STRATEGIES FOR COUNSELLING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NJIKOKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the counselling strategies for students with special needs in secondary schools in Njikoka Local Government of Anamber state. Three research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The entire population of this study of 9 counsellors in the 11 public secondary schools in Njikoka Local Government of Anambra State was studied with sampling. A four point rating scale validated questionnaire containing 28 items was used for data collection. Cronbach alpha co – efficient used to establish the reliability of the instrument which yield coefficients of 0.79, 0.72 and 0.81 for different clusters with an overall coefficient of 0.77.  The researcher administered the instrument using direct method to the respondents with the help of four research assistants. Mean scores were used to answer the research questions. The study discovered that counsellors in Njikoka Local Government of Anambra State agree that the majority of the items raised are strategies for counselling students with hearing impairment, visual impairment and physical disabilities. The researcher concluded that breaking down of instruction into smaller, manageable task; maintain an organized classroom and limit distraction, use of multi – sensory strategy such as auditory cues, providing emotional support services and giving the physical disabled career education are the strategies for counselling students with special needs in secondary schools.