Assessment of Academic and Career Needs of Senior High School Students in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, Upper West Region of Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the academic and career needs of students in senior high schools in the Nadowli-Kaleo District in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The instrument to gather the data was adapted and modified. The population for the study was 2,724 out of which 280 sample size was used. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The result of the study indicated that students’ academic needs include developing effective learning skills, improving test taking skills and learning to manage time. Again the result of the study showed that students’ career needs include using the internet for career information, knowing educational requirement for careers and relating interest with career. The study also showed that there was a statistically positive significant relationship between academic and career needs of students. Finally, the result of the study revealed that there was a statistically significant career needs difference between the Form 3 and Form 1 students. It was recommended that schools should include academic and career needs of students in their guidance programmes. Again, career guidance should be organized more frequently for the Form 3 students to help them prepare adequately for their future careers.

Keywords: Assessment, Academic needs, Career needs.