STUDENT-COUNSELORS’ PERCEPTION OF PRACTICUM EXPERIENCE: A CASE OF MOI UNIVERSITY BACHELOR OF EDUCATION GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING STUDENTS
Bernard L. Misigo - School of Education, Department of Educational Psychology, Moi University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
This study investigated student-counsellors’ perceptions of practicum experience and the ways to improve Guidance and Counselling programme in Moi University, Kenya. The sample comprised of six teen respondents who had participated in practicum exercise. A questionnaire made up of both closed and open-ended items was used to collect data. This study revealed that student-counsellor received a lot of support from the school management where they practiced. The main challenges that these trainees faced were dual role of counselling, and lack of time for counselling. The main stressors revealed were dual role of counseling and teaching, expectations of teachers and students, and to a lesser extent from assessors and principals. Recommendations made were that guidance and counselling be made more practical oriented, practicum period be delinked from teaching practice, workshops, and seminnars be organized to sensitize the teaching staff about the importance of teaching practice.