UNS – Drastic changes in the school learning system and various impacts of Covid-19 have caused students and children to be vulnerable to a mental breakdown. Prof. Asrowi, a Professor on Counselling Education (Bimbingan dan Konseling – BK) Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta considers this as a challenge for teachers, especially counselling. Prof. Asrowi described the direction of student’s counselling amid the pandemic and in the New Normal, which consists of two main points: independence of problem-solving and strengthen students’ mental health
Even though face to face meeting is not possible for the time being, Prof. Asrowi stated that BK teacher can help students to be independent in solving their problems. BK teachers must explore the problems through intensive online communication with students. From this, the teacher can continue by providing alternative solutions. “This aims to trigger ideas from students in solving their problems using their confidence. Then give them support to make planning for their future,” Prof. Asrowi stated, Saturday (27/6/2020).
Anxiety and fear should become the main priority to be handled. Uncertainty and economic turmoil are the factors that cause this anxiety. According to Prof. Asrowi, Community’s mental health and happiness are heavily affected by this crisis. Many children feel anxious and have no direction. This has to be the priority problem to be solved. Additionally, BK teacher also has a role in assisting students to change. Especially in the New Normal when face to face meeting can be applied and students have to adapt to new daily activities.
Prof. Asrowi also discussed the appropriate cyber counselling technique for the pandemic, which is virtual counselling. He considered that this technique has many benefits. Cyber counselling can establish a sense of familiarity and maintain a confidential conversation. This technique will provide correct information on Covid-19 and direct students into positive thoughts, thus, together, teacher and students can agree on the next best approach.
Examples of counselling in several countries, such as in the United States, in which it is used as a therapy and mental health safety net is broadcasted through television. The service is presented with a joke because humor can neutralize the trauma of Covid-19. Humas UNS/Kaffa/Dwi