Exploring the Effectiveness of Counseling in Preparing Secondary School Students for Higher Education

Abstract

This research explores the perceptions of secondary school teachers regarding counseling as a crucial aspect in preparing their students for higher education after completion of their school. Recognizing the pivotal role that educators play in shaping the academic and personal development of students, this research aims to gain insight into how teachers perceive the effectiveness and significance of counseling services they can provide to their students. To achieve this objective, semi-structured interviews with 10 secondary school teachers, and 5 focus group interviews with students respectively, were conducted with diverse educational backgrounds, providing valuable perspectives. The majority of teachers and students appreciated the worth of counseling to motivate them to get into higher education and knowledge ability on their career path. The findings showed that while many teachers recognize the importance of counseling, there are notable variations in the extent to which this counseling is integrated into their schools. Some teachers reported limited access to professional training, hindering their ability to effectively guide students on the path to higher education as per their subject choices. Additionally, the study highlights the need for improved communication and collaboration between teachers, and students' families to provide comprehensive support into their further education. This research puts forth recommendations for the implementation of fostering partnerships between teachers, and school administrators and increasing parental involvement in the higher education preparation process.