| dc.description.abstract | Counseling is a relatively new profession in Kenya. A large majority of the existing practicing counselors, therefore, remains untrained. This jeopardizes the chances of recovery of their clients from problems that afflict them. Consequently, efforts to improve their effectiveness through proper and systematic training are of primary concern now more than ever before. The study focused on the training of counselors at the Department of Sociology, University of Nairobi as away of addressing the said problem.
The study investigated the relationship between counselor training at the Department of Sociology, University of Nairobi and the socio-economic conditions that prevailed then with a view to bridging the gap between what society expected (market demand) and what the training programme offered.
The question the study sought to answer was how the counselor training programme embraced those conditions in order to strengthen their learners' capacities to react to a variety of situations. Specific factors such as the curriculum, instructional materials and availability of staff, pedagogy, admission criteria, assessment/ evaluation methods and students' attitude towards the training they were undergoing were examined to ascertain the trainees' readiness to tackle growing challenges in society.
The following research questions were used to elicit responses towards that end: first, in the absence of students' attachments/internships, what mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that the department produces effective counselors? Second, what
teaching-learning methods were currently being used in the training of student
counselors; and how did the teaching-learning methods mentioned affect the ability of the department to produce effective counselors? Lastly, what were the students' opinions regarding the kind of training they were receiving?
The client-centered theory, social systems theory-and Adlerian counseling theory guided
the study. These theories were ideal for this study because they emphasized on the role played by the social environment in moulding human behaviors at all levels, individually or in group. This study focused on how the teaching strategies employed by the training programme were used to bring about a change in attitudes of learners to ensure a full realization of their potential.
Moreover, the study investigated how training programme deepened the learners' awareness of the social circumstances surrounding them. In doing so, perceived levels of competence among trainees in helping clients with social problems such as HIV/AIDS, corruption, abject poverty, drug abuse, domestic violence, among many others were assessed.
The study employed qualitative tools of data collection. The specific techniques used were the key informant interviews and structured observation. The key informant interviews were used to gather pertinent information from the teaching staff, continuing
as well as former students of counseling, chairman of the Department of Sociology and heads of section where former students were working. Structured observation was used to gather relevant information that could be experienced and witnessed by the eyes of the researcher. This included the physical condition of the teaching-learning resources.
Among the key findings of the study were: firstly, there were only two psychology related courses: Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (CSO 593) and Principles of Counseling (CSO 594). In the elective category, only one psychology related course was offered. Students could as well not take it, as it was optional. Courses that dealt with nutrition, health, courtship, law and human rights were not prioritized. Secondly, experiential learning activities were limited to the classroom. Practicals were severely affected by lack of funds and shortage of personnel to supervise. Thirdly, physical facilities were inadequate to meet the growing demand of students. This in tum negatively affected the mode of teaching and learning. Despite these problems the learners and trainers were satisfied with the progress of programme.
The study recommended that field practical be made mandatory and examinable. The university should avail funds for supervision. Hosting organizations for students on attachment should be asked to cost share to lower financial burden on the university. The Department should also accredit lower-level colleges to serve as off-campuses in order to offer similar degrees. This would ease pressure on the physical facilities as well as check on the quality of courses offered there.
Lastly, the study recommended, among others, that similar studies be carried on actual
clients who benefited from the services of the graduate counselors of the Department of
Sociology, University of Nairobi. | en |
