STUDENTS’PERCEPTIONOFSCHOOLGUIDANCEPROGRAMME ANDITSIMPLICATIONFORCOUNSELLINGPATRONAGEAMONG SHSs WITHINTAMALEMETROPOLIS

Abstract

This study aimed to examine students' perceptions of the school guidance programme and its implications for counselling patronage among Senior High Schools within the Tamale Metropolis. Employing a descriptive research design grounded in the positivist philosophical paradigm, the study utilized a proportional stratified sampling technique to select four Senior High Schools within the Tamale Metropolis. The population for the study was 14,453 being form 1, 2 and 3 students from the four selected schools and a sample of 400 respondents were selected for the study. A self-developed structured questionnaire was used to gather the requisite data for the study. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. The study revealed that students have positive attitude towards the school guidance programme and consider it as effective and beneficial in addressing their academic, career, personal and anxiety concerns. The study also indicated that students’ perceptions of the school guidance programme in relation to its effectiveness and benefits influence their utilization of counselling service. The study recommended that, school authorities and guidance coordinators should provide regular and on-going information about the school guidance programme for students throughout their academic journey and continue with the provision of high-quality and effective services that address the diverse needs of students.