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THE EFFECT OF COUNSELLING ON CHOICE PATTERN OF VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS BY SOME SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The problem of choice is encountered by students all over the world; the choice of subjects in the junior secondary three and the senior secondary classes which lead to choice of career in the colleges and universities. Even at the university level, choice of courses is still a problem; various competing forces are brought into focus in this problem. They include age, sex, social class of parents, accident, occupational value pattern of parents, interest, self-concept, job availability etc. Most significant is the immediate environment of the students which houses among other things occupation of parents or profession and socio-economic status of parents. The complexity of this problem may be as a result of the pressure students get from their parents. Although most parents mean well for their children, the rapid socio- economic changes in the country force the children to think and select certain types of occupations they think will be beneficial to them.

The career of a person plays an important role in his entire life. Denga (2015) stated that a person’s social status, income, style of life, his choice of friends, his mental and physical health are influenced by the type of job he does. Career choice is a developmental process spanning almost throughout a person’s lifetime. In view of the importance of career choice and its enduring effects on one’s life, it is important therefore to note that the role that parents’ socio-economic status plays in their children’s choice of career helps in vocational education. Vocational education came into prominence as a programme of study in the United States of America. It arose out of the need for practical education in order to counterbalance the emphasis being placed on liberal education by the American elites. According to Amaewhule (2000), the struggle to introduce it into the educational curriculum was identified. Prosser (2009) argued for social efficiency and the need for all students to be prepared for useful employment. Dewey (2010) saw vocational education as a means of liberating education. He revealed that vocational education programmes are offered at secondary and post-secondary levels of education (Amaewhule, 2000).

Vocational education can provide a more meaningful education which will enable our youths to be self- employed after a successful completion of their secondary school. Experts believe that vocational education is generally effective at the secondary school level which places more emphasis on the vocational training of the students. It is very important that adequate guidance and counseling is done to enable students to make the right decisions and to develop the right attitudes towards vocational education. According to Essien (2009), those youths who may not be able to proceed to universities can leave school with the requisite prevocational skills that will enable them to function as useful citizens, independent workers and income earners. He further asserts that those who go further to universities are equally exposed to educational experiences which give advantage in securing employment in business, commerce and industry when they finish university education.

A student’s choice of subjects should reflect his interest, ability and aptitude and take consideration of the possible career aspirations he may have. There are some subjects that are essential for some courses and careers. It is important to check out these subjects or entry requirements with a guidance counselor. Lots of students have been found selecting subjects for senior school certificate examination not minding the aspect of their potentiality that affects them when choosing a career in the university. Eremie (2014) argued that variables such as students’ interest, ability, skills and personality should be considered when advising students into their course of study.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

These days, people talk of how much skills one possesses but those without skills top the list of unemployment. Over the years, students have been battling with the conflicts in their choice of career. Making a correct or realistic career choice as well as planning for it is a difficult or delicate task. This perhaps is due partly to the inability of the students, the teachers and to some extent the surroundings which involve their socio-economic background and parental influence and occupation level. It is observed that most students are not showing any readiness for skill acquisition or vocational education. This is shown in their attitudes towards vocational education. Most of them view vocational programmes as programmes for the never do well and can only go into it as a last resort. The quality of the workforce has dropped as a result of lack of acquisition of necessary skills which vocational education can provide. There is a high rate of juvenile delinquency due to the failure to provide the youth with vocational education.

The present works of the regular schools are largely regulated by administrators who do not know much about vocational education and as such have directed the propagation of false theories that have seriously impaired their social efficiency. For this reason, the introduction of vocational technical education into the school programme was consequently faced with the problem of whether it would accept philosophy of the general school or whether it would work out a philosophy radically different. Most administrators have failed to see vocational education as a peculiar education requiring proper knowledge and skills for effective performance of its learners. They fail to provide the facilities needed for teaching and learning vocational subjects and as such make them develop a negative attitude towards the programme since the attitude of the learners influence their behavioral pattern and performance. However, students' carelessness in selecting their subjects in secondary school which is part of the preparation for their future career and unnecessary parental involvement in their children’s vocational choice have made the researcher carry out this study.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine evaluation of graduates employability of faculty of education students

Specific objectives include;

1. To assess the current choice pattern of vocational subjects among secondary school students.

2. To evaluate the effectiveness of counseling interventions on students' selection of vocational subjects.

3. To identify factors influencing students' decisions regarding vocational subject choices.

4. To recommend strategies for improving counseling services to enhance students' selection of vocational subjects.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the prevailing pattern of vocational subject choices among secondary school students?

2. How does counseling intervention impact students' selection of vocational subjects?

3. What are the main factors that influence students' decisions regarding vocational subject choices?

4. What are the potential strategies to improve counseling services aimed at enhancing students' selection of vocational subjects? 

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

1. H0: Counseling interventions have no significant effect on students' selection of vocational subjects.

H1: Counseling interventions have a significant effect on students' selection of vocational subjects. 

2. H0: There is no association between students' demographic characteristics and their choice pattern of vocational subjects.

H1: There is an association between students' demographic characteristics and their choice pattern of vocational subjects. 

3. H0: The quality of counseling services provided does not influence students' decisions regarding vocational subject choices.

H1: The quality of counseling services provided influences students' decisions regarding vocational subject choices.

4. H0: There is no significant difference in the choice pattern of vocational subjects between students who receive counseling and those who do not.

H1: There is a significant difference in the choice pattern of vocational subjects between students who receive counseling and those who do not.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the study on the effect of counseling on the choice pattern of vocational subjects for secondary school students lies in its potential to empower students in making informed decisions about their educational and career paths. Through tailored counseling interventions, students can explore their interests, aptitudes, and goals, leading to more meaningful vocational choices. Understanding how counseling influences choice patterns allows secondary schools to develop more effective counseling programs that meet the needs of their student population, fostering higher levels of engagement, motivation, and academic success. Additionally, the study sheds light on areas where additional support or resources may be necessary, enabling schools to address potential barriers to students' vocational exploration and decision-making. Overall, this research has the potential to positively impact the educational experiences and future prospects of secondary school students.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on secondary schools in Karu Local Government Area (LGA) in Nasarawa State, examining the effect of counseling on the choice pattern of vocational subjects among students in these institutions. It aims to investigate the specific counseling interventions implemented and their impact on students' decision-making regarding vocational subjects. The study will assess the extent to which counseling influences choice patterns and explore any variations across different secondary schools within Karu LGA.

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

One limitation of this study is its narrow geographical scope, confined to secondary schools within Karu LGA in Nasarawa State. This may limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions or settings. Additionally, the study's reliance on self-reported data from students and school administrators may introduce biases or inaccuracies. Limited resources and time constraints could also impact the comprehensiveness of data collection and analysis. Finally, external factors such as socioeconomic status or cultural influences may not be fully accounted for, potentially affecting the interpretation of results.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Counseling: The process of providing guidance, advice, and support to individuals to help them address personal, social, educational, or vocational challenges and make informed decisions.

2. Effect: The result or outcome produced by a particular action, event, or circumstance.

3. Choice Pattern: The tendency or behavior exhibited by individuals when making selections or decisions among various options or alternatives. 

4. Vocational Subjects: Academic or practical courses of study that are designed to prepare students for specific careers, trades, or professions, focusing on skills and knowledge relevant to a particular field of work.

5. Secondary School Students: Students attending educational institutions typically catering to adolescents in the age range of approximately 11 to 18 years old, following primary education and preceding tertiary education.

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