ASSESSMENT OF GUIDANCE SERVICES IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN CAPE COAST METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess the delivery of guidance services in Senior High Schools (SHSs) in Cape Coast Metropolis of Central Region, Ghana. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The population of the study comprised senior high students, guidance coordinators and teachers. Multistage sampling technique was used in selecting the sample for the study. A sample size of 531 (Wesley Girls=108, Adisadel College=115, Ghana National College=179 and University Practice SHS=129) was randomly selected for the study. A questionnaire was used to obtain data from the students. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and independent samples t-test were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that SHSs provide orientation, counselling, appraisal, information, consultation, placement and follow-up services. The results indicated that the appraisal service was effectively implemented while the information and consultation services were not effectively implemented. The study also revealed that the main resources available for the effective running of guidance services in Senior High Schools in Cape Coast Metropolis were the counselling office, professional counsellor and a large hall or assembly hall. Furthermore, the study revealed that schools have inadequate funds and time for carrying out guidance service in the schools. The results also revealed that gender is not a significant determinant of students’ assessment of the consultation and orientation services. From the results obtained, it is recommended among others that SHSs should pay attention to all guidance services in order to effectively promote the personal, social, educational and career development of students.