Analysis of Career Education and Counseling Needs Among General High School Students Following the Implementation of the High School Credit System: Focusing on Second-Year High School Students

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate students' perceptions and needs regarding the successful implementation of the high school credit system and to propose improvement tasks for career education and counseling. Methods To this end, a survey was conducted among 529 high school sophomores across five autonomous districts in Region D to assess their level of understanding, awareness, and demand for the high school credit system. Significant differences in the perceived importance and implementation were statistically verified using a t-test, while the Borich demand level formula and the Locus for Focus model were applied to identify high-demand items. Results Of the 270 students who responded (51%), they stated that they were aware of the purpose and use of the high school credit system. Additionally, 277 students (52.3%) indicated that their understanding of the curriculum was ‘below average’. Meanwhile, 406 students (76%) responded that the system was ‘helpful for personalized learning, college admission, and career choice’. The most desired aspect of the high school credit system was the development of a variety of common curricula, followed by regular career counseling. Furthermore, an analysis of the demand for the high school credit system from the perspective of vocational education and career counseling revealed that the highest priorities in vocational education were ‘on-the-job experience activities, special lectures by professionals, and academic experience activities useful for career and higher education’. In the area of career counseling, the highest priorities included the need for ‘career guidance and counseling for undecided career paths’, individual counseling for academic difficulties, counseling to provide sufficient work experience opportunities when choosing desired majors, and sessions with career counselors at school. Conclusions The implications of systematic career education and career counseling were discussed to ensure that the high school credit system is established effectively while taking into account students' careers and aptitudes.