School Stakeholders’ Perception Towards the Implementation of the Academic and Vocational Career Pathways in Secondary Schools in Kafue District, Zambia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the perception of stakeholders towards the academic and vocational learning pathways in selected secondary schools in Kafue district. Mixed methods approach was used where semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires were used as data collection techniques. Findings revealed that the school stakeholders in most of the secondary schools perceived the academic learning pathway with negativity and, therefore, advised learners not to take it on account of none availability of infrastructure / facilities and and qualified teaching staff to effectively guide learners for quality achievement. It also became apparent that learners’ choice of learning pathways depended on the availability infrastructure, physical facilities / equipment, trained personnel and motivation to enhance decision making. The study recommended that government needs to provide necessary infrastructure, skilled human resource and physical facilities in order to actualise the blue prints for the revision of the curriculum along with capacity-building among career teachers for effective career choice guidance to learners. There is also need for educational planers to fully avail information to the stakeholders who are learners, teachers, parents and administrators on career path ways for stakeholders’ informed decisions and choices.