Academic Guidance in Iranian Educational System: Practical Experiences and Lasting Challenges

Academic Guidance in Iranian Educational System: Practical Experiences and Lasting Challenges   A. Navidi, Ph.D.*   To identify the shortcomings and challenges facing the academic guidance program in the Iranian educational system, as reflected  in over fifty years of research in this area, more than fifty research reports are examined and the ups and downs of this program are analyzed. It is apparent that this program is not adequately implemented and its goals are not achieved. The analysis of the research findings has led to the recognition of a set of hurdles that keep this program from being successful. Suggestions as to how overcome these hurdles or inhibitors are given: creating the right context, clarification of society’s needs and possibilities, improving the knowledge and skills of the guidance staff, attempting to know and guide students continuously and seriously throughout their schooling years and up to the stage of competency in self-guidance, and continued evaluations and research on the topic.   Keywords: academic guidance, high school student, field of study, criteria for academic guidance, need, interest, aptitude    _______________________ Date received: Nov. 19, 2016                  Date accepted: Nov.  21, 2017 *Associate Professor, Organization for Educational Research and Planning, Academy of Scientific Studies in Education (Corresponding Author). [email protected]