Exploration of Teachers Perception on their Roles in Career Guidance among Secondary Schools Students Career Choices

Abstract

Aims: The study aim to explore the perceptions of teachers on their roles as career guidance providers on the challenges and opportunities associated with guiding students towards career pathways Study Design:  Using qualitative methodology, Participants of this study were carefully chosen as experienced career guidance masters from the selected schools in Katsina State. The data was gathered through semi-structured interview and which is guided by a validated interview protocol linked with the research objective. Place and Duration of Study: Secondary schools of Katsina State Nigeria between December 2023 and April 2024. Methodology: We included 10 teachers (5 men, 5 women; age range 25-55 years) with teaching experience. The data collected was carefully analysed using ATLAS.ti 23 software to draw the schematic diagrams leading to discuss each theme and category based on existing literature. Results: From the findings, two main themes emerged from the analyses; “effectiveness of career guidance program and teachers' engagement”. From each of the two themes, three categories emerged with various quotations from the participants. These quotations were used to inform the development of more responsive and impactful career guidance initiatives within various educational institutions in Katsina state and beyond. Conclusion: Ultimately, this study contributes to the on-going discourse on policy and the development of career guidance in schools as a realm of career development that fosters a more inclusive approach to student guidance and successful future professional. However, further research may be necessary, particularly in other geographical areas.