Students’ Level of Awareness and Engagement in Guidance Activities

This research investigated the level of awareness of the scope of guidance and engagement in guidance activities. Its objective was to establish the relationship between the level of awareness and engagement among senior high school students at Technical Vocational School in the northern part of the province of Bohol. The study employed the Explanatory Sequential design and utilized questionnaires as the primary data collection method for the quantitative strand and focused group discussion for the qualitative strand. The findings revealed that the participants were aware of the scope of guidance and Counseling in four dimensions: guidance functions, availability and accessibility, personnel, and guidance services. However, they have misconceptions about the function of guidance and perceive that it is for disciplinary action and intended only for those with problems. Students demonstrated a moderate level of engagement in seeking advice and support, particularly valuing emotional guidance and feedback on relationships, but with a high level of trust in counseling services. In contrast, other students were reluctant due to personal discomfort or lack of interest in specific activities. Furthermore, the analysis indicated a significant relationship between the participant's awareness of the scope of Guidance and Counseling and the level of engagement in guidance activities. It has concluded that the students are aware of guidance and counseling services in the school; however, they have misconceptions about the meaning and function of guidance. The study found that students' engagement level depends on their awareness level. When students are well-informed about guidance counseling activities' purpose, availability, and benefits, they are most likely to participate in counseling services. The more the students are aware of the aspects of guidance and counseling, the more they are engaged in the guidance activities. As for the recommendations, school administrators need to improve orientation programs about guidance and counseling services. There is a need to highlight the relevance of Guidance Counseling in the school for students' growth and development. Moreover, another study will investigate other factors influencing students' engagement in guidance counseling services.