The purpose of this study was to investigate educators perceptions of the impact of the / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

<p>This study aimed at looking at children&rsquo / s perceptions of violence, exploring the experiences on child violence and lastly perceptions of children about intervention strategies in children&rsquo / s homes. The participants were sourced from the rehabilitation centres, at the children&rsquo / s homes in Khayelitsha. A manageable group of between 8 participants was used in the study. The participants were adolescents aged between 14-16 years old. The data was collected through individual interviews and was analysed in terms of thematic analysis. Each interview was tape recorded and transcribed. The ethics was taken into considerations from the onset process of recruitment, and for this reason the consent and assent letters were be provided and signed by both participants and care givers. Counselling support was provided for the participants. The common belief in this study was that the majority of the violence is found in the areas of their origin, which were the townships where they grew up. Generally, the participants held different beliefs on their sense of safety, which was related in the current area in which they live. The ultimate conclusions that have been drawn from the findings, suggest that children experience various difficulties and challenges, in their lives within children&rsquo / s home. Despite these challenges and difficulties that are encountered, participants appear to remain relatively contented with life in the home. Moreover, the participants also appeared to demonstrate a greater preference for living within the home over that of the previous living conditions from which they originate.</p>

<p>This study aimed at looking at children&rsquo / s perceptions of violence, exploring the experiences on child violence and lastly perceptions of children about intervention strategies in children&rsquo / s homes. The participants were sourced from the rehabilitation centres, at the children&rsquo / s homes in Khayelitsha. A manageable group of between 8 participants was used in the study. The participants were adolescents aged between 14-16 years old. The data was collected through individual interviews and was analysed in terms of thematic analysis. Each interview was tape recorded and transcribed. The ethics was taken into considerations from the onset process of recruitment, and for this reason the consent and assent letters were be provided and signed by both participants and care givers. Counselling support was provided for the participants. The common belief in this study was that the majority of the violence is found in the areas of their origin, which were the townships where they grew up. Generally, the participants held different beliefs on their sense of safety, which was related in the current area in which they live. The ultimate conclusions that have been drawn from the findings, suggest that children experience various difficulties and challenges, in their lives within children&rsquo / s home. Despite these challenges and difficulties that are encountered, participants appear to remain relatively contented with life in the home. Moreover, the participants also appeared to demonstrate a greater preference for living within the home over that of the previous living conditions from which they originate.</p>

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / This study aimed at looking at children's perceptions of violence, exploring the experiences on child violence and lastly perceptions of children about intervention strategies in children's homes. The participants were sourced from the rehabilitation centres, at the children's homes in Khayelitsha. A manageable group of between 8 participants was used in the study. The participants were adolescents aged between 14-16 years old. The data was collected through individual interviews and was analysed in terms of thematic analysis. Each interview was tape recorded and transcribed. The ethics was taken into considerations from the onset process of recruitment, and for this reason the consent and assent letters were be provided and signed by both participants and care givers. Counselling support was provided for the participants. The common belief in this study was that the majority of the violence is found in the areas of their origin, which were the townships where they grew up. Generally, the participants held different beliefs on their sense of safety, which was related in the current area in which they live. The ultimate conclusions that have been drawn from the findings, suggest that children experience various difficulties and challenges, in their lives within children&rsquo;s home. Despite these challenges and difficulties that are encountered, participants appear to remain relatively contented with life in the home. Moreover, the participants also appeared to demonstrate a greater preference for living within the home over that of the previous living conditions from which they originate. / South Africa

Magister Artium - MA (Child and Family Studies) / Early childhood centres play a profound role in shaping the behaviour of children. Research indicates that early childhood centres contribute to the holistic development of children, encompassing their motor, congnitive and behavioural skills. Research has further shown that the South African authorities have an early childhood policy which spans various aspects of childhood development. To establish the nexus between early childhood centres and the behaviour of children, this study explored the role of practitioners in early childhood development centres in shaping the behaviour of children. The study uses the Ecological Systems Theory to interrogate its tenets of the theory and the research findings. The study engaged a qualitative approach to explore this phenomenon. Semi-structured interviews, field notes and observations were used to obtain data from parents, principals and practitioners at early childhood centres. Data was analysed thematically and as such, three main themes emerged from the research: the behaviour of children in early childhood development centres; practitioners' perceptions of their own roles in early childhood development centres; and the attitudes of practitioners towards their roles in early development centres.

Buildings affect people both physically and psychologically, this study analyses this impact which the built environment has on people's lives. This interrelationship between people and the built environment is based on human perception. The study explores this relationship further in order to develop an understanding of the ways in which architecture influences peoples' moods, behaviours and experiences. By determining the importance of this interrelationship and developing a better understanding of it, a deeper analysis of the specialized needs of individuals with altered or impaired perceptions is developed. Focus is placed on individuals with autism spectrum disorders, who are known for their difficulties with perception. In addition, despite its overwhelming prevalence, they have a history of being inadequately catered for within the built environment because their wide range of complex needs are poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to establish an understanding of the unique needs of this particular user group, to interpret the implications of these needs with regards to the built environment, to assess existing facilities in regards to these findings and to provide information which can be used to develop guidelines for creating positive environments which can enhance the daily lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The research was carried out by way of a review of existing relevant literature on the subject of perception, experience and autism spectrum disorders, a review of relevant precedent studies, a critical analysis of relevant case studies and interviews with parents, teachers and principals who have had first-hand experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The built environment, which plays a large role in people's lives, must be carefully considered and designed to ensure that the needs of its users are met and their overall wellbeing is maintained. In contemporary society, where human needs are often ignored, built environments have become ego-driven objects of visual seduction (Pallasmaa, 2005). This study calls for re-humanising architecture, considering human aspects in design and catering for all human needs. By focusing on responding to users particular needs, throughout the design process, buildings which make significant, positive contributions to the lives of individuals can be made. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.