COUNSELLING AND APPRAISAL SERVICES/EFFECTIVE TOOLS FOR STUDENTS’ PLACEMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RIVERS STATE: TEACHERS’ EXPERIENCES

Abstract

In Nigeria's educational landscape, effective guidance, and counselling are pivotal, particularly for enhancing student placement in secondary schools in Rivers State. This study delves into the efficacy of counselling and appraisal services as tools for this crucial placement process. A comprehensive literature review highlights existing challenges such as; quality of counsellors, lapses in professional ethics adherence, and an inadequacy of robust counselling facilities. For this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with 30 teachers across 10 selected public secondary schools in Rivers State. Results indicated that despite the recognized importance of counselling and appraisal, systemic issues diminish its effectiveness, contributing to the declining standards in Nigeria's primary and secondary education. Moreover, the current state of counselling services, as reported by educators is not meeting the desired levels of productivity and impact. Conclusively, for a more resilient and productive educational system, there is an urgent call for improvements: enhancing counsellor quality, ensuring adherence to professional ethics, provisioning of contemporary counselling facilities, and addressing inherent educational challenges. The revamped approach will not only uplift the standard of education but also fortify the relevance and efficacy of guidance and counselling services in secondary schools in Rivers State