2024 Research Award In Conversation: Personalised learning pedagogies and the impact on student progression and retention

We are excited to announce that Dr. Fevronia (Fenia) Christodoulidi and Dr. Paul Galbally have been recognised as this year’s Research Award recipients for their paper, "Personalised Learning Pedagogies and Their Impact on Student Progression and Retention: The Case of Counselling Training in a University Setting." Their study focused on the BSc (Hons) Counselling Practitioner degree at the University of East London, analysing final-year student reflections and feedback through a focus group. In a field that demands high levels of personal reflexivity, the paper highlights the importance of personalised learning in creating a supportive educational environment that enhances student satisfaction, promotes inclusivity, reduces the award gap, and improves overall course completion rates.

Counselling training extends far beyond the mastery of theories and techniques—it's a profound journey that fosters both personal and professional growth. This year, Dr. Fevronia (Fenia) Christodoulidi and Dr. Paul Galbally have been recognised for their innovative research on personalised learning and its vital role in counselling training. Jayne Yeates from CPCAB recently had the opportunity to discuss their work and we're excited to share their inspiring insights.

If you’d like to watch the full interview with Paul and Fenia, you can access it now

What is the Research Award?

This prestigious award - in association with BACP - is designed to disseminate research which is important for counselling or counselling training. You can watch videos with previous winners on the Counselling Research Award page, we hope you find them enjoyable and valuable.

Further Insights

Inspirational Beginnings: Understanding Student Motivations

Fenia and Paul, both seasoned educators in the field of counselling, embarked on their research with a clear objective: to understand the unique factors that drive students to fully engage with their training, even in the face of personal and systemic challenges. Fenia emphasised how counselling as a discipline often triggers significant shifts in identity and beliefs among students. Many enter the field due to personal experiences of trauma or a deep-seated desire to help others. The researchers sought to uncover what sustains students' enthusiasm for learning throughout the rigorous demands of their training.

Research Methodology: A Collaborative Approach

Their research approach was both systematic and collaborative. After reviewing existing literature, Fenia and Paul involved their students as co-researchers rather than merely participants. This participatory method, aligned with the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), encouraged honest and valuable contributions from students who had completed their courses. By empowering students and demystifying research, Fenia and Paul cultivated a collaborative research environment that was mutually beneficial for educators and learners alike.

Unexpected Findings: The Importance of Relationships and Vulnerability

A key revelation from their study was the significance of relationships within the learning environment. Several students, some with backgrounds in other fields like law, noted a stark contrast in the relational dynamics of counselling courses. Unlike other disciplines, counselling training is deeply personal, requiring emotional openness with peers and tutors. Students appreciated the vulnerability and authenticity shown by their tutors, including personal stories like Paul's experiences as a new parent and Fenia’s challenges as an immigrant therapist practising in a second language. These stories humanised the tutors and served as powerful motivators for the students.

Integration into Teaching and Learning Environments

The research significantly influenced Fenia and Paul’s teaching practices. Affirmed by their findings, they grew more confident in sharing their vulnerabilities and fostering stronger connections with their students. This approach, grounded in mutual respect and trust, broke down traditional barriers between teachers and students, creating a more inclusive and enriching learning environment. Students not only learned from the curriculum but also from the lived experiences of their tutors, deepening their engagement with the material.

Broader Implications for the Counselling Field

Fenia and Paul’s research has broad implications for the counselling profession. They advocate for pluralism in counselling, promoting the integration of multidisciplinary perspectives from fields such as neuroscience, sociology, and holistic practices. This approach is especially valuable for mature students entering counselling as a second or third career, as it allows them to incorporate their prior professional experiences into their new roles as counsellors.

The Imperative of Research in Counselling

Fenia and Paul strongly believe in the importance of ongoing research in counselling. As Fenia put it, research keeps counsellors curious, reflexive, and critical. Without it, the field risks stagnation, unable to assess or improve its practices. Paul passionately supports the notion of treating counsellors as researchers, empowering practitioners to refine their methods, secure funding, and demonstrate the effectiveness of their interventions with concrete evidence.

Looking Forward: Future Research Endeavors

Building on their current work, Fenia and Paul are eager to explore how institutional factors, such as leadership styles and organisational structures, influence the learning experiences of counselling students. By examining these broader dynamics, they aim to further optimise the training environment and promote effective, personalised learning.

Conclusion

The research of Fenia and Paul highlights the transformative potential of personalised learning in counselling training. By emphasising relationships and embracing vulnerability, they not only enrich their students’ educational experiences but also contribute valuable insights to the wider field. Their work serves as a powerful reminder of the essential role research plays in uncovering new dimensions of professional training and practice

Access the full paper