Role of guidance and counselling on students’ discipline in boarding secondary schools in Ole Ankale zone, Narok central division in Narok north district Kenya

Abstract

This study set to investigate the role of guidance and counselling services in boarding secondary schools students’ discipline and performance in Ole Ankale zone in Narok Central Division, Narok North District. The researcher set objectives, which sought to determine the extent to which the provision of guidance and counselling materials, teacher counsellors’ exposure, peer training, guest speakers and the time allocated to students counselling influenced students’ discipline and academic performance in Ole Ankale zone Kenya. The researcher used the descriptive survey design to carry out the research. The respondents for this study were 3 boarding secondary school 1,mixed school 1,boy school 1,girls school2 principals, 5 teacher counsellors and 160 students. A pilot study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the instruments. Data was analysed using percentages and descriptive analysis. The study findings revealed that guidance and counselling services were offered in the schools and 82.4% of the principals considered it important but lacked the necessary material and literature support. From the literature review it is found that character formation is achieved through intense formal and informal programmes for guidance and counselling. It is through guidance and counselling that students remain disciplined and focused in life. The following were the recommendations made .The principals in secondary schools should put in place guidance and counselling services and provide an office where privacy is made a priority. This will encourage more students to visit the office. Guidance and counselling teachers should be well trained on how to carry out their duties. To have adequate provision of guidance and counselling materials as well as application of peer counselling, there is need to allocate proper time for specific sessions. Guest speakers should be invited to provide the counselling services to the students in areas of concern. Since this study was based in Ole Ankale zone, in urban setting, it is therefore suggested that a replication of this study be carried out in rural setting. A study on student discipline in relation to parent or guardian upbringing should be carried out. The influence of guidance and counselling on selected subjects in the curriculum should be researched on. The long standing problem is lack of time to practice guidance and counselling. The integration of guidance and counselling in the curriculum is to ensure that students achieve in academics and be able to curb social problems and be morally upright.