The Effect Of Guidance And Counselling On Academic Performance, A Case Study Of Science Subjects In Selected Schools In Wakiso District.

ABSTRACT

The study was guided by the desire to find out the reasons behind the poor academic performance of secondary school students is science subjects at 0-level. Guided by the following research questions, does guidance and counseling influence the academic performance of students? If it does, who are the stakeholders, what are their roles? In what ways can academic performance in science subjects be improved?

A cross sectional descriptive survey was administered, using

questionnaires and oral interviews as instruments. The data was

analyzed using frequency counts, percentage and content analysis.

It was found that there is a reasonable amount of GC carried out in

Uganda secondary schools. GC influences academic performance in solving social problems to give students peaceful minds for studies and assist in attainment of educational and preferred career development. It was found out also that there are institutional and external barriers to GC of students. These include: lack of material and financial support by school heads and lack of policy guidelines from the ministry of education and sports. With adequate guidance using techniques such as individual guidance counseling, debates , guided tours of plants , identifying mentors, students develop positive attitudes towards science subjects leading to better performance.To improve guidance and counseling services policy makers shouldimplement a well structured, systematic GC programme in schools rightfrom primary level. A trained counselor is necessary to coordinate the GC activities. School administrators and managers should establish a well coordinated link with teachers, heads of departments and parents in order to carry out an informed guidance and counseling of students.