Using Qualitative Methods to Evaluate Policy Implementation in School-Based Counseling

Abstract

The need to reposition school-based counselling to meet the challenges of the educational system of the twenty-first century is imperative in Africa in particular and around the globe in general. The present-day educational system in many African countries is faced with many challenges. However, if school-based counselling is properly conceived and implemented, it can serve as a tool to enhance the total development of learners. This chapter examines the rationale for using qualitative methods in policy research. It also explicated the different methods of collecting qualitative data by describing the advantages of each of the methods and also highlighting their potential limitations. The chapter also illustrated the utility of qualitative methodology in Nigeria by using an example of a policy-related research. Policies are meant to ultimately affect the lives of people. The best way therefore to assess the effectiveness of any policy is to talk to people that the policy is designed for. The different qualitative methods discussed in this chapter provide a window into an important aspect of policy assessment especially as it relates to the well-being of people.