Ordem dos Psicólogos

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Vocational Training Courses

Ordem dos Psicólogos (OPP) makes a statement on the implementation of new vocational training courses

30.August.2012

The Ministry of Education is preparing new vocational teaching courses for students who have failed repeatedly, between the ages of 14 and 15. The President of the Ordem dos Psicólogos (OPP) believes that professors, psychologists, parents and students should be informed and involved in the decision to attend these courses. Vocational courses should be seen as a suitable alternative for a student and not a form of punishment for their lack of academic success.

The Ministry of Education is preparing new vocational training courses which can be attended by students, if they wish, by guardians or as a result of academic performance. The new courses are aimed at student aged between 12 and 15, with more than 3 years of fails, and is aimed at teaching the student how to learn a profession.

The President of the Ordem dos Psicólogos (OPP), Telmo Mourinho Baptista, highlights the importance of the involvement of teachers, psychologists, parents and students in taking the decision to attend these courses. Vocational courses mean a different academic route and so the participation of psychologists is important so as to guarantee a suitable guidance and vocational evaluation. Parents and students must be duly informed about the various study alternatives and the respective implications for the professional academic life and the life of the youths.

If the courses are perceived by the students, parents and community as a form of punishment for lack of academic success, the measure runs the risk of becoming jeopardised.