CCD: Happenstance Learning Theory

Happenstance Learning Theory (HLT)

Goals for today's session

Understand the key components

of Happenstance Learning Theory

Discuss how we can apply HLT in our work with students

• Where are we applying HLT already?
• Where do we need to adapt / change?

Questions for Discussion:

1. Where are we applying HLT already?

2. Where do we need to adapt or change our approach?

3. How can we invite students into this theory / concept?

Five Components of Counseling using the HLT

"HLT posits that human behavior is the product of countless numbers of learning experiences made available by both planned and unplanned situations in which individuals find themselves.

Career counselors contribute to that learning process by helping their clients

• engage in an active lifestyle to generate unexpected events
• to remain alert to new opportunities
• and to capitalize on the opportunities they find."

3. Use student's successful past experiences with unplanned events as a basis for current actions.

Goal: Empower students to see that their past successes contain lessons for present actions.

5. Overcome blocks to action.

Goal: Help students overcome dysfunctional beliefs that block constructive action.

1. Orient student expectations

Goal: Prepare students for a counseling session in which unplanned events are a normal and necessary component.

4. Sensitize students to recognize potential opportunities.

Goal: Help students learn to reframe unplanned events into career opportunities.

2. Identify the student's concern as a starting place.

Goal: Help students identify what would make their lives more satisfying.

Fundamental Propositions

The goal of career counseling is to help clients learn to take actions to achieve more satisfying career and personal lives - not to make a single career decision.

The success of counseling is assessed by what the client accomplishes in the real world outside of the counseling session.

Career assessments are used to stimulate learning, not to match personal characteristics to occupational characteristics.

Clients learn to engage in exploratory actions as a way of generating beneficial unplanned events.

3 Steps in Controlling Unplanned Events:

1. Before the unplanned event, take actions that position you to experience it

2. During the event, remain alert & sensitive to recognize potential opportunities

3. After the event, initiate actions that enable you to benefit from it