Evaluation of guidance – counseling services in secondary schools using South African education white paper 6 and ACSA quality performance standards.
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Date
2009
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Abstract
Learners need effective school-based Guidance and Counselling Services to assist them with their developmental and situational needs. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the extent to which Guidance-Counselling Program is implemented in secondary schools in line with South African Education White Paper 6 of 2001 and ACSA Performance Standards. The study further intended to capacitate educators and Guidance counsellors with knowledge and skills on how to develop and maintain effective Comprehensive and Integrated Guidance-Counselling Services in their institutions.
A sample of 153 educators and 130 learners was selected from secondary schools in Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces. Secondary schools that received (orientation) training on SA Education White Paper 6 from the researcher were compared with those who did not receive such training.
Data was collected through a questionnaire consisting of structured and semi-structured questions. Responses from focus groups were content analyzed into themes and descriptive techniques were utilized. The Objective/Close-ended questions were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) (Version 17). x2 Tests were computed for categorical data and to analyze any differences, in relation to level implementation of Guidance-Counselling Program.
The main finding of the study was that, secondary schools differ significantly on how they implement Life Orientation, Guidance and Counselling activities. Furthermore, there is a perfect relationship among secondary school learners and educators on how they perceive the Guidance-Counselling Services within their respective institutions. The need for Comprehensive and Integrated Guidance-Counselling Program Model, clear guidelines and performance standards cannot therefore be overlooked. If this program is effectively implemented, it may contribute substantially towards excellent academic results, improved psychological well-being, and production of matured and responsible future citizens.
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Submitted in part fulfillment of the requirements for PhD (Community Psychology) in the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2009.
Keywords
Guidance and Counselling Services, Guidance-Counselling Program