The Role of Guidance and Counselling Services in Promoting the Study of Home Economics in Senior High Schools in Bolgatanga Municipality

Abstract

The study examined the role of guidance and counselling services in promoting the study of home economics in the Bolgatanga Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Simple random and proportional representation methods were used to select a sample size of 200 students from a total of 332. Questionnaire was used to obtain data from the students. The results revealed that, improvement of knowledge on nutrition, development of good home management skills and self-reliant skills are the benefits of home economics. In addition, the results indicated that high cost and misconception that home economics is for female students are factors that militate against the study of home economics. Besides, the study showed that guidance and counselling services promote the study of home economics by managing and dispelling misconceptions, equip students with effective study skills and encourage the use of excursions to stimulate students’ interest in the study of home economics. The study recommended that cost of practical fees and equipment be provided by government to minimise the high cost associated with the study of home economics. Besides, counsellors should organize career seminars at secondary school levels to dispel misconceptions and motivate male students to pursue home economics programmes.