the first assignment of the course, it is not due until August, after Assignment Two. This is to allow you time to really think about your topic and to notice your own position on the issue and how that might change or strengthen over time as you carry out your research. Topic Selection:

• Choose an issue that impacts hauora and is relevant to guidance practice. There are all sorts of issues you could explore: a wider issue such as maternal mental health, bullying, or violence against Rainbow people; a specific event and its repercussions such as the Christchurch earthquake; behaviours which people commonly seek support with such as addiction issues, self-injury, disordered eating; etc. etc. Research and Analysis:

• Conduct research into your chosen issue. Where possible, use sources which are from Aotearoa New Zealand so that you can provide evidence of how the issue impacts people here. You will likely find that much of the research literature is not focussed on Aotearoa, but you can use insights from research/studies in other countries to develop your understanding of the issue and how it might be addressed.

• Analyse the causes, consequences, and potential solutions associated with the issue.

• Consider theoretical frameworks, models, and evidence-based practices utilised in guidance to understand and address the identified issue.

Report: Write a report that demonstrates your understanding of the issue, how it impacts people in Aotearoa, and the ways in which guidance services and practitioners can effectively respond to support those people who are impacted by it.