Improving Guidance and Counselling in Colleges of Education: Perspectives of Teacher Trainees

Abstract

Although research on guidance and counselling in schools abounds, little is known about how the programme can be improved in Colleges of Education (CoEs), particularly in emerging economies. This study investigated the perspectives of teacher trainees on how to improve guidance and counselling services in CoEs in Ghana. In this convergent parallel mixed methods study, data were gathered from 401 second year teacher trainees using questionnaire and focus group interview. The results indicated that guidance services in CoEs can be improved through ensuring confidentiality; providing facilities; retraining counsellors; sensitising key players; providing funding; and formulating policies. It is recommended that to improve guidance and counselling in CoEs and make it relevant to all students, all stakeholders should collaborate and play their roles effectively.