1. Introduction
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in its fourth goal ‘quality education’, establishes that it is necessary to guarantee inclusive, equitable and quality education, as well as to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all [
1,
2]. For this to be possible, it is necessary to implement measures that enhance individualised attention to each student, as well as to offer alternatives and plural itineraries that allow for the academic, personal and professional development of the students. This education must therefore respond to the needs and potential of each student, with educational guidance being key to the development of this task. In this sense, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) recognizes guidance as a fundamental aspect of the education of minors [
3]. One might ask: what is educational guidance? How should it be implemented in education systems? What methods are most effective in making such guidance effective?
For decades, attempts have been made to answer the first of the questions posed, trying to conceptualise educational guidance. At present, there is still some debate about the meaning and extent of educational guidance, despite a general acceptance of its relevance. On the one hand, the word "guidance" is part of common parlance, sometimes restricting the nuances of its meaning. On the other hand, it is a term coined from different disciplines by a variety of professionals, increasing its complexity and polysemy. In recent years, for example, coaching, a form of counseling as gained ground in the field of personal guidance, being developed by professionals of various kinds [
4,
5,
6,
7], not always related to the field of pedagogy or psychology [
8]. Thus, even today there coexist different conceptions of educational or psycho-pedagogical guidance. In this sense, for Vélaz de Medrano [
9] this disorder is mainly due to the use of adjectives such as vocational, school or personal to delimit its meaning, to the great variety of functions assigned to guidance professionals in each era, and to the indistinct use of the terms counseling and guidance, since they are conceptually.
It is worthwhile to differentiate between guidance (orientation) and counseling (advice/counseling). The root of the former alludes to the concept of guidance, management, governance... From the semantic analysis of classic definitions of this term, Santana Vega concludes that guidance:
"[...] involves the process of systematic and professional help/support, through the use of educational and interpretative procedures with the aim of: improving self-knowledge; teaching how to solve problems of various kinds; teaching how to make prudent decisions; how to make responsible life project planning; and, finally, teaching how to relate fruitfully to the local and global environment" [
10] (p. 40).
Counseling, on the other hand, is a more restricted term that implies a relationship of direct help through the use of interpersonal communication strategies, generally the interview. As we will see below, it constitutes a model of educational guidance. In this sense, the same author indicates that:
"[…] counseling is also a process of help, of a direct and interpersonal nature, which, through personal, face-to-face communication, aims to contribute to the solution and/or improvement of the person's problems" [
10] (p.41).
In view of the above, it can be stated that guidance is a broader term than counseling, being the basis for the current conceptualization of guidance. It can be seen, therefore, that there are different ways of providing help: counseling, psychological assistance, information, program development, etc. The actors in guidance are also diverse, from the addressees to the people who develop the guidance action (families, teachers, tutors, guidance counselors, community agents). The context is key from a double perspective. On the one hand, given the influence it has on the development of individuals and the adaptive transcendence that results from it. And on the other, because guidance can take place in different contexts with their own idiosyncrasies: educational institutions, within the family, in organizations such as companies, in the field of communication such as in Social Action Centers, and even in an integrated manner in several of them. It is also noteworthy the plurality of fields or areas in which guidance can have an impact.
It is thus a discipline with a broad and complex field of intervention. In order to clarify this issue and generate a conceptual framework, Bisquerra and Álvarez González propose the model shown in
Figure 1 [
11]. In general terms, it can be considered an adequate starting point for understanding educational guidance. This model is characterized by providing a global vision of psycho-pedagogical intervention, involving teachers in its development. It shows areas and contexts of intervention, which, although they will be nuanced, allow us to see that guidance goes beyond the school environment or the attention to diversity.
Educational guidance, therefore, must be understood according to the conceptual framework of intervention and its subsequent update [
11,
12]. It has to seek, likewise to overcome stereotypical visions of educational guidance linked to welfare and therapeutic approaches. In this sense, it is interesting to mention the proposal of criteria, dimensions and poles made by De la Oliva et al. [
13], the result of a research in secondary schools. Although it focuses on institutionalized educational guidance, it provides relevant issues to be taken into account in the practice of educational guidance (
Table 1).
Figure 1.
Conceptual framework for guidance intervention. Source: Adapted from Bisquerra and Álvarez González [
11] (p.14).
Figure 1.
Conceptual framework for guidance intervention. Source: Adapted from Bisquerra and Álvarez González [
11] (p.14).
The authors establish seven dimensions in psychoeducational intervention, the first four centered on the theoretical principles that support such intervention, and the remaining ones linked to the intervention itself. Each of these dimensions can be articulated as a continuum between two poles. The pole on the left, called assistive by Solé and Martin [
14], is linked to a remedial and directive approach, which must be developed by professionals who are experts in the field of guidance. For this reason, the resources in many cases are located outside the centers, in the Educational and Psychopedagogical Guidance Teams or in other specialized places. The pole of the right, called educational by Solé and Martín [
14], is collaborative and preventive, involving all educational, social and community agents in the guidance of individuals. It is more in line with a modern conception of guidance and guidance praxis, based on the following principles [
13,
14]:
The main objectives are prevention and human development, understanding that the latter is culturally and socially mediate.
Guidance action must be foreseen, planned and evaluated, and it is essential that it be proactive and systemic in nature.
Guidance must reach all people in a generalized manner. For this reason, efficient mechanisms must be promoted, and it is advisable that guidance specialists do not intervene directly.
Teachers are first order guidance agents, being the tutorial action the tool/space to develop guidance.
The specialists work symmetrically and collaboratively with other educational, social and community agents.
It should be noted, however, that unfortunately the welfare centre is still too present in educational centres [
13,
14,
15]. Nevertheless, the potential of educational counselling is unquestionable. It allows us to address various issues related to the objectives of sustainable development, such as the promotion of health (SDG 3), gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence (SDG 5), or civic and democratic education (SDG 10 and SDG 16). Therefore, like the way in which guidance is carried out, the topics and issues that can be addressed through it are very varied. Watts and Van Esbreck [
16] grouped them into the ‘Guidance Triangle’, whose sides (foci) would be made up of school or academic guidance, career guidance and personal guidance, and from which one could contribute to the objectives of sustainable development. Subsequent analyses have shown that these foci of interest are present in different guidance systems in European countries (France, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Greece) [
12,
17]. For this reason, the present work analyses the theoretical models of psychodagogy intervention, delving into their nature, characteristics, objectives, etc. It also aims to identify the focuses or topics that are addressed, or can be addressed, from each of these models, in order to determine their potential for promoting the objectives of sustainable development.
4. Discussion and Conclusions
As already indicated, educational guidance is recognized as a fundamental aspect in the education of minors by the Convention on the Rights of the Child [
3], and is therefore key to the development of SDG 4 “quality education”. Educational guidance favors the choice of academic pathways and alternatives tailored to the needs and expectations of the students. It also promotes individualized and inclusive education, responding to the potential of each student. Furthermore, as we have seen throughout this article, it allows for the personal and social development of students [
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30,
31,
32,
33,
34,
35,
36,
37,
38,
39,
40], prevents the emergence of problems of various kinds [
55,
56,
57,
58,
59,
60,
61,
62,
63,
64,
65,
66] or deals with them when they are already present [
43,
44,
45,
46,
47,
72,
73,
74], contributing to sustainable development goals 3, 5, 10 and 16. All of this means that the relevance of educational guidance as an institutionalized element of the education system is not questionable. It is therefore worth questioning the way in which this guidance is provided. The narrative analysis carried out reveals that most authors recognize counseling, the consultation model and the program model as the main theoretical models of psycho-pedagogical intervention [
9,
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30,
31,
32,
33,
34,
35,
36,
37,
38,
39,
40]. We agree with Bisquerra that these three models can be considered the basic models of counseling [
38]. The service model is also quite widely accepted. However, authors such as Santana Vega and Bisquerra warn of the weaknesses or limitations of the model, since counseling sticks to the problem, without a systemic approach that takes context into account [
9,
38]. As already indicated, it is a corrective intervention, where there is little involvement of educational and community agents. Therefore, we can say that this model moves away from the educational pole of guidance [
13,
14]. The technological model is more controversial from a theoretical point of view. Quite a few authors do not recognize it as such [
9,
10,
24,
26,
31,
33,
36,
37,
38], considering ICT a tool at the service of guidance rather than a model. In this sense, research on ICT and guidance reveals both its high potential in guidance and the plurality of uses it is having [
68,
69,
70,
71,
72,
73,
74]. In general, it can be said that ICTs are used as resources, tools or moderators in the basic theoretical models of psycho-pedagogical intervention: programs, counseling and consultation. For this reason, they can be excellent allies for the work of the SDGs indicated (SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 10, SDG 16).
Given the broad consensus found regarding counseling, the consultation model and the program model as theoretical models of psycho-pedagogical intervention [
9,
10,
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30,
32,
33,
34,
35,
36,
37,
38,
39,
40], and that they are considered by some authors as the basic theoretical models [
38], we will now highlight the elements that define them and the contribution they make to the objectives of sustainable development.
Counseling, which is dyadic in nature, focuses on direct and individual attention to the subject who presents a problem or need [
9,
10,
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30,
32,
33,
34,
35,
36,
37,
38,
39,
40]. Its aims are, therefore, reactive and therapeutic, placing it at the left or welfare pole of counseling [
13,
14]. According to Pantoja and ASCA, counseling is very suitable for addressing four major areas of intervention: family, interpersonal, academic and personal adjustment problems [
35]. Currently, it is being used in all of them, being frequently used in personal counseling or attention to diversity. Due to its therapeutic purpose, the usual method of intervention is the interview [
17,
38,
41]. This is characterized by operating on the cognitive and emotional levels, which allows for support, emotional expression and confrontation of incongruities. For this, it is necessary to create an adequate rapport. In this sense, it is worth noting that recent studies show that therapeutic alliance and empathy are key aspects for the functioning of the model [
42], having even demonstrated its impact on teletherapy [
72,
73,
74]. All of this means that this model can contribute significantly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), as it can address mental health issues, promote emotional resilience and support general psychological well-being [
46,
47].
There is unanimity among the authors in considering the consultation model as a psycho-pedagogical intervention model [
9,
10,
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30,
31,
32,
33,
34,
35,
36,
37,
38,
39,
40]. It is a triadic and symmetrical relational model, where there are three types of actors: advisor, consultant and client/s. Normally the advisor establishes an indirect action on groups or individuals, through the collaboration, training and empowerment of other educational and social agents. Therefore, it can be said that this model develops and strengthens the organization, as it emphasizes the development of professional skills and can lead to more comprehensive and sustainable improvements in educational environments, impacting on SDG 4. On the other hand, this model is based on the principles of prevention, development and intervention of guidance. For this reason, we can say that it is or can be situated at the right or educational pole of guidance [
13,
14]. Several authors consider this model to be particularly suitable in the fields of mental health, organizations and education [
10,
38,
49], which allows us to affirm that the consultation model contributes to SDGs 3 and 4.
The program model is widely recognized among experts in the field [
9,
10,
23,
24,
25,
26,
27,
28,
29,
30,
32,
33,
34,
35,
36,
37,
38,
39,
40]. It is characterized by direct intervention with groups for preventive purposes and the integral development of the personality. It is, without doubt, the model that most closely aligns with the right or educational pole of the orientation [
13,
14], both in terms of basic theoretical principles and in terms of the specific principles linked to educational intervention. It is worth highlighting the importance that this model places on context, adopting a systemic approach and including the analysis of context in the development and implementation phases of the programs. Regarding the latter, most authors agree that these phases are: context analysis, needs assessment and objective setting, program design and planning, program development and monitoring, evaluation and the proposal of improvement actions [
9,
10,
12,
17,
36,
37,
38,
39,
40]. The greatest debate is found in the extension and integration of the programs. In this sense, we advocate, like Fernández Rey [
50], for an integrated system of programs, which can be structured through a spiral curriculum [
53,
54,
55]. Both the analysis carried out and the results of various investigations on the effectiveness of programs reveal that this is the model with the greatest potential to address the 2030 Agenda, since different SDGs can be worked on simultaneously. In relation to SDG 3, the model is used to implement health education initiatives. As already indicated, different meta-analyses and reviews show the effectiveness of this model in the prevention of drug addiction and eating disorders, in the promotion of sexual health and in the prevention of sexual risks [
55,
56,
57,
58,
59,
60,
61]. In relation to SDG5, the model allows for work on equality, coexistence, STEAM vocations, new masculinities, co-responsibility, family plurality, etc. In this sense, various studies support the effectiveness of the model, for example, gender violence prevention programs demonstrate the effectiveness of the model [
62,
63,
64,
65,
66]. Like the other models, the program model contributes to SDG 4. Traditionally, different aspects of learning have been worked on using this model, such as study techniques, academic and professional guidance or personal development [
10,
37,
38,
39]. Finally, in relation to SDG 10 and SDG 16, as already indicated, the model promotes personal and social skills that are essential for coexistence [
11,
12,
25,
36,
38]. This includes training in conflict resolution, programs on civic and citizenship skills, or activities within the framework of other programs that promote human rights and respect for diversity.
In summary, we agree with De la Oliva that educational guidance has to go beyond remedial approaches, placing greater emphasis on prevention and student development from a contextual and systemic perspective [
13,
14]. Although the program model seems to be the most optimal for this task, quality educational guidance must address different needs and enable difficulties to be overcome. For this reason, the other basic models are essential: counseling and consultation [
38]. Furthermore, the strategic combination of models, adapted to specific contexts and needs, will allow us to maximise the impact of educational guidance on the SDGs. In this sense, the role that ICTs play, as we have seen, is worth highlighting. Their use and impact on educational guidance must continue to be researched, in order to determine good practices and generate innovative solutions in the field of guidance.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, D.H.-S. and V.A.-V.; methodology, D.H.-S., D.L.-R., M.P.-M and V.A.-V.; analysis, D.H.-S., D.L.-R., M.P.-M. and V.A.-V; investigation, D.H.-S., D.L.-R., M.P.-M. and V.A.-V; resources, D.H.-S., D.L.-R., and V.A.-V..; writing—original draft preparation, D.H.-S.; writing—review and editing, D.H.-S., D. L.-R., M.P.-M. and V.A.-V.; visualization, D.L.-R., M.P.-M and V.A.-V.; supervision, D.H.-S. and V.A.-V.; project administration, D.H.-S.