Magister Social Work -MSW

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/12290

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Family reunification services to children in child and youth care centres in the Cape Metropole: a social work perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Van Wyk, Mareldia Joseph
A significant number of children around the world are living in circumstances that necessitate the need for social service intervention and ultimately removal, with placement in alternative care. In South Africa, the placement of children in child and youth care centres (CYCCs) has increased over the last decade with social workers facing many challenges during the family reunification process. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of social workers in the family reunification process of families and children in CYCCs. A qualitative approach using a combination of an exploratory and descriptive design was employed. The population of the study was social workers rendering family reunification services to families and children in the Cape Metropole. Purposive sampling was used to select 11 social workers from the selected area. Semi-structured in-depth individual interviews were conducted to gain an understanding of the participant’s experiences on the family reunification process in CYCCs. The data was analysis thematically using the ethics of care as lens to explore the experiences of social workers. Ethics approval to conduct the study was obtained from the University of the Western Cape Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee. The findings indicate that there is a lack of cooperation and coordination between residential and designated social workers that hinder reunification process.
An exploration of the challenges hindering implementation of learning programmes at special care centres
(Univesrity of the Western Cape, 2024) Emmanuel, Anthea Ellen
The high demand for special care centres for children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities (CSPID) in the Cape Metropole, led to several special care centres (SCCs) emerging in recent years. However, implementing the learning programmes (LPs) in SCCs pose problems regarding the quality of care and the well-being of CSPID. This qualitative case study aimed to understand the challenges that hinder the implementation of LPs provided by special care centres for CSPID. Using a combination of an exploratory and descriptive design, a developmental perspective was employed to investigate this phenomenon. The study population was transversal outreach teams (educational psychologists, physiotherapists [psysio], occupational therapists [OT], speech-language therapists, and learning support educators), programme implementers, caregivers and centre managers, who form a multidisciplinary team employed at special care centres in the Cape Metropole, the study setting. Purposive sampling was used to select 31 participants. Three focus groups were conducted with three to six participants per group, involving caregivers, programme implementers and CSPID teams while individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with the managers of the selected SCCs in the Metropole. Thematic analysis was conducted to develop themes and sub- themes. Ethics approval was obtained from the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of the Western Cape, and permission to conduct the study was granted from the Western Cape Department of Education and the selected SCCs.
Ayurveda as a model of intervention in treating substance use disorders in adults: a systematic review
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Pather, Karusha; Carelse, Shernaaz
Western modalities are dominating treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) while alternative modalities are secondary and or use in conjunction with western modalities. Ayurveda is one such alternative holistic model that have been used in treating adults with a SUD. However, this ancient model is not well known in the social work fraternity and therefore requires exploration in terms of its effective use for treating SUDs in adults. This qualitative systematic review (SR) investigated existing literature on the issue with the aim to identify the effective use of Ayurveda as an intervention model in social work for treating adults with a SUD. The aim therefore was to identify the methods used in Ayurveda for treating adults with a SUD. The ethics of care as proposed by Joan Tronto was used to contextualise the study and the findings. Research studies conducted between 2012-2023, in English, in which qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches were used were selected, using search terms related to the use of Ayurveda as a model for treating adults with a SUD. Selected texts were evaluated for quality using the open access RE-AIM critical appraisal tool and an adapted version of the PRISMA flow chart as proposed by Page et al. (2021) were used to display the results obtained through the appraisal process. Thematic data analysis as proposed by Braun and Clark (2006) was used and trustworthiness were ensured by conferring a second reviewer regarding the SR process and authenticity of the findings. Ethics approval to conduct the study was obtained from the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC) at UWC where the researcher is registered for the Master of Social Work degree.
The experiences of residents at a homeless shelter
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Mango, Vongai; De Jager, MS
Homelessness is a worldwide problem that has affected so many people. In the developed countries, there has been lots of research done to understand what it is and how this problem can be eradicated. In the developing countries, there are few studies that have been done and most people do not really understand what homelessness is and what impact it has on the individual and the society in whole. The researcher identified a lack of research on the homeless and understanding the experiences of these individuals.
An exploration of students' perceptions and experiences of an online social work module at the University of the Western Cape'
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Bozalek, Vivienne; Brey, Fairoza
This study examines students' experiences and perceptions of an online social work ethics module at the University of the Western Cape. Online learning as a teaching medium was introduced in 2005, in a newly devised social work module, and was internally evaluated by the module leader. This study concentrates on the perceptions and experiences of the student cohort from 2006 - 2008. The research methodology used was located in the qualitative research paradigm' This included drawing on data obtained from students' responses to online journals from 2006-2008, a semi structured questionnaire administered to the 2008 cohort, and a focus group discussion conducted with the 2008 cohort. Documentary analysis was used to examine the online journal entries. Subsequently a thematic analysis was conducted on responses received from the semi- structured questionnaire and the focus group discussions.. The major findings of the study were that online pedagogy was assisted by having access to computers. Online learning provided access to information and cost savings to students, enhanced student's computer and time management skills, improved students' abilities to take responsibility for learning, and learning was perceived to be enjoyable and interesting. The challenges, on the other hand, were ascribed to technological problems experienced such as limited bandwidth, which impacted on students not being able to submit assignments timeously. On the negative side, many students reported that they were challenged by using the technology and required more training, that they would have wanted more face-to-face learning and that they had concerns about physical health and safety related to exposure to their computers for lengthy periods of time. The findings showed that there is an overwhelming support for online learning despite the challenges experienced. This general perception alludes to the fact that online learning has numerous benefits and these benefits can be increased if consideration is given to the inherent challenges.
Perceptions and experiences of females regarding adolescent sexual risk behaviour, after their participation in a youth development programme in a selected community in the Eastern Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Makeleni, Vuyokazi Thelma; Carelse, Shernaaz
There is a high prevalence of sexual risk behaviour among adolescent females in South Africa. As such several intervention programmes are being offered by government, non-profit organisations and the private sector. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand adolescent females’ experiences and perceptions regarding adolescent sexual risk behaviour after their involvement in a youth development programme, offered by the Department of Social Development, in a selected community in the Eastern Cape, South Arica. As such a combination of an exploratory and descriptive design was employed, using a feminist approach to contextualise the phenomenon under investigation. Fifteen females between 18 and 25 years who participated in the YOLO programme participated in the study. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic data analysis yielded five themes and several subthemes. The findings indicate that adolescents engage in risky sexual behaviours from a very early age. The beneficial impact of the YOLO programme, its contribution towards improved decision making, reduced sexual risk behaviours and awareness of the influence of peer pressure are key findings. Recommendations for policy, social work practice and further research are offered. These include the need for research that addresses sexual risk behaviours in pre-adolescence. Improved insight into how to target sexual risk behaviours during pre-adolescence are regarded as a significant preventative measure. Moreover, government and policy makers should conduct more rigorous evaluations of youth development programmes focused on reducing risky sexual behaviour. Ethical clearance was granted by the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee, at the University of the Western Cape, and the Department of Social Development in the Eastern Cape.
Social work students’ experiences of online learning and teaching during the Covid-19 national lockdown
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Hlatshwayo, Lindokuhle Precious; Van der Westhuizen, Marichen
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged higher education institutions to close their campuses for the purpose of managing and controlling the spread of the coronavirus during the national lockdown. Institutions had to migrate from blended learning and teaching to emergency online learning and teaching only, posing challenges to the learning experiences of student social workers. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of student social workers and educators regarding online learning and teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the influence of socioeconomic factors on student social workers’ academic experiences.
Women's experiences encountering loss and grief in Nyanga, Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) McLea, Hilary Follett; Beytell, Anna-Marie
Research on loss and grief is based on Western contexts and assumes a level of safety and security within which bereaved individuals can be supported in coming to a resolution of their loss. The lives of women in Nyanga are however marked by various forms of violence and insecurity. Secure housing, stable employment and regular household income are not assumed. Individual physical safety is not assured either inside or outside the home. In this context grief and loss is experienced on such a scale that it has become normative rather than the exception. The aim of this research was to explore women's experiences of loss and grief in Nyanga. The objectives were to explore and describe these experiences and the contexts that influenced these experiences. The researcher has adopted a qualitative phenomenological research approach using in-depth interviews with women experiencing loss and grief following violent death. The population will be women experiencing loss and grief in Nyanga, Western Cape. Non-probability snowball sampling was used. The sample size was determined by data saturation due to the phenomenological nature of the study. The findings were primarily the loss of a sense of family, of overall health and long term economic insecurity. Coupled with this was the inability of government and community structures to offer support. Prolonged grief was a finding. Personally developed systems of support were uncovered and the importance of spirituality and prayer was noted. The context was violent deaths. It was found that these deaths are multiple and commonly experienced. The location of the deaths was within the victims home or in the near vicinity. Recommendations are made for work in economically deprived communities experiencing a high rate of violent deaths. These are for new ways to be developed to support and enhance family life and enable new ways of parenting. Governmental and community structures response to this phenomenon will require changes in policing and the local councils role in the community. Guidelines for social workers working in such communities are for a focus on community models of engagement. Group support and group facilitation rather than a focus on casework with individuals is proposed. Harnessing the knowledge and skills of local women and working collectively is suggested.
Challenges of integrating theory and practice in social work teaching and learning
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Carelse, Shernaaz; Terblanche, SS
Global and national standards for social work training have for a very long time required that institutions of higher learning include a theoretical as well as a practical component into the social work programme. The integration of theory and practice is purposefully aimed at enhancing the student's competency and skills (SAQA, 2003:9). The introduction of Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) in South Africa (Government Gazette No. 19640, 1998) has confirmed the need for addressing challenges relating to integration of theory and practice. Assessments of social work fieldwork competence at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) indicate that the majority of the students in the third year of study struggle to integrate theory and practice resulting in low level competence in Intermediate Fieldwork Education (University of the Western Cape Quality assurance report: Intermediate Fieldwork, 2007). In addition to the aforementioned, student reports indicate that there is a perception that the classroom learning, the supervision and fieldwork practice often are not sufficient to facilitate the integration of theory and practice. The lack of integration of theory and practice results in students not achieving the expected learning outcomes. This is an urgent concern in social work education and it seems most appropriate to learn from the people who are closely affected by and involved in this issue. The focus of the study was thus on the challenges experienced by social work students, their lecturers and fieldwork supervisors at UWC regarding the integration of theory and practice at intermediate level in the context of OBE. Hence I used a qualitative approach as I wanted to study the challenges of theory and practice integration from an insiders' perspective. This is appropriate when the goal of research is to describe and understand a social issue. For this reason I selected an exploratory-descriptive research design and an instrumental research strategy to study the issue of theory and practice integration in the selected programme. The population of the study was third year social work students at UWC and also a selected group of third year social 'work students from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), social work lecturers from UWC and field supervisors form agencies in the Western Cape where social work students are placed. Purposive sampling were utilized to select sixteen third year social work students from UWC, seven NMMU students, sixteen field supervisors and eight lecturers from UWC. Data were collected by means of individual interviews as well as focus group sessions from students and field supervisors and by means of written responses to an open -ended guide from lecturers. Data were analyzed by means of thematic, content analysis. Relevant literature findings on constructivism, cooperative learning and social work teaching and learning in particular were compared to the findings of the case study exploration. Literature pertaining to social work teaching and learning in the context of ELOs is limited and therefore further justifies the need for this research. The findings indicated that participants in this study experienced challenges with regard to theory and practice integration on various levels and to different extents. They attribute these challenges to a variety of factors relating to the construction of knowledge in the classroom and in the fieldwork setting as well as personal challenges experienced by students. Hence I made various recommendations with regard to collaborative teaching and learning strategies within the classroom and fieldwork setting as well recommendations based on the conclusions of findings relating to students' personal challenges.
An exploration of experiences of youth exiting foster care system
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Sotshononda, Thozama; Mthembu, Thuli G.
Foster care is a major area of interest within the field of social work studies. The South African welfare system has not done enough to assist the youth exiting the system. This study aimed to explore and describe the experiences and support systems for youth exiting the foster care system. A qualitative exploratory-descriptive research approach was utilized with of focus group discussions, which were thematically analysed. The Humanities Social Science Research Ethics Committee ethically approved this study. Four themes were identified: insight into foster care system, challenges experienced by the youth exiting care, support needed by youth exiting care and challenges experienced by the social workers to manage foster care placements.
Clinical and Counselling Psychology Student Attitudes and Receptiveness towards Evidence-Based Practice
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Fritz, Nabillia Jocasta; Padmanabhanunni, Anita
Evidence-based practice (EBP) has been internationally recognised as the gold standard for the provision of safe and compassionate health care, and entails integrating clinical expertise with the best available research evidence in order to make effective decisions about the care of patients. The adoption of EBP remains slow, and this has been identified as a significant public health concern as few people with mental disorders in South Africa are treated using evidence-based psychological treatments (EBTs). Proponents of EBP have argued that the most effective way of sustaining the use of EBTs is by adopting EBP as a guiding pedagogical principle in professional psychology training programmes. For such efforts to be successful, it is pertinent to assess the receptiveness of the target population. Attitudes towards EBP remain the top indicator of successful adoption. The current study explored the attitudes and receptiveness towards EBP among clinical and counselling psychology students (N=57) at 11 accredited institutions nationally. Participation in the study was voluntary and the procedure followed all ethical requirements. All data collection occurred online. Participants completed a general questionnaire, the Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes Scale-15 (EBPAS-15) and the Organisational Culture and Readiness for System-wide Integration of Evidence-based Practice (OCRSIEP) Scale All data collection instruments demonstrated sound psychometric properties. A major finding of this study was that clinical and counselling psychology students reported favourable attitudes and receptiveness towards the adoption of EBP. The overall score on the EBPAS-15 indicated that students were likely to adopt EBP, while results on the ORCSIEP overall score indicated that they were receptive towards EBP and were ready to adopt EBP. An exploration of the association between attitudes and receptiveness towards EBP indicated that no correlation exists. Additionally, factors such as age, gender, psychology programme enrolment and preferred therapeutic orientation were not significantly associated with attitudes and receptiveness towards EBP. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that there is a sound foundation on which to incorporate EBP into the professional training programmes of psychology students.
Exploring the effects of parental substance abuse on perceived family well-being in a selected rural area in the Western Cape province
(University of Western Cape, 2020) Frans, Zanelle; Dykes, Glynnis; Carelse, Shernaaz
Substance abuse is a global phenomenon and a leading social issue that affects the user and the well-being of the user’s family. Parental substance abuse in particular, has a negative impact on family well-being. South Africa is no exception and is rated by the United Nations as one of the countries in Southern Africa with the highest rate of substance abuse. The Western Cape has very high rates of substance abuse, and the effects on the abuser’s family and community is of great concern for social and health practitioners
Exploring the role of the parent in the aftercare of their adolescent children who participated in a treatment programme for substance abuse
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Felkers, Karen; Schenck, Catherina
Substance abuse remains a debilitating social issue for many people in South Africa. It generally has a devastating effect on family life, and especially so when adolescents become dependent on substances, as it can have an adverse impact on their development. Interventions with adolescents include dealing with often complex developmental issues, dependence on family, and their support, which requires therapists to have special skills and patience to engage them in often complex treatment outcomes. The parent of a substance abusing adolescent is considered a role player in the aftercare of a substance abuse treatment programme as defined by the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 70 of 2008. The role of the parent is defined by their ability to monitor and supervise the adolescent and susceptible they are to adapt their parenting style to the suit the developmental needs of the child. The study sought to explore and describe the dynamics involved with parents and adolescents who have been through such a programme and how that can be utilised to influence their sobriety. This qualitative study, embedded in an exploratory descriptive research design, explored the role of the parent in the aftercare of their adolescent children who participated in a treatment programme for substance abuse. The population for this study included parents of adolescents who participated in a treatment programme for substance abuse and living in Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Purposive sampling was utilised to access 17 participants, and focus group, group and individual interviews were conducted as the data collection methods. The research interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed according to Moustakas (1994), and nine main themes emerged. The findings of the study will inform service providers and organs of State regarding the services needed to ensure continued support for adolescents who have been abusing substances. The main themes relating to the goal of the study were understanding the term ‘aftercare’, reflections on why adolescents were abusing substances, reflecting on experiences while the adolescent was abusing substances, parents’ experiences after the adolescent returned home, expectations of adolescents after treatment, parents’ views of what the adolescent in recovery needs, parental roles and responsibilities in recovery, informal support to the adolescent and his/her parents and descriptions of social workers in aftercare.
Exploring the risks and resilience experienced by day labourers at a hiring site in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Mapendere, Professor; Schenck, Catherina J.
Although the practice of day labouring can be traced back for centuries, it has become a steadily growing global phenomenon and has significant implications for the populations and economies of both developed and developing countries. In South Africa, the day labour market serves as a catchment area for the fallout from a formal economy which is unable to provide employment to all South Africans. The day labourers are often excluded from the benefits of modern societies, such as access to social services, opportunities for employment, and adequate incomes. This study took the form of a qualitative case study and made use of an ethnographic research design. The qualitative data was collected through the conducting of semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and by making use of photovoice, while the quantitative data was generated through the administration of a questionnaire. The triangulation of several sets of data ensured the trustworthiness of the findings. The research population for the study comprised the day labourers who gathered at a particular hiring site in Cape Town. The qualitative data was analysed by means of thematic analysis, while the quantitative data was analysed by means of the SPSS software package to generate descriptive statistics, which were represented graphically in the findings in the form of pie charts and bar graphs. Although there were inherent limitations in the data which was obtained, it nevertheless provided valuable insights into the plight of day labourers in South Africa.
Investigating the Gamma-ray Strength Function in 74Ge using the Ratio Method
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Sowazi, Khanyisa; Wiedeking, Mathis
An increasing number of measurements reveal the presence of a low-energy enhancement in the gamma-ray strength function (GSF). The GSF, which is the ability of nuclei to absorb or emit rays, provides insight into the statistical properties of atomic nuclei. For this project the GSF was studied for 74Ge which was populated in the reaction 74Ge(p,p')74Ge* at a beam energy of 18 MeV. The data were collected with the STARS-LIBERACE array at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Silicon detector telescopes were used for particle identi cation and rays in coincidence were detected with 5 clover-type high-purity germanium detectors. Through the analysis particle- - coincidence events were constructed. These events, together with well-known energy levels, were used to identify primary rays from the quasicontinuum. Primary rays from a broad excitation energy region, which decay to six 2+ states could be identi ed. These states and the associated primary rays are used to measure the GSF for 74Ge with the Ratio Method [1], which entails taking ratios of e ciency-corrected primary -ray intensities from the quasicontinuum. Results from the analysis of the data and focus on the existence of the low-energy enhancement in 74Ge will be discussed. The results are further discussed in the context of other work done on 74Ge using the ( , ') [2], (3He,3He') [3] and ( , ') [4] reactions.
Investigating the Gamma-ray Strength Function in 74Ge using the Ratio Method
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Sowazi, Khanyisa; Wiedeking, Mathis
An increasing number of measurements reveal the presence of a low-energy enhancement in the gamma-ray strength function (GSF). The GSF, which is the ability of nuclei to absorb or emit rays, provides insight into the statistical properties of atomic nuclei. For this project the GSF was studied for 74Ge which was populated in the reaction 74Ge(p,p')74Ge* at a beam energy of 18 MeV. The data were collected with the STARS-LIBERACE array at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Silicon detector telescopes were used for particle identi cation and rays in coincidence were detected with 5 clover-type high-purity germanium detectors. Through the analysis particle- - coincidence events were constructed. These events, together with well-known energy levels, were used to identify primary rays from the quasicontinuum. Primary rays from a broad excitation energy region, which decay to six 2+ states could be identi ed. These states and the associated primary rays are used to measure the GSF for 74Ge with the Ratio Method [1], which entails taking ratios of e ciency-corrected primary -ray intensities from the quasicontinuum. Results from the analysis of the data and focus on the existence of the low-energy enhancement in 74Ge will be discussed. The results are further discussed in the context of other work done on 74Ge using the ( , ') [2], (3He,3He') [3] and ( , ') [4] reactions.
Xhosa-speaking gay men's experiences of Ulwaluko and its influence on their constructions of masculine identity
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Mashabane, Bridgetti; Henderson, N.
Ulwaluko' is traditionally a heterosexual Xhosa male circumcision rite of passage to manhood which defines their masculinity and educates them on their responsibilities as a heterosexual man. There is nothing in this rite which focuses on homosexual manhood. Despite the notable progressive legislation on Gay Rights in South Africa, there has been limited research on whether gay men engage in the circumcision rite of Ulwaluko and if they do, what are their experiences in relation to their identity as a gay man? The theory of hegemonic masculinity was utilized to critically analyze how gay men construct their masculine identity. The main aim of the study was to explore and describe Xhosa-speaking gay men's experience of Ulwaluko and how this had influenced their construction of a masculine identity. This study focused on addressing the following research question; "What are the experiences of Ulwaluko of Xhosa-speaking gay men and how has it influenced their construction of a masculine identity?" In attempting to answer the research question, the study used a Qualitative Research methodology, adopting an exploratory and descriptive research design.
Xhosa-speaking gay men's experiences of Ulwaluko and its influence on their constructions of masculine identity
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Mashabane, Bridgetti; Henderson, N.
Ulwaluko' is traditionally a heterosexual Xhosa male circumcision rite of passage to manhood which defines their masculinity and educates them on their responsibilities as a heterosexual man. There is nothing in this rite which focuses on homosexual manhood. Despite the notable progressive legislation on Gay Rights in South Africa, there has been limited research on whether gay men engage in the circumcision rite of Ulwaluko and if they do, what are their experiences in relation to their identity as a gay man? The theory of hegemonic masculinity was utilized to critically analyze how gay men construct their masculine identity. The main aim of the study was to explore and describe Xhosa-speaking gay men's experience of Ulwaluko and how this had influenced their construction of a masculine identity. This study focused on addressing the following research question; "What are the experiences of Ulwaluko of Xhosa-speaking gay men and how has it influenced their construction of a masculine identity?" In attempting to answer the research question, the study used a Qualitative Research methodology, adopting an exploratory and descriptive research design.
A comparative study of family functioning and parenting styles between families of substance users and non-users in Grabouw
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Essop, Roshin; Schenck, Catherina; Roman, Nicolette
Substance use amongst youth in Grabouw has been recognised as a concern by the community. Essentially parenting styles and family functioning are important contributors to adolescents‘ engagement in substance use. Adolescence is a sensitive time for youths as they are faced with many developmental changes; consequently it is vital for positive parenting styles and healthy family functioning to be present to ensure healthy development. However, previous research shows that families of substance users do not function in a healthy manner and tend to have negative parenting styles. The aim of this study is to compare family functioning and parenting styles within the families of substance users and non-users in Grabouw. The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional, correlational comparative design. The sample consisted of 300 adolescents between the ages of 15-17 years in schools in Grabouw. The participants completed the McMaster Family Assessment Device (FAD) and the Parenting Styles Dimension Questionnaire (PSDQ). Descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation were used to analyse the data. A t-test was used to determine the differences between groups. The findings of the study show that there is no difference in family functioning between the user and non-user groups. Notably, findings reveal that authoritative and permissive parenting styles are the prevalent parenting styles in both user and non-user groups. Furthermore the results indicate that the authoritarian parenting style was higher in the substance using group. The findings also show that there is no correlation between family functioning and the authoritative parenting style.
Successful first-year students' perceptions and experiences of retention and throughput at a selected FET College
(University of the Western cape, 2011) Hartley-Ohlson, Sharifa; Beytell, Anna-Marie
The Further Education and Training Colleges Sector is a new phenomenon and attract students from school who are unprepared for the rigours of further education and training. This could have a direct impact on retention and throughput of first-year students in the sector. Against this backdrop student retention and success or throughput is a critical topic for further education and training in the public FET Colleges. The goal of this research was to explore and describe the challenges of retention and throughput from the perceptions and experiences of successful first-year students based on the assumption that lessons can be learned from this. The objectives were to explore and describe successful first-year students’ perceptions and experiences of retention and throughput a selected FET college; make recommendations to the management of the FET college sector; and to describe the role of social work to increase retention. An explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was adopted for the purpose of the study. It was conducted at Northlink FET College, Protea campus in Bellville, Cape Town. The population encompasses academic inclusion criteria for homogeneity and included all successful first-year students who met the minimum pass requirements for all their subjects in the national examination results of November 2007 and the supplementary examination results of February 2008. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the sample of 21 participants. Focus group interviews were facilitated by a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were conducted in English and Afrikaans to accommodate the diversity of the participants. The data analysis and verification were done according to the framework recommended by Cresswell (1998). The findings of the study revealed that the following factors are strong predictors for student retention and success: Environmental influences within the college contribute to successful throughput and retention. These include financial aid, student support and developmental services, monitoring student progress, study programs and safety of the college. Public internet, library and transport services were experienced as important essentials which contributed significantly to the retention and success of the participants. The participants experienced the lack of an internet and library service, and study facility at the campus a major challenge to overcome. Student support in the form of group support or peer help, study groups, student counselling and referral for rehabilitation services were key determinants or predictors for the retention and throughput of the participants. The importance of trusting relationships also featured as key factors in the form of family and role models contributing to the success and persistence of the participants. Relationships in the academic environment with the academic staff and their communication styles of practicing such as flexible communication channels and democratic authoritarian relationship building contributed significantly to the receptiveness of learning and the success and persistence of the participants.Key factors with regards to the significant strengths of the participants which have contributed to their retention and throughput highlighted by the findings of the study included self-efficacy with its underpinning developmental intrinsic aspects self-discipline,self-esteem, independent decision-making, locus of control and acquiring essentials skills to adapt to student life. These attributes are strong predictors of student success and retention as have emerged from the findings of the study. Personal challenges such as hard times, drug abuse, learning disabilities, health problems and single parenting were indicated by the participants as strong predictors to rise above these adversities by persisting and succeed to enjoy a good quality life. The participants’ perception of education and employment were inter-linked toward an outcome for economic benefit and also perceived as a strong predictor for retention and throughput. Other factors indicated by the participants that have contributed to their retention and throughput, are neighbourhood and socio-economic background. The findings of this research study are generally in line with most of the studies conducted at community colleges internationally, and with some of the studies conducted at institutions of Higher Education in South Africa.

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