Relevance of career guidance services to pupils in selected secondary schools in Lusaka district, Zambia
Date
2017
Authors
Munyati, Malambo Phillip
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Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
This study investigated the relevance of Career Guidance Services provided to pupils in the selected secondary schools. It used the descriptive survey research design. The sample was 535 respondents. These included 500 pupils selected using the simple random technique, five head teachers, five guidance teachers and 25 teachers. The study used semi structured questionnaires on pupils as key informants, semi structured questionnaires on teachers and semi structured interview guide on Head teachers and Guidance teachers. The findings revealed that career guidance services were necessary in secondary schools. The majority of the participants felt that career guidance services were a necessity for choosing suitable careers and making wise decisions in one’s life. However, some were for the view that career guidance services were nonexistence as there was no form of guidance from guidance teachers taking place. The other issue of critical importance was why pupils were not clear of careers to choose. The majority of pupils felt that lack of self-belief and inadequate guidance from guidance teachers were major contributing factors to why pupils were not clear of career options. Some pupils alluded to the fact that too many subjects given to them put them in awkward positions when choosing right careers. On the other hand, some pupils complained that delay in the introduction of career guidance services in their secondary school life contributed to uncertainty on career to choose after leaving school. However, pupils and other respondents felt that career guidance services could be best offered to pupils through time tabling career guidance and bringing role models to their schools, and having trained guidance teachers. It was concluded that both teachers and pupils take career guidance provided by schools as an integral element of one’s education. This was evident in the fact that both sets of participants stated that career guidance was necessary as it helps pupils in choosing of careers and in making informed decisions. In order for schools to offer career guidance to the satisfaction of the end users (pupils), it was recommended that trained personnel in the office of guidance and counselling is put to adequately guide learners on career issues. To ensure continuity of career guidance at all levels, there was also need for time tabling career guidance.
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Thesis
Keywords
Career education--Pupils--Zambia , Career development--Pupils--Zambia