The study aimed to add to our understanding of why many girls in rural high schools were not choosing to study Physical Science. A case study of a local high school was used as the research method. Questionnaires to the 120 learners in grade 9 and 10 were the main instrument used to gather data. This was followed up with interviews of a sample of learners and some classroom observations. The science teacher was also included as a key informant in this study. The data collected aimed at answering the following key question: What influences girls in their decision to choose to study Physical Science at a rural school? The following sub questions guided the researcher in answering the key research question: (a) Are there any differences in participation between boys and girls? (b) What influences their choice in Grade 9? (c) Were Grade 10 learners happy with their subject package choices made in grade 9? The data were captured, coded, analysed and interpreted. The study produced evidence that the learners' family, the classroom environment, peer influence and the shortage of role models were the main reasons for the low • number of girls participating in Physical Science. The study found that these factors have a significant influence on girls' subject choices. Ofthe four factors found, the family was the most significant factor (i.e. where the family members tended to choose the subject package for girls). In the classroom the girls were involved in proportionally the same number of interactions but importantly the female teacher had a disproportionate number of interactions with the boys. In apparent contradiction to the teachers comments that the boys were the more active learners, the girls initiated more interactions with the teacher. However, the girls reported that they were uncomfortable in the class as boys mocked and intimidated them during the lessons. Unfortunately, a large percentage of the girls who did choose to take Physical Science were unhappy with their choice as they then found it difficult. The main recommendations of the study were that; teacher and community awareness programmes should be established to raise awareness of the gender issues and to promote girls taking science; career guidance should be given to learners so they could make their own informed decisions; and possibly specialist science girls schools could be established. Further suggestions for research were made. The findings of this study should provide policy makers, curriculum developers, and science teachers with valuable information about some of the factors that influence girls not to take Physical Science. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies) / The purpose of this study is to determine whether affective considerations have a claim on inclusion in the curriculum and, if so, how these claims may be accommodated. The target group is the adolescents in their secondary school phase. Current research has indicated beyond doubt that curriculum planning can no longer be restricted to the cognitive domain. Feelings and emotions are involved in every learning experience and hamper or enhance cognitive development. Therefore the teacher's responsibility should be extended to include the education of feeling and emotion as well. The study proposes an approach based on sound educational principles and scientifically acquired data. The point of departure is the widely accepted principles and criteria for curriculum design. The relatively new communicative curriculum provides a useful framework, but it has innate weaknesses. Only if care is taken to counter the possible effects of such weaknesses, will the new sillabi have a chance of success. Affective aims should, however, not oust cognitive aims. Intellectual development is the primary goal of the school curriculum. A continuous stream of interaction flows between the affective and the cognitive fields. On all levels of curriculum design the approach should be to take the development patterns of the adolescents as the vantage points, formulate aims to accommodate affective development and only then to choose the relevant cognitive aims. Such an approach will hopefully lead to the achievement of a more balanced education for the volatile adolescent.

The formulation of the perceptions of the adult role among adolescent Greek girls in Johannesburg, is a complex matter. The girls are influenced by their Greek cultural upbringing, while also experiencing the effects of inherent gender inequalities in the education system. This study investigated the perceptions of the adult role among adolescent Greek schoolgirls in Johannesburg and the implications for educational provision. A literature survey investigated the formation of gender identity among adolescent girls. Existing research on the issues of gender in education was reviewed. A qualitative study of the life-world of eight adolescent Greek schoolgirls was conducted. Data elicited from semi-structured interviews were analysed, discussed and synthesised. The major findings emanated. The girls were influenced in their adult role perceptions by their cultural backgrounds, but all expressed a desire to strive for new levels of independence. Guidelines for relevant educational provision were proposed. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Comparative Education)

The formulation of the perceptions of the adult role among adolescent Greek girls in Johannesburg, is a complex matter. The girls are influenced by their Greek cultural upbringing, while also experiencing the effects of inherent gender inequalities in the education system. This study investigated the perceptions of the adult role among adolescent Greek schoolgirls in Johannesburg and the implications for educational provision. A literature survey investigated the formation of gender identity among adolescent girls. Existing research on the issues of gender in education was reviewed. A qualitative study of the life-world of eight adolescent Greek schoolgirls was conducted. Data elicited from semi-structured interviews were analysed, discussed and synthesised. The major findings emanated. The girls were influenced in their adult role perceptions by their cultural backgrounds, but all expressed a desire to strive for new levels of independence. Guidelines for relevant educational provision were proposed. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Comparative Education)