Developing Effective Career Guidance Interventions for Secondary Schools’ Students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This study aimed to develop effective career guidance interventions for students of secondary schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Study’s objectives were, to find out effective career guidance interventions for students of secondary schools and recommend strategies for effective career guidance of students. Study’s design was quantitative survey having population 30439 secondary school students. Study’s sample was 380, selected with stratified random sampling. A questionnaire about effective career guidance interventions was developed, validated and pilot tested for the collection of data. Data were gathered with self-administered questionnaires and analyzed with using mean scores, standard deviations and the chi-square test. The study found provision of career guidance facilities, appointing of trained career guides, collaboration of parents, teachers and schools’ authorities, career orientations for students, assessment mechanisms, incorporation of career guidance subjects in schools’ curriculum, developing career guidance as an integral part of teachers’ education, the use of books, brochures and social media for the career guidance  and active role of the policy makers for the provision of resources to establish career guidance facilities in schools. The study also recommended the provision of career guidance, career orientations sessions and the use of technology for the career guidance of students at secondary level.