Exploring the challenges facing high schoolteachers and principals in implementing guidance and counselling in Manzini region, Eswatini
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Date
2022-12
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University of Zululand
Abstract
Guidance and Counselling (GC) services are part of a broader system designed to enhance success in all learners. This study aimed at investigating the challenges facing principals and teachers in implementing Guidance and Counselling at high schools in Manzini region, Eswatini. The study sought to identify challenges and suggest possible solutions to such challenges to enhance the learners’ performance. The literature depicted that Guidance and Counselling services are crucial to the success of lifelong learning policies, providing assistance and advice to learners so that they make informed and future educational choices suitable for them. Through GC, students develop holistically by taking into account the psychosocial, intellectual, emotional and physical aspects with their environment. The study adopted mixed methods approach with pragmatic paradigm. Target population was eighty eight principals (88) and one thousand five hundred and eighty four teachers (1584) under Manzini region.
The sample was selected from Mankayane cluster which have eighteen (18) schools which consists of 18(fifteen) principals and two hundred and seventy (270) teachers. Comprehensive purposive sampling was used to ensure that participants have wider experiences on the subject. Thus the sample involved ten (10) schools with ten (principals) and twenty (20) teachers. For quantitative design, questionnaires were self-administered to Guidance Counsellors and principals. In qualitative design, face- to - face interviews were conducted to teachers. The study underpinned Bandura social learning theory. A pilot study was conducted to test validity and reliability of instruments. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content thematic analysis. The results revealed numerous challenges in the provision of Guidance and Counselling services. These include: lack of time, inadequate facilities and resources, insufficient training for personnel and other challenges. Recommendations were the hiring of full time guidance counsellors and providing necessary facilities for such services. In addition, regular follow-ups were recommended to monitor and evaluate the programme to ensure that all high schools implement Guidance and Counselling efficiently and effectively.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology & Special Needs Education, Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2022.