Department of Educational Psychology

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Action research in the graphics classroom: reflections of educational change initiatives in two schools
(University of the Western Cape, 1990) Cowan, Gillian Margaret; du Plooy, Lucinda
This thesis is an account of my experiences as a Graphics teacher using critical action research to examine my educational practice while working with standard nine students in two white high schools in Cape Town. The subject that I taught, since it was predominantly a "practical" one, was primarily for students who were often labelled, not only by teachers but by the students themselves, as academically "weak" or "stupid" as well as "delinquent". While my initial intention was to try to improve my own educational practice and, as a consequence be better able to help my students, it became apparent that I could not begin to understand the emerging issues in isolation from the context in which the research was undertaken. Issues, which at first seemed relatively simple, became increasingly complex as the research cycles proceeded. Three particular issues are further discussed: i) The problems of qualitative research, particularly those of data collection and narrative language; The value of "thick" description as opposed to the surface representations of positivistic research modes justifies the difficulty of following the qualitative research method. ii) The ways in which the curriculum and school organisation can perpetuate social inequalities and injustices, which may be further reinforced by student resistance; my experience of my project students strongly suggested that for whatever other reasons they were doing so badly at school, it certainly was not because they were academically "weak" or "stupid". iii) The value that critical action research has as a form of praxis or critical pedagogy. By closing the gap between theory and practice, it has enabled me to come to understand better the ideological nature of organised education and the consequences thereof.
Addressing the needs of underachieving students in an extended curriculum programme
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Hans, Garelda Nicolette; Moolla, Nadeen
The purpose of this study is to determine the nature of support services offered to Extended Curriculum Programme students in a South African university. The primary goals of support services in higher education are to support students holistically and reduce barriers to learning in the teaching and learning environment. One of the faculties in a South African university established a support unit to assist with the low throughput level. The academic support unit is housed in the Academic Development Department (ADD) in a faculty. The unit attempts to address the needs of underachieving students in the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP). The thesis first identifies the challenges the ECP students are experiencing. Then, support services in the university and in the support unit are described. Thereafter, the challenges experienced by the centre of support services in the university and the support unit are illuminated. Qualitative data was gathered through individual interviews with senior management. Then, a focus group discussion with tutors who volunteer in a support unit was facilitated and lastly the staff members employed in the support unit were also interviewed individually. The thesis was able to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to learning the ECP students are experiencing. It became evident that the support services available in the university and the support unit are not sufficient to address the needs of the students. The challenges the support service centre of the university and the support unit are experiencing are twofold. The first is a lack of organisational resources that hinders service delivery, the second is a lack of skills and expertise in attain structures that limits the provision of support services.
Addressing the needs of underachieving students in an extended curriculum programme
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Hans, Garelda Nicolette; Moolla, Nadeen
The purpose of this study is to determine the nature of support services offered to Extended Curriculum Programme students in a South African university. The primary goals of support services in higher education are to support students holistically and reduce barriers to learning in the teaching and learning environment. One of the faculties in a South African university established a support unit to assist with the low throughput level. The academic support unit is housed in the Academic Development Department (ADD) in a faculty. The unit attempts to address the needs of underachieving students in the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP). The thesis first identifies the challenges the ECP students are experiencing. Then, support services in the university and in the support unit are described. Thereafter, the challenges experienced by the centre of support services in the university and the support unit are illuminated. Qualitative data was gathered through individual interviews with senior management. Then, a focus group discussion with tutors who volunteer in a support unit was facilitated and lastly the staff members employed in the support unit were also interviewed individually. The thesis was able to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to learning the ECP students are experiencing. It became evident that the support services available in the university and the support unit are not sufficient to address the needs of the students. The challenges the support service centre of the university and the support unit are experiencing are twofold. The first is a lack of organisational resources that hinders service delivery, the second is a lack of skills and expertise in attain structures that limits the provision of support services.
Administration of the adjusted Rorschach comrehensive system to learners in a previously disadvantaged school in the western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Robert, Makuna Kananga M.; Kekae, Moletsane M.
The study focuses on the administration procedure of Adjusted Rorschach Comprehensive System (ARCS) to learners from a previously disadvantaged school in the Western Cape. ARCS is the Rorschach administration procedure developed by Moletsane-Kekae (2004) in her research study. The aim of the study was to determine the response rate of learners from a previously disadvantaged school when they were exposed to the Adjusted Rorschach Comprehensive System (ARCS). The objectives are to determine the possible factors that can lead to high and low response rate when administering Adjusted Rorschach Comprehensive System (ARCS). The main assumption that guides the study was that the responses of the administration of Adjusted Rorschach Comprehensive System (ARCS) to the learners from a previously disadvantaged school in the Western Cape would yield more than 14 responses (R>14). The study adopted a qualitative approach, case study design, interpretivist paradigm. The Rorschach test, ARCS procedure, observation, interview, and Field notes were used as data collection techniques. The sample was made of six learners (3 girls and 3 boys) in Year 1 selected from a previously disadvantaged school in Cape Town. In order to analyze the data, the thematic analysis and interpretation procedures were used. The results revealed that the majority of the learners gave high responses, because the ARCS accommodated their cultures, believe and backgrounds. This study found out that language, seating arrangement, strategies using during the ARCS procedure were the factors that influenced the higher response rate. Furthermore, the study also found that the lack of previous exposure and experience of the psychological test was a factor that can lead to low response.
Bemiddelde leerervaring as 'n noodsaaklike komponent van die opleiding van primêre skool onderwysers in Suid-Afrika
(University of the Western Cape, 1993) Fortuin, Averal John; Gouws, André
In Suid-Afrikaanse skole word op 'n gereelde grondslag gevind dat nie alle leerlinge baat vind by gewone groeponderrig soos dit in die gewone klaskamer vergestalting vind nie. Enersyds is daar die groep wat op Buitengewone Onderwys aangewese is, en andersyds is daar die groep wat nie vir buitengewone onderwys kwalifiseer nie, maar nog steeds nie die mas in die gewone klas kan opkom nie. Laasgenoemde maak dikwels deel uit van 'n sosio-ekonomies of polities benadeelde groep en die grootste persentasie druipelinge en vroeë skoolverlaters, in vergelyking met die res van die skoolbevolking , kom uit die groep. Die swak akademiese prestasies van hierdie leerlinge word in die meeste literatuur gekoppel aan kognitiewe benadeeldheid. Opvoedkundige Sielkunde. Kognitiewe benadeeldheid word vir die doel van hierdie mini-tesis gelykgestel aan kulturele benadeeldheid, maar dit word gekoppel aan die definisie van Feuerstein wat dit beskou as 'n gebrek aan bemiddelde leerervaring (BLE). Te midde van 'n strewe na sosio-ekonomiese, politieke en opvoedkundige rekonstruksie in Suid-Afrika, is dit belangrik dat probleme met skolastiese prestasie op die intermediêre vlak aangespreek word. Alhoewel skole weinig kan doen om 'n radikale verandering in die omgewingstoestande van leerlinge teweeg te bring, kan dit egter 'n groot bydrae lewer in die ontwikkeling van die kognitiewe vermoëns van kinders. Om hierdie belangrike funksie te vervul, is ditnoodsaaklik dat onderwysers in hul voorbereiding vir hul taak deeglik toegerus moet word met gepaste teoretiese begronding, asook daaruitvloeiende maatreëls om kognitiewe benadeeldheid by hul leerlinge effektief te verklaar en te bekamp. Die fokus in hierdie mini-tesis is op die benadering ten opsigte van kognitiewe benadeeldheid by primêre skool leerlinge in die opleidingsprogramme - spesifiek die Opvoedkundesillabusse - van onderwyskolleges van die Departement van Onderwys en Kultuur, Raad van Verteenwoordigers (DOK:RV); en die Departement van Onderwys en Opleiding (DOO), asook ontwikkelinge op die gebied van kognitiewe onderwys in Suid-Afrika. Op grond van die leemtes in die betrokke opleidingsprogramme is die doel van hierdie mini-tesis om BLE as noodsaaklike komponent in die opleidingsprogram van primêre skoolonderwysers in Suid- Afrika aan te beveel.
Can Literacy lead to transformation
(University of the Western Cape, 1995) Fred, Merle Rosaline; Engelbrecht, Levi
This thesis constitutes an investigation into the effects of literacy in a community which is severly disadvantaged. The thesis explored various ways in which the concept of literacy could be examined and the political assuments implied in each literacy orientation. In order to explore the effects of literacy following conventional research procedures a pilot study was conducted. During the pilot the data revealed that statistical analysis could not capture the political and 'liberational'nuances generated by literacy. In the light of this, it became necessary to adopt a mode of analysis which could capture the effects of the literacy. This study therefore constitutes a description of the, advantages and disadvantages of radically switching to a different paradigm in the life of a single project.
A case study of a neighbourhood school that included two learners who are blind
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Baboo, Nafisa; Lomofsky, Lilian; Dept. of Educational Psychology
Internationally, the rights of persons with disabilities to participate as full members of society through inclusive education has become a high priority with the adoption of the first legally binding treaty, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). In keeping with our culture of acknowledging the rights of all, South Africa has already made great strides towards fulfilling these rights and is in the implementation phase of Education White Paper 6: Building an Inclusive Education and Training System (Department of Education, 2001). In spite of this, the practicability of implementing inclusive education is questioned by many. The inclusion of learners who are blind in neighbourhood schools, as opposed to ‘special schools’, is a particularly daunting task. However, the more local cases we have from which to draw insights, the better our chances of making inclusive education both practicable and widely accessible across a range of local contexts. A public, mainstream neighbourhood school that included two learners who are blind was therefore investigated to learn more about how the learners who are blind were physically, socially and academically included in the local school community. Qualitative data collection methods including semi-structured interviews and observations were used to uncover useful strategies, challenges and enabling factors that contributed to their successful inclusion. The findings revealed that the participants in this study had very little knowledge or experience in building an inclusive educational setting at the outset, but engaged in the process with open minds, creativity and trust. By adopting a collaborative approach and an attitude of ‘failing forward’, the objective of social and academic inclusion was to a great extent achieved in the school.
Challenges to parental involvement in homework assignments of learners in a historically disadvantaged primary school in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Abrahams, Roland Anthony; Moletsane, Mokgadi-Kekae
South Africa is amongst the lowest performers in numeracy and literacy in the developing countries, according to Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS 2006). Systemic research conducted by the Western Cape Education Department has pointed to the fact that the literacy and numeracy skills of the learners in the Western Cape are far below what is required for them to learn and develop effectively. Many educators blame parents for learners’ poor academic achievement. This study therefore aims to explore challenges to parental involvement in the homework assignments of learners in a historically disadvantaged primary school in Cape Town. This exploratory qualitative case study followed an interpretive paradigm. Data was collected via field notes; and semi – structured interviews from individuals and focus groups. Thematic data analysis was used to determine challenges to parental involvement in homework assignments of the primary school learners. This research study is grounded on Epstein’s model of overlapping spheres of influence of family, school and community on learners’ learning; six typologies of parental involvement; and on Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological model of human development. General systems theory was kept in mind during the study. Where parents were not involved in homework assignments, it was not a deliberate act. The findings highlighted challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inequalities; lack of educational resources; lack of structure in the home; single parenting, school and community factors, and a lack of educational stimulation that negatively affected parental involvement in homework assignments. The blame that educators apportioned on parents for learners’ poor academic outcomes was thus found to be inaccurate. True systems thinkers never debate whether the cause or the solution is situated in one single system, but considers the interdependence between all the systems. The whole is therefore more important than the sum of the parts. Despite the many challenges that parents experience in helping the learners with homework, the parents still want their children to excel in academic work. Parents in the historically disadvantaged school however seek assistance in how to help the learners with homework assignments.
Cloze tests and reading strategies in English language teaching in China
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Lu, Guangling; Desai, Zubeida; Faculty of Education
Cloze procedure involves the skills of thinking, understanding , reading and writing based on the learners underlying knowledge of reading comprehension and writing subskills such as grammar and sentence construction. It is regarded as a very efficient test for measuring students integrative competence in English, and has been used in most of the important English tests in China. It is also used as a teaching instrument to help students to improve their reading competence. However, a majority of students perform poorly in cloze tests and they regard it as the most difficult and most unpopular part of the English test. The aim of this study was to find out the problem that Chinese students have with cloze tests and to determine whether they are associated with the inefficient use of reading strategies.
Collaboration in inclusive education: teachers’ perspectives and practices
(UWC, 2020) Fodo, Sihle; Stofile, S
Inclusive education (IE) is an international movement and South Africa is in the process of developing systems to support the process. The aim of this study was to develop narratives of teachers’ trajectories of collaboration in developing IE. The Department of Education acknowledged that collaboration between teachers and other professionals and between teachers and parents and the community at large is a critical strategy and skill for developing IE successfully (Department of Education, 2001). This study was conducted at a full-service school in the Western Cape Province which was selected purposively. Snowball sampling was used to select six teachers who were interviewed and observed in their collaborative spaces. This study used a qualitative approach and a case-study approach as a research design. It used Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) as the theoretical framework to understand how teachers respond to the diverse needs of all learners and how they collaborate with others in developing more responsive pedagogies. Multiple methods of data analysis, such as thematic analysis and CHAT, were used to analyze data collected. The study revealed that teachers collaborated in school-initiated collaboration practices as well as in Department owned collaboration practices. Teachers reported to have voluntarily participated in school-initiated collaboration practices as their school had a culture of sharing knowledge and skills and this enabled them to work closely with each other, whereas in Department owned collaboration practices teacher reported that they participated because they had to obey instructions from their employee. Teachers felt that the Department owned collaboration practices used top-down approaches which hindered some of their collaboration practices. Teachers reported to have encountered some benefits from as well as barriers to collaboration. This study concludes that if collaboration is a critical strategy for the successful implementation of IE in South Africa, the Department of Education (DoE) should give schools an opportunity to indicate their areas of need so that they can be trained accordingly. Secondly, the DoE should continuously provide training for teachers on collaboration. Lastly, the DoE and the school should encourage and monitor teachers to continue to create environments where they work collaboratively in decision-making and problem-solving.
Community of enquiry practices in the mathematics and literacy classrooms: a study of two Western Cape primary schools
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Petersen, Karen Elizabeth Debora; Green, Lena
The research explores the effects of Community of Enquiry practices on the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Literacy in two local primary schools. After the 1994 elections, both the government and education system changed in South Africa. With the introduction of Outcomes Based Education (OBE), critical outcomes that emphasized thinking and collaboration became a vital part of the curriculum. Soon after, the Education system adopted the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and thereafter the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS), which maintained these outcomes. The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) was introduced to the Foundation Phase in 2012 and to the Intermediate Phase in 2013 with the Critical Outcomes, (which emphasizes thinking) now stated as the aims of CAPS. However, no guidelines are provided regarding classroom practice. The approach to teaching these aims is not made clear. Lipman’s Philosophy for Children (P4C) is one way of working towards these aims, and promoting thinking and is consistent with many of Vygotsky’s ideas. He initiated ideas about cognitive development in which he refers to the importance of dialogue in which one is able to talk and communicate with others. Vygotsky also emphasised scaffolding where the teacher provides the learner with clues and suggestions in order to develop better problem- solving techniques and thinking habits. His concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD) refers to the individual’s ability to accomplish more or to perform a challenging task with the proper assistance. The development of language is considered important within his theory as Vygotsky believes that individuals are born only with lower mental processes and develop their thinking ability (higher mental processes) by acquiring the thinking tools developed in a particular culture, the most important of which is language. The research followed a qualitative research methodology. The study explored the perceptions of both educators and learners after an intervention based on Philosophy for Children. Qualitative data involved two group interviews with teachers, one with the Cognitive Education Co-ordinator and interviews with four focus groups of selected Grade 5 and 7 learners (12 per group) whose teachers implemented Lipman’s Community of Enquiry pedagogy in the classroom the previous year. Quantitative data included a learner self-rating scale. All the educators of the two schools, who were involved in the classroom Community of Enquiry training, were invited to participate in the study, as were selected learners from the two Grade 5 and 7 classes at each school. I made use of thematic analysis of the interview data from both learners and teachers. Themes within the interviews were identified. Themes pertaining to teacher perception of self-change, teacher perception of learner change, and learner perceptions of self change were identified. During thematic analysis, the three research sub-questions were underlined. These were: (1) What are the teachers’ perceptions of self-change? (2) What are the teachers’ perceptions of learner change? (3) What are the learners’ perceptions of self-change? The conclusion of the study was that P4C has the potential to affect the teachers professionally and to influence the learners positively in Mathematics and Literacy classrooms. Ongoing support in cognitive education is vital in order to reach the aims required for the new CAPS curriculum.
Deurlopende formatiewe assessering in skriftelike stelwerk in graad 5: 'n aksienavorsingsprojek
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Joshua, Elizabeth Caroline; Smith, J; Faculty of Education
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of continuous assessment within the written curriculum in a grade 5 class with Afrikaans as first language.
Developing a strategy to support parents of children who experienced trauma in primary school contexts in the Eastern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Nomhle, Mlonyeni; Kitching, Ansie
Trauma is identified as “the state of severe fright or shock that a person experiences when confronted with a sudden, unexpected, potentially life-threatening event over which the person does not have control and to which the persons are unable to respond effectively” (Dye, 2015, p.158). In South Africa, many children are exposed to traumatic events. Chil-dren therefore need support to deal with trauma. Past studies have shown that traumatised children in some contexts might get support from psychologists, psychiatrists and other health professional specialists. In other contexts, the child might only have the support of a parent. In view of the fact that schools are well positioned to refer children who have expe-rienced trauma, the role of schools in assisting parents to support their children seems im-perative.
Developing a strategy to support parents of children who experienced trauma in primary school contexts in the Eastern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Mlonyeni, Nomhle; Kitching, A. E
Trauma is identified as “the state of severe fright or shock that a person experiences when confronted with a sudden, unexpected, potentially life-threatening event over which the person does not have control and to which the persons are unable to respond effectively” (Dye, 2015, p.158). In South Africa, many children are exposed to traumatic events. Children therefore need support to deal with trauma. Past studies have shown that traumatised children in some contexts might get support from psychologists, psychiatrists and other health professional specialists. In other contexts, the child might only have the support of a parent. In view of the fact that schools are well positioned to refer children who have experienced trauma, the role of schools in assisting parents to support their children seems imperative. The research literature on trauma-informed schools emphasises the important role that schools should play in supporting children who have experienced trauma. However, there is still a gap in the knowledge on the role that schools can play in guiding parents to effectively support children who have experienced trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate what a school-based strategy can do to equip parents and caregivers in resource-restrained contexts to support children who have experienced trauma. A transformative paradigm guided the design of the study. A participatory action research approach was applied in combination with a basic qualitative research design to ensure that the research was con-ducted with and for people rather than on people. The research was conducted in two semi-urban primary schools in the O.R. Tambo Inland District in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The participants included parents, School-Based Support Team members (SBST), School Governing Body (SGB) members as well as health professionals who provide support to children who experience trauma. The data were gathered through a cyclic process that included individual interviews with ten selected parents, two focus group interviews with SBST and SGB members, health professionals, and community members from the local community. Thematic analysis was conducted. The findings of the study contributes to the knowledge on the implementation of the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support Policy (2014) and strengthen the capacity of resource- constrained schools to enhance care and support for children who experience trauma by providing guidelines for engagement with the parents of these children
Experiences of a ‘thinking schools’ initiative: a case study of one Western Cape primary school
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Edries, Rabia; Green, L.
In this study I researched the effectiveness of a ‘Thinking Schools’ initiative at a local primary school between April 2010 and September 2011. I looked at how the school began the journey, what has changed in the school, the contextual factors that have influenced the process and what has sustained the school’s progress. As background to the study I discuss the importance and relevance of learned intelligence as explained by Vygotsky, thinking skills and cognitive education, and the whole school approach as opposed to individual teacher initiatives, as introduced by Burden in the United Kingdom. A local adaptation of Lipman’s ‘Philosophy for Children’ was the focus of this study, as it was chosen by the school as the starting point on their road to becoming a Thinking School. A qualitative research approach was used, using a constructivist paradigm and case study methodology, following the guidelines established by Stake (1995) and Yin (2003). The participants included the principal, together with selected teachers and learners and a curriculum advisor. Data collection took the form of interviews and a rating scale. The study found positive changes in teacher and learner thinking, supported by the ethos and stability of the school environment. The major challenge was that not all stakeholders were involved.
Exploring passion killing and its implications on the academic wellbeing of university students in Botswana and Namibia
(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Eze, Ifeoma Rose-Anna; Moletsane-Kekae, Mokgadi
This study explored the consequences of passion killing (PK) on the academic wellbeing of undergraduates in Botswana and Namibia. The study is motivated by the alarming rate of intimate partner femicide popularly referred to as passion killings in both countries; where dozens of young women are being killed by their jilted and angry boyfriends (who most times commit suicide after the murder). The victims and perpetrators are the future generation youths; and noticeably, this monstrous crime had permeated awfully into the universities in some African countries. However, to date, there is paucity of information on the influence of such occurrence on the academic wellbeing of undergraduates. The study employed qualitative research approach, with intrinsic case study design. It was grounded in interpretative paradigm. The participants were purposefully selected given the nature of the study as well as the site; the study used snowball purposive sampling. The samples were of six participants and the data was obtained through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The data were coded and thematic analysis was used to analyse the content. Member checking procedures were also employed to assess the credibility and trustworthiness of the study as well as the suitability of the subjects in order to ensure that the results of the study were dependable and could be confirmed. The study adhered to the professional research ethical considerations like voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity and avoidance of harm. The study found that incidence of PK is still burgeoning in the locations of study and very rampant among the young people; the victims are largely women. It is established from the data collected during in depth interviews with the students that passion killing has negative influence on the academic wellbeing of students in tertiary institutions in Botswana and Namibia. It causes social shock which leaves students in disconnected and disenchanted relationships; causes psychological trauma leading to feelings of insecurity and instability which affects their learning and concentration.
Foreign students: the Lesotho students' reasons, learning and social experiences in the Western Cape, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2000) Kuili, Anna Malihlano; Paterson, Andrew; Kallaway, Peter; Faculty of Education
The aim of this study was to find out the academic and social experience of Lesotho students who studied at institutions of higher in the Western Cape between 1990-1997.
Group polarization in decision making: a study of selected secondary school disciplinary panels in Rongo District of Kenya
(University of Western Cape, 2012) Aloka, Peter Jairo O.; Bojuwoye, Olaniyi
Behaviour problems have been on the rise in Kenyan schools for some time now. Various maladaptive behaviours found among school children include bullying, vandalism, stealing, alcohol and drug abuse, truancy, not completing homework assignments and other forms of problem behaviours. These problem behaviours impact negatively on the teaching and learning enterprises of schools as well as on the safety and security of the school environment. As consequence, schools have to develop student behaviour management practices aimed at addressing student problem behaviours. Corporal punishment was a major means by which schools dealt with students’ problem behaviours. However, because of the human rights abuses associated with corporal punishment, the Kenyan Ministry of Education had to abolish corporal punishment in 2001 and instructed schools to evolve more effective student behaviour management practices with strong emphasis on positive student behaviour development. Schools’ student behaviour management practices including policies on student behaviour expectations, school rules and regulations as well as counselling services are all to be coordinated by each School Disciplinary Panel. A School Disciplinary Panel is to be composed of small group of teachers as a way of emphasizing the latter’s roles in student behaviour development and not just student academic or educational development. The central concern of this study was to investigate the Kenyan schools’ behaviour management practices as being implemented by School Disciplinary Panels especially in the latter’s responses to students’ problem behaviours. The study investigated processes of decision making by Kenyan secondary school disciplinary panels for the management of student behaviours and the contribution of this to student behaviour development. Mixed methods research design was adopted for the study. The adoption of both quantitative and qualitative approaches was to ensure the collection of comprehensive information for better understanding of the behaviour management practices of Kenyan schools. The population for the study comprised all Kenyan schools with behaviour management practices and School Disciplinary Panels. Rongo District, one of the largest education districts in Kenya was chosen for the study. Ten of the schools in this district were actually involved in the study. The selection of the schools took into consideration the three different types of schools in Kenya (Girls’ Only, Boys’ Only and Co-educational schools) as well as other variables of particular interest to the study. Seventy-eight (78) disciplinary panel members from the ten selected schools were the participants of the study. Data collection was by use of questionnaire method (the Modified Choice Dilemma Questionnaire, MCDQ) and interview protocol. The findings of the study revealed the existence of the phenomenon of group polarization in decision making processes of disciplinary hearings conducted by the School Disciplinary Panels. Study findings also revealed that the nature of information shared during disciplinary hearings, group members’ motivation for approval of others and their concern for their status in the group as well as the personality characteristics of the members of the disciplinary panels (including gender, age, teaching experiences and school affiliation) were the major influences responsible for the existence of group polarization in the disciplinary processes of the Kenyan secondary school disciplinary panels. Since group polarization is about consensus decisions with characteristics of being collective decisions as well as greater support and acceptance for the decisions the conclusion of the study is that good quality decisions of Kenyan secondary school disciplinary panels have great potentials for effective management of student behaviours and for positive behavioural development of students as an important objective of education and or the schools.
HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of FET College students: implications for sexual health promotion
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Moodley, Colleen Gail; Phillips, Joliana; NULL; Faculty of Education
The quantitative findings indicated high levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, self-concept and self-efficacy. Risky sexual behaviour was measured in terms of condom use and the number of sexual partners in the 12 months prior to the study with males reporting significantly more risky sexual behaviour. More males (70% vs. 43 % females) reported no condom use when engaging in sex. More males (62 % vs. 28 % females) reported having had two or more sexual partners in the 12 months prior to the study. Results also suggested that an increase in knowledge of HIV/AIDS would predict an increase in the use of condoms particularly for males. Lower self-efficacy seemed to predict an increase in the number of sexual partners for males. The focus group discussions highlighted students' views of HIV/AIDS knowledge in relation to their sexual practices, attitudes and sexual decision-making. Influences such as personal factors (self-concept and self-efficacy), social factors (e.g. peer influences, gender, and status) and environmental factors (e.g. media) were investigated. Participants also commented on the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS campaigns and the adequacy in provision of health services at college and community level. From the findings, guidelines were developed which may be used to reflect on current intervention programmes and may be considered when developing future interventions programmes, policies, or campaigns in promoting safer sexual practices amongst youth as a means of addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Investigating a comparison of the factors influencing teachers’ attitudes toward inclusion of learners with specific learning disorder with the reading subtype and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in public ordinary schools
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Ahmed, Wardah; Stofile, Sindiswa
Inclusive education is practised globally as well as in South Africa and is researched widely. South Africa’s policy document, Education White Paper 6: Special Needs Education: Building an Inclusive Education and Training system was implemented in 2001. This policy is grounded in human rights and strives to promote the rights of children who have disabilities by including them in mainstream schools. The attitudes that teachers have toward the inclusion of learners with disabilities influence the success of the implementation of this policy as teachers are at the forefront of implementing it

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