Strategies to Improve the Implementation of Guidance and Counselling in Junior Primary Schools

Gladys Manzunzu
Midlands State University, Zimbabwe
Email: manzunzugladys@gmail.com

Abstract: The study examined strategies adopted by teachers in the implementation of Guidance and Counselling in junior primary schools. This paper is based on my Phd studies and only presents one facet of it. Guidance and Counselling is an area that has recently gained traction in the primary school curriculum, hence, the need to upscale its implementation. An interpretive qualitative case study research design was utilized enabling teachers to share their experiences and thoughts in a naturalistic setting and allows the researcher to capture detailed, nuanced perspectives from teachers in the real-worldcontexts. Twenty participants from four schools were purposively sampled to gather detailed, contextual data and foster a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. Semi- structured interviews, observations and document analysis were used to generate data. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The research revealed that teachers were using different strategies in implementing G&C in primary schools. The results of the study further pointed out that staff development workshops were needed to enhance the implementation of G&C properly. The study recommends a culturally relevant model which embraces pedagogies such as adopting the use of cultural counselling villages.