Need-Based Guidance and Counselling Program for Improved Academic Performance in Medina College, Ozamiz City: Its Relevance to Lifelong Learning

This study aimed to develop a need-based guidance and counseling program to enhance academic performance at Medina College, Ozamiz City. It specifically assessed the needs of teachers and students in four key areas: physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem. The study sought to determine whether significant differences existed between the perceptions of teachers and students regarding these needs and to propose an activity-based program based on the findings. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing survey questionnaires to gather data from 165 students and 112 teachers. Statistical tools, including mean computation and t-tests, were used to analyze the responses. The findings indicated that both groups generally agreed on the importance of addressing these needs, with average weighted means falling within the "agree" range for all four variables. Moreover, the statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the responses of teachers and students across these variables, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis. The study concluded that implementing a structured guidance and counseling program is crucial for fostering student and teacher well-being, ultimately leading to improved academic performance. Educational institutions should prioritize initiatives such as wellness programs, safety measures, inclusive community-building efforts, and self-esteem enhancement activities. By addressing the holistic needs of students and educators, schools can create a more supportive learning environment that promotes lifelong learning and personal growth. These findings provide valuable insights for academic administrators in strengthening guidance services to ensure student success and overall institutional development.