Authors:
Maryam Sadiq
Samuel James Luka
Affiliation:
Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling,
Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan-Waya, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Abstract
Guidance and counselling services play a crucial role in students’ academic, social, and emotional development. This study examined the effect of guidance and counselling services on students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Data were collected from students and teachers using questionnaires. Findings revealed that guidance and counselling services positively influence students’ academic performance, discipline, and career decision-making. The study recommends strengthening counselling units in secondary schools to enhance students’ academic success.
Keywords: Guidance and Counselling, Academic Performance, Secondary School Students
Introduction
Secondary school education represents a critical stage in a student’s academic journey. At this level, students face academic pressure, emotional challenges, peer influence, and career-related decisions. Without proper guidance, these challenges can negatively affect academic performance.
Guidance and counselling services are designed to assist students in understanding themselves, making informed decisions, and coping with academic and personal challenges. In Nigeria, however, many secondary schools either lack functional counselling units or fail to utilize them effectively.
Concept of Guidance and Counselling
Guidance refers to the process of helping individuals make appropriate educational, vocational, and personal decisions. Counselling, on the other hand, involves a more personalized interaction aimed at helping individuals resolve emotional, psychological, and social challenges.
Together, guidance and counselling services help students:
- Understand their abilities and interests
- Improve study habits
- Manage stress and anxiety
- Make realistic career choices
- Develop positive self-concept
Importance of Guidance and Counselling in Schools
Effective guidance and counselling services contribute to:
- Improved academic performance
- Reduction in truancy and dropout rates
- Better student-teacher relationships
- Emotional stability and discipline
- Career awareness and planning
Challenges Facing Guidance and Counselling Services
The study identified several challenges affecting effective implementation, including:
- Shortage of trained counsellors
- Poor funding of counselling units
- Lack of awareness among students
- Negative perception of counselling services
- Heavy workload for teachers assigned as counsellors
Methodology
A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population consisted of secondary school students and teachers in Kaduna State. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages were used to analyze the data.
Findings
The study revealed that:
- Schools with active counselling services recorded better academic performance
- Students who accessed counselling services demonstrated improved study habits
- Counselling services helped students manage personal and academic challenges
- Many schools lacked adequate counselling facilities
Discussion
The findings indicate that guidance and counselling services significantly enhance students’ academic performance. Students who receive counselling support are better equipped to manage academic pressure, make informed decisions, and remain focused on their studies.
Conclusion
Guidance and counselling services are essential for effective secondary school education. Their absence or poor implementation negatively affects students’ academic outcomes. Strengthening counselling services will contribute significantly to improved academic performance and overall student development.
Recommendations
- Government should employ trained professional counsellors in secondary schools.
- Counselling units should be properly funded and equipped.
- School administrators should encourage students to utilize counselling services.
- Regular workshops should be organized for school counsellors.
Citation
Gidan-Waya Journal of Education (GIJOE), Vol. 3 No. 1, October 2022
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