Effectiveness of career guidance to pupils with disabilities in selected secondary schools in Chipata district.
Date
2020
Authors
Manda, Eva
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
More often than not, pupils in secondary schools find themselves in a state of dilemma before making important decisions that affect their career lives. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of career guidance of pupils with disabilities in selected schools in Chipata district. This was to establish whether pupils with disabilities were being given the right career pathways in relation to their career interests and how their career prospects can help them when they complete school or transit to society. In order to achieve this, the study employed a descriptive design in which a mixed approach was used to collect data. Data was collected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques and instruments used were
semi-structured questionnaires for 100 pupils and semi-structured interviews for 10 guidance teachers and 5 administrators. The total sample size was 115.The qualitative data which were obtained through semi-structured interviews were analyzed by coding and grouping the emerging themes. Description of each theme were done and interpreted critically and objectively while quantitative data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics using Microsoft Excel to obtain figures and tables. Despite almost all respondents acknowledging the availability of career programs in secondary schools, the study had showed that; The career programs were not adequate to support the needs of the pupils with disabilities, in terms of guiding them on a diverse of issues that pertains to life in general, The career programs being offered in schools were not effective as pupils indicated that they were not benefiting from the school organized career programs and The pupil’s career choices were not in line with the career pathway they were taking while in schools. It was discovered that pupil’s career pathway was dictated by the school and not the pupils themselves declaring interest in what they like to do. Some schools pre-determine the career pathways of pupils even before the pupil reported for schools for a particular academic especially at Grade 8 and or 10. It is recommended that schools need to put up a variety of career programs to comprehensively assist pupils with disabilities. The study concludes that guidance and counselling is important in secondary schools and was being offered in the secondary schools. Guidance and counselling services/programs offered were education guidance, career talks and career outings. Through guidance and counselling comprehensive advice on career choices is given to students.
Description
Thesis of Master of Science in Counseling.