Which strategy should a school counselor use to promote student collaboration in decision-making?

Encouraging student-led initiatives is an effective strategy for promoting student collaboration in decision-making because it actively involves students in the process, allowing them to take ownership of their decisions and actions. This approach empowers students to express their ideas, identify their needs, and collaboratively develop solutions that affect their educational environment. By leading initiatives, students not only practice critical thinking and problem-solving but also learn valuable teamwork and leadership skills, fostering a culture of collaboration within the school community.

This method contrasts with other strategies, such as conducting classroom guidance lessons or implementing team-building activities, which may be more instructional or facilitator-led. While these options can support social development and teamwork skills, they do not inherently provide the same level of student agency or direct involvement in decision-making processes. Creating a peer mentorship program, while beneficial for support and guidance, similarly may not fully engage students in collaborative decision-making in the same impactful way as student-led initiatives do.