An Assessment of Students' Attitudes towards Peer Counsellors in Student Discipline in Secondary Schools in Kisumu Municipality, Kenya

Abstract

The attitude of the counselee towards the counsellor is crucial factor in determining the results of the counselling process. Adolescents are readily guided and influenced by one who understands them, listens to them and is of their status. This paper examines the attitude of students on the role of peer counsellors in managing student discipline based on a study of public secondary schools in Kisumu Municipality. Cross-sectional survey design was used in the study. The study population consisted of 28 head teachers, 28 heads of guidance and counselling department, 532 peer counsellors and 3,250 students in 28 public secondary schools. Stratified random sampling was used to select 10 head teachers, 10 Heads of Department of Guidance and Counselling, 110 peer counsellors and 300 form two and three students. Questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data. Questionnaires were administered to heads of guidance and counselling and students while head teachers were interviewed, face to face. Research instruments were piloted in three secondary schools to determine their reliability and validity. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the quantitative data generated by questionnaires while qualitative data from interviews were transcribed and organized into themes, categories and subcategories as they emerged during the study. The study established that students valued peer counsellors and had a positive attitude towards them. It was thus recommended that that all peer counsellors be trained to effectively, efficiently and ethically handle counselling issues that students consult them about. The findings of this study may help teachers and education stakeholders to appreciate the role played by peer counsellors in managing student discipline and engage them more often.

Keywords: Students, Attitudes, Peer Counsellors, Student Discipline, Secondary Schools, Kisumu Municipality, Kenya