The global shortfall in rural educational resources has prompted numerous reforms and support initiatives. This study evaluates Taiwan's Learning Assistance Program (LAP), which integrates group counseling into the educational process, targeting the specific needs of rural students to assess its broader impacts. Launched in March 2024, the LAP involved ten weekly sessions for four eighth-grade boys, with five sessions dedicated specifically to group counseling conducted by teachers who are also intern counselors. Activities included setting class norms, stating mutual expectations, and sharing themself with others. One student left the program to pursue a music initiative, while the others completed it successfully. The program applied action research to continuously adjust interventions based on the students' changes, states, and the leaders' reflections. Most students hailed from high-risk family environments characterized by low socioeconomic status and insufficient parental attention, with little understanding of their children's inner feelings. These conditions initially fueled power struggles and resistance to authority. An empathetic, respectful, and understanding approach by the facilitators gradually fostered more constructive interactions, enhancing students' openness about personal vulnerabilities and improving their engagement in both educational and relational contexts, alongside notable increases in altruism and ethical behavior. Traditional learning assistance programs narrowly focus on grades and tests. This study emphasizes addressing the holistic developmental needs of students. Reflecting on the administrative burdens and the cultural dissonance between indigenous rural students and mainstream Han culture highlights a vital area for future research and program design, underscoring the necessity for culturally sensitive educational practices.

Authors:
Chi Wei Jen, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Chi-Wei (Wade) Jen is a humanistic group therapist and a graduate student at National Tsing Hua University, specializing in counseling psychology, emphasizing empathy and focusing on helping individuals connect emotionally.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chi-wei-jen-a97b9830b/

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