Experiential learning plays an essential role in preparing future counsellors to translate theory into practice. Guided by this principle, counselling students from the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FCSHD), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), participated in the Experiential Learning at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Penrissen 2026 programme, held over four sessions from 13 to 15 May 2026.
Organised as part of the KMC2303 Group Counselling Laboratory course, the programme brought together second- and fourth-year counselling students with students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Penrissen. It provided counsellor trainees with opportunities to apply group counselling theories, techniques, and facilitation skills in authentic school settings while gaining valuable practical experience under structured learning conditions.
The group counselling sessions created a supportive environment where secondary school students were encouraged to discuss issues affecting their daily lives, including academic pressures, peer relationships, family dynamics, career aspirations, social challenges, and personal well-being. Through guided discussions and reflective activities, participants were able to explore their thoughts and emotions while developing greater self-awareness and confidence.
Throughout the sessions, counsellor trainees observed the importance of active listening, empathy, and trust in facilitating meaningful conversations. As students became more comfortable within their groups, many expressed relief after sharing personal concerns, while others demonstrated greater confidence and openness through their interactions. These experiences reinforced the value of creating safe spaces where young people feel heard, understood, and supported.
Beyond strengthening counselling competencies, the programme also contributed to the broader development of the participating school students. Group counselling activities encouraged emotional awareness, communication skills, self-reflection, and informed decision-making, equipping participants with practical life skills that support both their personal growth and educational journey. In doing so, the programme aligned with the aspirations of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
The programme followed a structured progression, beginning with participant screening and ice-breaking activities before moving into a series of facilitated group counselling sessions. It concluded on 15 May 2026 with a final counselling session and a token-of-appreciation ceremony, marking the successful completion of the programme and recognising the collaborative efforts of both the counsellor trainees and the students of SMK Penrissen.
For the counselling students, the programme represented more than a course requirement. It served as an opportunity to strengthen professional competencies while gaining a deeper appreciation of the role empathy, communication, and reflection play in the counselling process. At the same time, the engagement provided school students with a platform to explore personal challenges in a supportive environment and develop positive coping strategies.
The Experiential Learning at SMK Penrissen 2026 programme reflects FCSHD’s commitment to producing competent and compassionate counselling graduates through community-based learning experiences. By connecting classroom learning with real-world practice, the initiative continues to strengthen the University’s role in supporting student well-being while developing future counselling professionals equipped to make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.
Contributed by Tamara Fernanda Tommy@Dexter and Haziq Khan bin Mohd Ibrahim Khan