The aim of my study was to explore and describe the possible effects of family rituals as an asset during the process through which children give meaning to their experiences. I undertook an empirical study of limited extent. My study was qualitative by nature and conducted from the interpretivist paradigm. I used an instrumental case study as research design and employed educational psychological assessment, semi-structured interviews, informal conversations, reflective journals by the participants and myself, visual data (photographs), observation and field notes as data collection and documentation methods. I selected two Afrikaans-speaking primary school children and their parents from a nuclear family as participants in the study. The findings of my empirical study are supported by relevant literature with regard to the main concepts guiding the study, namely family, ritual, routine and family ritual, asset, meaning giving and children. The main findings were that the five dimensions of family rituals (structure, meaning, persistence and commitment, adaptability and gender relations), as identified in existing literature, were present in the family’s rituals with the possibility of adding other dimensions to these mentioned, such as task completion, communication, roles, affective management, affective involvement and behaviour management. Furthermore I found that the family’s rituals, with some exceptions, positively impacted on the children’s giving of meaning to themselves and the family rituals. Asset-based outcomes were also evident in the meaning the children gave to their experiences following the practicing of family rituals. Lastly I found that the family’s rituals served as an asset within the family. / Dissertation (MEd (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

Afrikaans text / Met hierdie studie is beoog om leerders se persepsies van skool vas te stel en om riglyne vir ouers daar te stel om leerders met negatiewe persepsies van skool te hanteer. Daar is beoog om hierdie riglyne deur middel van praktiese modelle en werksvelle te implementeer sodat ouers begrip vir kinders se persepsies kan verkry en dat konflik opgelos kan word deur middel van positiewe kommunikasie. In die literatuurstudie word ondersoek ingestel na persepsievorming en die oorsake vir die vorming van negatiewe persepsies van skool. ‘n Persepsie word gevorm deurdat betekenis aan ‘n ervaring, op grond van die persoon se verwysingsraamwerk gegee word. Interne- sowel as eksterne faktore speel ‘n rol wanneer persepsies gevorm word. Eksterne faktore behels die verhouding met rolspelers soos: die ouers, die skool en onderwysers, die portuurgroep en die leerder se verhouding met homself. Interne faktore wat in hierdie studie ondersoek is, behels: lokus van kontrole, motivering, emosionele probleme, kognitiewe probleme en gedragsprobleme.Die navorsingsprobleem is verken met behulp van ‘n loodsondersoek as ‘n voortoets en diagnostiese vraelys wat deur die navorsingsgroep van 50 leerders voltooi is. Onderhoude is met vyf leerders gevoer oor hulle ervaringe en behoeftes met betrekking tot hulle persepsies van skool. Bevindinge dui aan dat ongeveer ‘n vyfde van die skool se leerders oor ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool beskik. In die vraelys is leerders se persepsies ten opsigte van verskeie rolspelers vasgestel. Daar bestaan behoefte by leerders dat ouers betrokke en ondersteunend sal wees en dat ouers begrip vir hulle persepsies sal toon. Deur middel van praktiese diagramme en werksvelle is begrip en positiewe kommunikasie tussen ouer en kind bewerkstellig. In Hoofstuk 6 word praktiese riglyne aan ouers gegee oor hoe om sy kind, met ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool, te hanteer. Op hierdie wyse is gepoog dat leerders positiewe ervaringe sal geniet; ‘n positiewe verwysingsraamwerk sal vorm en sodoende positiewe persepsies van skool sal vorm. ‘n Bydrae is ten opsigte van ouerleiding gelewer. Ouers word toegerus om ‘n kind met negatiewe persepsies van skool met begrip te hanteer. / The aim of this study was to determine learners’ perceptions of school and to provide guidelines for parents to deal with negative perceptions of school. These guidelines were implemented using practical models as well as work sheets. These were specifically aimed at enhancing parents’ understanding of the negative perceptions and resolving conflict through positive communication. In the literary study, the constitution of perceptions as well as the causes of the constitution of negative perceptions was investigated. A perception is established when a person gives meaning to an experience based on that person’s frame of reference. Internal and external factors play a part when perceptions are constituted. External factors in this study entail the relationship with parents, school and teachers, peer group and the learner's relationship with himself. Internal factors referred to in this study are locus of control, motivation, emotional problems, cognitive problems and behavioural problems. vii The research problem was explored using a pilot investigation as pre-test. A diagnostic questionnaire was also completed by 50 learners. Five learners were interviewed about their experiences and needs specifically in relation to their perceptions of school. Findings show that approximately one fifth of the learners of the school have negative perceptions of school. In the questionnaire, the learners’ perceptions with respect to a variety of role players were determined. There is a definite need for parents to be involved and supportive. Learners also need them to show understanding for their perceptions. Positive communication and understanding between parents and learners were established through practical diagrams and work sheets. In Chapter 6 practical guidelines are given to equip parents to understand how to handle the child with negative perceptions. The aim of this was to encourage learners to enjoy positive experiences, to form a positive frame of reference and therefore develop positive perceptions of school. A contribution towards parental guidance was made. Parents are left equipped to deal with a child with negative perceptions of school. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)

Afrikaans text / Met hierdie studie is beoog om leerders se persepsies van skool vas te stel en om riglyne vir ouers daar te stel om leerders met negatiewe persepsies van skool te hanteer. Daar is beoog om hierdie riglyne deur middel van praktiese modelle en werksvelle te implementeer sodat ouers begrip vir kinders se persepsies kan verkry en dat konflik opgelos kan word deur middel van positiewe kommunikasie. In die literatuurstudie word ondersoek ingestel na persepsievorming en die oorsake vir die vorming van negatiewe persepsies van skool. ‘n Persepsie word gevorm deurdat betekenis aan ‘n ervaring, op grond van die persoon se verwysingsraamwerk gegee word. Interne- sowel as eksterne faktore speel ‘n rol wanneer persepsies gevorm word. Eksterne faktore behels die verhouding met rolspelers soos: die ouers, die skool en onderwysers, die portuurgroep en die leerder se verhouding met homself. Interne faktore wat in hierdie studie ondersoek is, behels: lokus van kontrole, motivering, emosionele probleme, kognitiewe probleme en gedragsprobleme.Die navorsingsprobleem is verken met behulp van ‘n loodsondersoek as ‘n voortoets en diagnostiese vraelys wat deur die navorsingsgroep van 50 leerders voltooi is. Onderhoude is met vyf leerders gevoer oor hulle ervaringe en behoeftes met betrekking tot hulle persepsies van skool. Bevindinge dui aan dat ongeveer ‘n vyfde van die skool se leerders oor ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool beskik. In die vraelys is leerders se persepsies ten opsigte van verskeie rolspelers vasgestel. Daar bestaan behoefte by leerders dat ouers betrokke en ondersteunend sal wees en dat ouers begrip vir hulle persepsies sal toon. Deur middel van praktiese diagramme en werksvelle is begrip en positiewe kommunikasie tussen ouer en kind bewerkstellig. In Hoofstuk 6 word praktiese riglyne aan ouers gegee oor hoe om sy kind, met ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool, te hanteer. Op hierdie wyse is gepoog dat leerders positiewe ervaringe sal geniet; ‘n positiewe verwysingsraamwerk sal vorm en sodoende positiewe persepsies van skool sal vorm. ‘n Bydrae is ten opsigte van ouerleiding gelewer. Ouers word toegerus om ‘n kind met negatiewe persepsies van skool met begrip te hanteer. / The aim of this study was to determine learners’ perceptions of school and to provide guidelines for parents to deal with negative perceptions of school. These guidelines were implemented using practical models as well as work sheets. These were specifically aimed at enhancing parents’ understanding of the negative perceptions and resolving conflict through positive communication. In the literary study, the constitution of perceptions as well as the causes of the constitution of negative perceptions was investigated. A perception is established when a person gives meaning to an experience based on that person’s frame of reference. Internal and external factors play a part when perceptions are constituted. External factors in this study entail the relationship with parents, school and teachers, peer group and the learner's relationship with himself. Internal factors referred to in this study are locus of control, motivation, emotional problems, cognitive problems and behavioural problems. vii The research problem was explored using a pilot investigation as pre-test. A diagnostic questionnaire was also completed by 50 learners. Five learners were interviewed about their experiences and needs specifically in relation to their perceptions of school. Findings show that approximately one fifth of the learners of the school have negative perceptions of school. In the questionnaire, the learners’ perceptions with respect to a variety of role players were determined. There is a definite need for parents to be involved and supportive. Learners also need them to show understanding for their perceptions. Positive communication and understanding between parents and learners were established through practical diagrams and work sheets. In Chapter 6 practical guidelines are given to equip parents to understand how to handle the child with negative perceptions. The aim of this was to encourage learners to enjoy positive experiences, to form a positive frame of reference and therefore develop positive perceptions of school. A contribution towards parental guidance was made. Parents are left equipped to deal with a child with negative perceptions of school. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)

The aim of this study is to discover how primary scholars as substitute parents, contemplate the perceiving aspect of their substitute parenting. In the theoretical chapters the demands set for adults as primary educators and their development, are viewed. A comparative study between the primary edu­ cator and the child, rounds it off. The experiencing, giving meaning to, and the consequent involvement of substitute parents in their life-world, follow. The research design, substantiates the choice of format, methods of data col­ lection and analyses. Examples of raw data gathered from various tests are presented. Finally, the consolidated data is interpreted. The findings of this study is that substitute parents experience their tasks as being pleasant. Substitute parents are generally over involved with their siblings. This culminates in the development of a strong bond between substitute parents and younger siblings. Substitute parents require support and guidance from an adult to enable them to become adults and venture in their life-world. / In bierdie studie is die leefWereld van die substituut-ouer bestudeer. Die oorhoofse doel van hierdie studie is om met behulp van teoretiese en empiriese studies, ondersoek in te stel na substituut-ouers se belewing van bulle besondere taak. Die studie neem 'n amwang met 'n beskrywing van die primere opvoeder se verantwoordelikhede en eise. Die ontwikkeling van die volwassene word daama bestudeer. Verder Is gelet op die e1se en ontwikkeling wat aan kindwecs gelykgestel word. Die doel hiermee, is om uiteindelik 'n vergelyking te kan tref tussen die volwassene en die kind. Nadat so 'n vergclyking tussen die kind en volwassene gemaak is, sal die probleme wat die kind as substituut-ouer ervaar, oorweeg kan word. Die literatuurstudie kulmincer in substituut-ouers se unieke betekenisgewing, betrokkenheid en belewing aan en by bulle leefWereld. Dan word die literatuurstudie opgevolg deur die navorsingsontwerp, keuse van steekproef­ neming asook wyses van dataverameling en -analisering. Ten slotte word daar gekyk na die verslaggewing aangaande inligting soos bekom met behulp van die verkenningsmedia, te wete individuele onderhoude met die deelnemers aan die navorsing, die Bene-Anthony gesinsverhou­ dingstoets, die Persoonlikheidsvraelys vir kinders, die projeksiemedia van Jacobs en Vrey en die Kinestetiese huisgesinstekeninge. Die gekonsolideerde data word dan geinterpreteer en weergegee ten einde die postulate soos in boofstuk 5 uiteengesit te beantwoord. Die belangrikste bevindings van die studie is dat die taak van substituut­ ouerswees vir laerskoolkinders aangenaam is. Hierdie aangename belewing van hulle taak as substituut-ouers, dra egter nie by tot die vonning van 'n positiewe selfkonsep by die substituut-ouer nie. Substituut-ouers ervaar angs en kommer aangaande hulle substituut-ouerskap. Hulle voel nie bevoeg om as substituut-ouers op te tree nie. Substituut-ouers IS oar die algemeen oorbetrokke by hulle broers en susters. Hulle sien om na hulle sibbe, verseker dat hulle veilig is en verleen hulp aan hulle, waar nodig. Hierdie betrokkenheid veroorsaak 'n sterk band tussen die leerlinge. Hierdie sterk band wat tussen die substituut-ouers en hulle sibbe bestaan, is egter afwesig tussen die substituut-ouers en hulle eie ouers. Substituut-ouers toon dan oak teen die verwagting van die navorser in, dat hulle nie beskik oor 'n verantwoordelikheidsin nie. Substituut-ouers k:an eerder beskryf word as teruggetrokke, met min deursettingsvennoe, prikkelbaar, goedhartig, onderdanig, athanklik en inskiklik. Die studie toon ten slotte dat substituut-ouers betrokke raak by hulle taak as substituut-ouers, vanwee 'n aansporingsmiddel, te wete sakgeld. Benewens vir die bogenoemde bevindings, toon die studie oak dat die ondersteuning en begeleiding van substituut-ouers deur 'n volwassene tot volwassenheid noodsaaklik is. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Voorligting)

The aim of this study is to discover how primary scholars as substitute parents, contemplate the perceiving aspect of their substitute parenting. In the theoretical chapters the demands set for adults as primary educators and their development, are viewed. A comparative study between the primary edu­ cator and the child, rounds it off. The experiencing, giving meaning to, and the consequent involvement of substitute parents in their life-world, follow. The research design, substantiates the choice of format, methods of data col­ lection and analyses. Examples of raw data gathered from various tests are presented. Finally, the consolidated data is interpreted. The findings of this study is that substitute parents experience their tasks as being pleasant. Substitute parents are generally over involved with their siblings. This culminates in the development of a strong bond between substitute parents and younger siblings. Substitute parents require support and guidance from an adult to enable them to become adults and venture in their life-world. / In bierdie studie is die leefWereld van die substituut-ouer bestudeer. Die oorhoofse doel van hierdie studie is om met behulp van teoretiese en empiriese studies, ondersoek in te stel na substituut-ouers se belewing van bulle besondere taak. Die studie neem 'n amwang met 'n beskrywing van die primere opvoeder se verantwoordelikhede en eise. Die ontwikkeling van die volwassene word daama bestudeer. Verder Is gelet op die e1se en ontwikkeling wat aan kindwecs gelykgestel word. Die doel hiermee, is om uiteindelik 'n vergelyking te kan tref tussen die volwassene en die kind. Nadat so 'n vergclyking tussen die kind en volwassene gemaak is, sal die probleme wat die kind as substituut-ouer ervaar, oorweeg kan word. Die literatuurstudie kulmincer in substituut-ouers se unieke betekenisgewing, betrokkenheid en belewing aan en by bulle leefWereld. Dan word die literatuurstudie opgevolg deur die navorsingsontwerp, keuse van steekproef­ neming asook wyses van dataverameling en -analisering. Ten slotte word daar gekyk na die verslaggewing aangaande inligting soos bekom met behulp van die verkenningsmedia, te wete individuele onderhoude met die deelnemers aan die navorsing, die Bene-Anthony gesinsverhou­ dingstoets, die Persoonlikheidsvraelys vir kinders, die projeksiemedia van Jacobs en Vrey en die Kinestetiese huisgesinstekeninge. Die gekonsolideerde data word dan geinterpreteer en weergegee ten einde die postulate soos in boofstuk 5 uiteengesit te beantwoord. Die belangrikste bevindings van die studie is dat die taak van substituut­ ouerswees vir laerskoolkinders aangenaam is. Hierdie aangename belewing van hulle taak as substituut-ouers, dra egter nie by tot die vonning van 'n positiewe selfkonsep by die substituut-ouer nie. Substituut-ouers ervaar angs en kommer aangaande hulle substituut-ouerskap. Hulle voel nie bevoeg om as substituut-ouers op te tree nie. Substituut-ouers IS oar die algemeen oorbetrokke by hulle broers en susters. Hulle sien om na hulle sibbe, verseker dat hulle veilig is en verleen hulp aan hulle, waar nodig. Hierdie betrokkenheid veroorsaak 'n sterk band tussen die leerlinge. Hierdie sterk band wat tussen die substituut-ouers en hulle sibbe bestaan, is egter afwesig tussen die substituut-ouers en hulle eie ouers. Substituut-ouers toon dan oak teen die verwagting van die navorser in, dat hulle nie beskik oor 'n verantwoordelikheidsin nie. Substituut-ouers k:an eerder beskryf word as teruggetrokke, met min deursettingsvennoe, prikkelbaar, goedhartig, onderdanig, athanklik en inskiklik. Die studie toon ten slotte dat substituut-ouers betrokke raak by hulle taak as substituut-ouers, vanwee 'n aansporingsmiddel, te wete sakgeld. Benewens vir die bogenoemde bevindings, toon die studie oak dat die ondersteuning en begeleiding van substituut-ouers deur 'n volwassene tot volwassenheid noodsaaklik is. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Voorligting)

This study focuses on the following schizophrenic related elements to be found in the postmodern society and to be represented in selected contemporary video artworks: 1) creation of an alternative world and 2) disturbance in meaning. To confirm that the creation of an alternative world and disturbance in meaning is present in postmodern society, the following elements are investigated as symptoms of schizophrenia and characteristics present in contemporary society: 1) fragmentation, 2) withdrawal from reality, 3) misinterpretation of memories and 3) the creation of 'word salad'. In order to draw a parallel between schizophrenia and the postmodern society, the postmodern theories of Simon Gottschalk, Fredric Jameson, Kenneth Gergen, Jean Baudrillard, Andreas Huyssen, Gilles Deleuze en Paul Virilio as well as the medical studies involving schizophrenia by the Schizophrenia Foundation of South Africa, the University of Iowa se Department of Healthcare and D Sue, DW Sue en S Sue are used. In both conditions of schizophrenia and postmodern society, reality and meaning are altered. This study concludes that schizophrenic related elements are present in the postmodern society and therefore these elements are represented in the selected video artworks of the artists Eija-Liisa Ahtila and myself.AFRIKAANS : Hierdie studie fokus op die skisofrenie-verwante elemente wat voorkom in die postmoderne samelewing naamlik: 1) alternatiewe wêreldskepping en 2) versteuring in betekenisgewing en wat uitgebeeld word in geselekteerde kontemporêre videokunswerke. Fragmentering, onttrekking van realiteit, waninterpretasie van herinneringe en die skepping van 'woordslaai' word as simptome van skisofrenie en as kenmerkende eienskappe in die postmoderne samelewing ondersoek om die argument te versterk dat alternatiewe wêreldskepping en versteuring in betekenisgewing teenwoordig is in die postmoderne samelewing. Die postmoderne teorieë van Simon Gottschalk, Fredric Jameson, Kenneth Gergen, Jean Baudrillard, Andreas Huyssen, Gilles Deleuze en Paul Virilio sowel as die mediese studies deur die Schizophrenia Foundation of South Africa, die University of Iowa se Department of Healthcare en D Sue, DW Sue en S Sue aangaande skisofrenie, word gebruik om parallelle tussen die postmoderne samelewing en die mediese toestand van skisofrenie in hierdie studie te trek. Daar word vasgestel dat realiteit en betekenis in beide toestande van skisofrenie en die postmoderne samelewing verbuig en hervorm word. Die gevolgtrekking van hierdie studie is dat skisofrenie-verwante elemente wel voorkom in die kontemporêre samelewing en dus uitgebeeld word in die geselekteerde videokunswerke van die kunstenaars Eija-Liisa Ahtila en myself. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Visual Arts / unrestricted