Types of Guidance: Guidance is an ongoing process that supports individuals in various areas of life. Because human needs are diverse, schools and educational institutions generally provide guidance in three major domains:
- Educational Guidance
- Vocational/Career Guidance
- Personal–Social Guidance

1) Educational Guidance
Educational guidance involves helping students place themselves in the most suitable learning environment and plan their academic journey wisely. Its goal is to assist learners in selecting and pursuing an educational program that is beneficial both to them and to society.
This type of guidance focuses on issues related to courses, study habits, and academic planning. Students may be trained in skills such as:
- Collecting academic information from various sources
- Organizing and managing study materials
- Connecting new information to their coursework
- Taking and making effective notes
- Retrieving needed information efficiently
- Summarizing content
- Using memorization strategies properly
Through educational guidance, students also develop essential abilities such as critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. At the secondary level, it helps them plan for higher education and future academic goals.
2) Vocational / Career Guidance
Vocational or career guidance supports individuals in choosing, preparing for, entering into, and progressing within a chosen occupation. It is relevant for students in academic streams, vocational courses, commercial programs, or technical training.
This type of guidance helps learners understand different career options, training requirements, job opportunities, and the skills needed to build a successful career path.
3) Personal–Social Guidance
Personal–social guidance deals with an individual’s emotional, social, moral, and physical development. It offers support in areas such as:
- Emotional well-being
- Social relationships
- Health and personal adjustment
- Use of leisure time
- Development of moral and spiritual values
Its purpose is to help individuals understand themselves better and cope effectively with personal and social challenges.
Other Forms of Guidance
Recreational Guidance:
This type of guidance helps individuals choose leisure activities that match their personality, interests, and abilities.
Community Guidance:
Community guidance assists individuals in planning activities that suit their personal traits while helping them participate meaningfully in community life.