Comparing Web‐Based and Traditional Career Interventions With Elementary Students: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Although research acknowledges the importance of the formative years of childhood in career development, there is a disconnection between theory and practice in elementary school counseling settings. This study compared a web-based career guidance intervention with a traditional career guidance intervention by measuring the effects each one has on the career development progression of 4th-and 5thgrade students. Using a pretest−posttest comparison group experimental design, the authors randomly assigned students to either the experimental group (web-based) or the comparison group (traditional). Results showed significant interactions between group and time for 2 of the 4 subscales examined in the study. Research implications and best practices for infusing career development interventions into the elementary school counseling curriculum are discussed.

Expectations, Experiences, and Career‐Related Outcomes of Computer‐Assisted Career Guidance Systems

“…The CACG system in our study proved to be an effective intervention for all of the career outcome variables, confirming previous findings indicating that using a CACG system improves self-knowledge (Peterson et al ., 1994), options knowledge (Cerrito et al ., 2018), decision-making skills (Sampson, 1996), and confidence (Tirpak & Schlosser, 2013) . Use of a CACG system resulted in gains for CIP-related constructs, which is consistent with findings by Osborn et al .…”

“…Computer-assisted career guidance (CACG) systems help solve career problems (Copeland et al ., 2011;Sampson & Osborn, 2015) by enhancing self-awareness (Peterson et al ., 1994), increasing knowledge of information resources (Cerrito et al ., 2018;Peterson et al ., 1994), developing decision-making skills (Sampson, 1996), improving career decision-making self-efficacy (Maples & Luzzo, 2005;Tirpak & Schlosser, 2013), increasing career decidedness (Betz & Turner, 2011), building confidence in career decision problem-solving (Tirpak & Schlosser, 2013), and reducing career decision-making difficulties (Gati et al ., 2001) . CACG systems provide an interactive method of career planning that allows users to assess their strengths, interests, values, and personality to increase their self-knowledge and self-awareness (Peterson et al ., 1994) .…”

“…CACG systems provide an interactive method of career planning that allows users to assess their strengths, interests, values, and personality to increase their self-knowledge and self-awareness (Peterson et al ., 1994) . Through exploration of the self, CACG systems can then provide pertinent information regarding career options based on the individual's assessments, allowing the individual to be better informed and prepared to approach career decisions with more confidence and self-efficacy (Cerrito et al ., 2018;Maples & Luzzo, 2005;Peterson et al ., 1994;Tirpak & Schlosser, 2013) . Not only are CACG systems helpful in providing relevant and personalized information Debra S. Osborn, Caitlyn A.…”

Effectiveness of Technology-Based Career Interventions: A Meta-Analysis Review

“…focusing on measuring career-related variables. Research by Cerrito, Trusty & Behun, [11] has a low effect size score due to the very early age of respondents so that it is not optimal in technology literacy. This is inversely proportional to research with teenage respondents who are more mature in using technology.…”

Online Career Guidance Systems for PK-12 School Students: Compliments to a Comprehensive School Counseling Program

“…As part of a comprehensive school counseling program, PSCs who implement career readiness are giving students the knowledge, skills, and selfawareness needed to manage their own education and career decision-making for a lifetime [10]. Students who do not receive any type of career intervention during the elementary years will likely miss the opportunity to build career development skills that will later impact their vocational lives [11]. Career guidance may potentially have the most significant impact on middle school students as there is still time for them plan and shift directions before exiting high school [1].…”