The impact of guidance and counselling on academic performance of mentally challenged children in Nyeri municipality in Nyeri district Kenya

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Date
2009-12
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Education, Open and Distance Learning
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the Influence of Guidance and Counseling on Academic Performance of Mentally Challenged Children in Nyeri municipality in Nyeri District, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to; identify the causes of mental retardation Children in Nyeri municipality in Nyeri District Kenya, , Identify the methods of counseling that are effective on mentally retarded Children and Investigate the impact of guidance and counseling on academic performance of learners with mental retardation Children. The methods used for data collection were questionnaires to the teachers, interviews with the parents and focus group discussions with the pupils. The study revealed by 60% that learners with mental retardation sought guidance and counseling services. However the respondents complained that most schools do not have qualified counselors to handle mentally retarded learners. The most common mentioned cause of mental retardation was hereditary reasons which were mentioned by 90% of the respondents. Group counseling was mentioned by 84%, 76% mentioned individual counseling, 72% mentioned motivation, 64% mentioned parent and child counseling and 56% mentioned behavior counseling. The study also revealed by 52% of the respondents that guidance and counseling has improved the academic performance of mentally retarded. The study recommended that; Counselors who specifically look at cases of mentally retarded learners should be trained and made available in schools to help mentally retarded children. The Ministry of Education to beef up more aggressive awareness campaigns among various stakeholders concerning the negative attitudes towards the mentally retarded. The Ministry to empower all the teachers in the country with appropriate professional skills on how to cater for the mentally retarded learners.
Description
A Research Report Submitted To The Institute Of Open And Distance Learning In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirement For The Award Of Bachelor Of Education In Guidance And Counselling Of Kampala International University
Keywords
Guidance and counselling, Academic performance, Mentally challenged children, Nyeri municipality, Nyeri district Kenya
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