Assessment on the Effectiveness of Guidance and Counselling Practices among Selected PITA Project Schools in Meru District Council, Arusha Region

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to assess the effectiveness of the guidance and counselling practices at selected PITA project secondary schools, which employed mixed-method research. Similarly, the study involved 25 teachers who received PITA project training on guidance and counselling practices, 5 heads of school, and 35 students, for a total of 65 respondents. Participants were selected through simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews. Likewise, quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed low knowledge of counselling practices among teachers. In addition, the findings reveal a high level of guidance practices, reflecting their high effectiveness. Significantly, the study adds to the existing body of knowledge on the current need to deploy professional counsellors in secondary schools. Also, the study recommends providing frequent training, workshops, and conferences on professional counselling practices, as well as establishing dedicated counselling units within schools.