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Ph.D. / Aggression during adolescence has a long term effect on the mental health of adolescents. This is a great reason for concern. Although society is intensely aware of the incidences of aggression within South African schools, little research is available regarding this issue. Learners with special educational needs, and specifically learners with cerebral palsy, have been even more neglected in this regard. This study evolves from the field work of the researcher’s M.Ed. dissertation in which the experience of aggression in adolescent boys with cerebral palsy was explored and described. The aim of this study is to develop, describe, implement and evaluate a psycho-educational model as a frame of reference for the facilitation of constructive management of aggression in adolescent boys that live with cerebral palsy. A theory generating research design was used to fulfil this purpose. The development of this model consisted of four steps. Step one consisted of the concept analysis. Facilitation, constructive and management were identified as the central concepts. As part of the concept analysis these concepts were defined and essential and related criteria were discussed. All the concepts and criteria were then summarised in a comprehensive definition. A model case was constructed before the concepts were classified. During the process of classification a heightened self-awareness was identified as the terminus of the process. During step two relationship statements were drawn between the different concepts. These relationship statements as a whole provide substance and structure to the theory. In step three the psycho-educational model as a frame of reference for the facilitation of constructive management of aggression in adolescent boys with cerebral palsy was described. The structure of the model was described in terms of its purpose, assumptions and the context of the model.

D.Ed / Please refer to full text to view abst

This study attempted to ascertain whether the under-representation of black, disadvantaged learners with cerebral palsy in biology and related careers is linked in any way to the method and content of teaching and learning in special education. In addition this study also attempted to identify and uncover the barriers that prevent learners with cerebral palsy from pursuing careers in science and technology related professions.

This study attempted to ascertain whether the under-representation of black, disadvantaged learners with cerebral palsy in biology and related careers is linked in any way to the method and content of teaching and learning in special education. In addition this study also attempted to identify and uncover the barriers that prevent learners with cerebral palsy from pursuing careers in science and technology related professions.

M. Ed. (Education Management) / Schools for Specialisted Education cater for pupils who suffer from a wide range of disabilities. At these schools the staff component is diverse in order to cater for all the needs of the pupils. Because of the diversity of staff members, which include teaching staff, therapists, nursing staff, hostel staff, administrative staff etcetera, special care must be taken to address the staff development needs of all staff members. The purpose of this study therefore had two main objectives, namely : (1) To do a survey and establish exactly what is being done in practice regarding staff development at schools for Cerebral Palsied and Learning Disabled. (2) To draw up guidelines to assist principals when planning their annual staff development and in-service training programme. It was found that very few schools for Specialised Education plan specifically for the needs of a diverse staff, but rather include topics that will interest most staff members as a group. Staff members also expressed the need to be included in the planning stages to ensure that their needs are addressed and that they are empowered to perform their tasks to the best of their ability. After a general overview of the essence of any staff development programme, more specific guidelines are given to assist principals of schools for Specialised Education and schools for Cerebral Palsied and Learning Disabled in particular.

D.Ed. / In schools for cerebral palsied learners there are also learners who, in addition to their primary disability, have a secondary mental disability. Teaching these learners poses a serious problem, as there is no set curriculum for them. In most cases teachers do not have the necessary skill and training required to teach these learners. It is this deficit in learners, teachers, therapists and parents/guardians that has become noticible to the researcher. The researcher, as educational psychologist has felt the need to develop a model that would make education in this LSEN-phenomenon (Learners with special education needs) more meaningful. The purpose of this research is to develop a model that will optimise learning in cerebral palsied and mentally disabled learners, and that will enable these learners to realize their full potential. The model has been developed from a programme which has been compiled after four years of practical experience in teaching LSEN. The programme involves creating a context in which these learners can master life and learning skills. In this research a qualitative exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design was followed. The research was divided into four phases namely conceptualization, the relation within the concepts, the description of the model and the evaluation of the model. The validity and reliability of the research were described using Guba's model for determining trustworthiness. During phase one the researcher concentrated on identifying and classifying concepts, after which these concepts were defined. In order to do this, a multiple case study design was applied. Four learners were selected purposively. These learners suffered primarily from ii therapists, and parents/ guardians. Data was collected through operationalising the programme. Interviews were conducted with the various role players. The learners' progress was evaluated continually. Data was also collected through document analysis. During phase two the various concepts were brought into relation with each other, after which a model was devised during phase three. During phase four guidelines for the implementation of the model in practice were given. The programme included in this model refers to learning and life skills that learners would require within an education and learning situation. The learning skills or meta learning strategies referred to, are planning, evaluation, and correcting. The life skills refer to self care skills, social skills and work skills. life skills are addressed in all subject areas under a single theme, in the classroom situation, as well as with the therapist and at home. The most significant contribution of this research is the fact that a model has been devised, which contains a programme that enables learners to reach their full life potential, a result of the more purposeful guidelines provided by educational psychological intervention to the various role players.

This is a qualitative study of one student’s use of assistive technology in the public school system from preschool to fourth grade. The data collected for this case study include interviews, participant observation, field and diary notes, video tapes, and other documents including school records and a teacher memoir. Throughout the study, the goals were to stay open to and reflect emerging patterns rather than to fit data into previously determined categories. The report describes how Michael--with cerebral palsy that affects his speech and prevents his standing or holding a pencil--used computers, augmentative communication devices, and other electronic technology. On one level the report becomes the story of a student who moves from a separate special education facility into an elementary school where he is integrated fulltime into a fourth grade class. Discussion and conclusions explore (1) types of support he required, (2) barriers to technology use as well as problems of "abandonment" of technology acquired, (3) the effect of integration into general education on his use of technology, and (4) how providing assistive technology influences and changes teachers’ roles. / Ed. D.

This research investigated the need of Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy in the Eastern Cape for support through specially designed parent guidance programmes. The research problem that was investigated was: Do Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy need guidance programmes, and what guidelines can be given pertaining to such programmes? The aim was to determine whether Xhosa parents needed guidance programmes and if so, to provide guidelines that addressed this need. A literature study was done and thereafter a survey was conducted using a questionnaire with closed items to collect data from 180 Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy living in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape's former Transkei. They were sampled by using a non-random (purposive) sampling method. One hundred and two (102) parents (out of the total of 180) answered the questions in the questionnaires and returned them by mail. The same types of questions were used to interview 54 parents. The data was analyzed by a statistical analyst by Microsoft Excel spread sheets. Data was presented in the form of tables and pie charts and the researcher interpreted the outcomes in the light of the literature and her own indigenous knowledge of the Xhosa community. The implications of findings for all Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy are that they lack knowledge of issues such as cerebral palsy, inclusive education and how to deal with their children with cerebral palsy. Relationships within the family and the community are affected because of the children's cerebral palsy. Moreover, Xhosa parent guidance programmes are not available in the Eastern Cape or in other provinces in South Africa. As a result, guidelines are provided which may be used for constructing Xhosa parent guidance programmes. / Educaional Studies / (D.Ed. ( Education Management))

Parents of cerebral palsied children have the duty of educating and leading their children towards adulthood. Parents, as educators, must know about cerebral palsy and its effects on the child and the whole family. The success of the parents in assisting the child is influenced by numerous factors. One factor is the manner in which parents understand ·themselves as parents of a cerebral palsied child. Such an understanding directs their behaviour positively or negatively. Another factor is the involvement of parents in the child' life. Involvement demands perseverence, dedication, and understanding of cerebral palsy. Parents may also experience feelings of frustration or acceptance. Experience influences the quality of relationships as well as the parents' view of life and the quality of their educational role. If parents lack understanding, have an apathetic involvement and unpleasant experiences, the progress of a cerebral palsied child towards adulthood will be hampered. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (Orthopedagogics)