MOSCOW, January 16 Scientists from the Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University (NSPU) have compiled a psychological portrait of a modern counselor. As reported in the press service of the university, 25 children's health camps from different regions (Arkhangelsk region, Novosibirsk region, Perm region, Rostov region, Republic of Tatarstan, Chelyabinsk region) took part in the all-Russian study; methods of sociological survey and psychological testing were used in focus -groups and interviews.
The results showed that modern counselors are mainly students of pedagogical universities and colleges, and most of them are beginning counselors (no more than 5 shifts). Analysis of the motives for choosing a leader's activity indicates the expressed interest of young people in working with children. Other arguments include the acquisition of professional skills, the development of personal qualities, creativity and competencies. An analysis of the value priorities of modern counselors showed that family and relationships in it are in first place (53.1%), love is in second place (51%), and good and faithful friends are in third place (49.9%). 
“We wanted to see what distinguishes a modern counselor from a counselor of past years,” noted one of the organizers of the study, Professor of the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology of the NSPU Elena Kiseleva, adding that in Russia there are a large number of summer counselor practices, and the pedagogical university needs to clearly understand which characteristics of the leader’s position should be developed, and which are already well formed.
In general, the compiled psychological portrait suggests that “modern counselors value the youth atmosphere of the camp and consider themselves responsible, well-mannered and tolerant people.” At the same time, they feel that they “cannot always withstand heavy loads in the camp”, “physically weaker than previous generations of counselors”, “react very poorly to the devaluation of their work by management”, “have difficulty fitting into the hierarchy” and “do not tolerate pressure” .
A study conducted by NSPU scientists together with the largest regional and federal operators of children's recreation showed that counselors demonstrate a high level of knowledge of counselor activities, but complain about a lack of practical skills. In addition, they noted that they were “seriously dissatisfied with the counselor’s salary, given that they work approximately 17 hours a day.”
According to experts, the portrait of a modern leader, presented by scientists from Novosibirsk Pedagogical University, will help to specify, clarify, and in some cases radically change the current systems for training leaders.
For example, Sergei Mankov, director of the MAU DO city resource center OOO ForUs (Novosibirsk), commenting on the results of the study, proposed introducing into the curricula of pedagogical universities and colleges “instructional orientation camps for preparing counselors before summer practice.” “It is important for future counselors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the camp in advance, to try to apply their theoretical knowledge and practice practical skills in the “field” conditions of an instructive training session,” he added.
“We see an increase in mastery of modern technologies and an increased level of general functional literacy of counselors,” said Valery Dolgikh, head of the coordination council of the IOO “Promotion of Children’s Recreation”, director of the “New Generation” camp. At the same time, according to him, there is insufficient knowledge of pedagogical methods and techniques, the need for special psychological training and mastering methods of self-regulation.
August 21, 2018, 09:00
“In general, the modern counselor is truly modern , because, as the study showed, he has developed 21st century skills: creativity, critical thinking, the ability to work in a team and good communication skills,” summarized Kiseleva.
In her opinion, the results of the study will be useful to scientists and practitioners dealing with problems development and improvement of the activities of children's health camps in the Russian Federation, who feel the need for a reflective analysis of the characteristics of a modern counselor.
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