Academic underachievement potentially redirects the future of adolescents. The specific sample for this research was Grade nine learners. Grade nine is when subject choices are made and the last year of compulsory education. Academic underachievement during Grade nine becomes a barrier to career enhancing subject choices. Subject choice is a first step to greater specialisation of skills and a future career path. This study focused on the investigation of factors that could possibly contribute to the academic underachievement of Grade nine learners to the extent that they would fail. The findings will make teachers more aware of the influence that the internal and external fields of Grade nine learners have on their academic achievement. From the results it was found that academic underachievement is influenced by peer acceptance, parental involvement, cognitive development, the ability to handle examination anxiety, the Grade nine learner's perception of academic identity as well as other factors. A mixed method approach was used. Interviews with underachieving Grade nine learners, Grade nine teachers and Grade nine parents, as well as questionnaires completed by a cluster sample of the general Grade nine population of this study indicated the influence of the underachievers' external and internal fields on academic performance. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Academic underachievement potentially redirects the future of adolescents. The specific sample for this research was Grade nine learners. Grade nine is when subject choices are made and the last year of compulsory education. Academic underachievement during Grade nine becomes a barrier to career enhancing subject choices. Subject choice is a first step to greater specialisation of skills and a future career path. This study focused on the investigation of factors that could possibly contribute to the academic underachievement of Grade nine learners to the extent that they would fail. The findings will make teachers more aware of the influence that the internal and external fields of Grade nine learners have on their academic achievement. From the results it was found that academic underachievement is influenced by peer acceptance, parental involvement, cognitive development, the ability to handle examination anxiety, the Grade nine learner's perception of academic identity as well as other factors. A mixed method approach was used. Interviews with underachieving Grade nine learners, Grade nine teachers and Grade nine parents, as well as questionnaires completed by a cluster sample of the general Grade nine population of this study indicated the influence of the underachievers' external and internal fields on academic performance. / Thesis (M.A. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / This study is an investigation of effective management of high failure rates in grade nine classes in selected schools of the Mamabolo circuit. The study was prompted by several factors such as repetition rate, overcrowding and over-aged learners experienced in grade nine classes. The problem statement provides the foundation within which the aim and objectives are described. The causal factors of grade nine failure rates and how the management of schools was affected were not overlooked. The main targets were the School Management Teams of selected schools in the Mamabolo circuit. A qualitative research method was used. Various methods of data collection were used such as face-to-face interview, observation and document analysis whereby the summary of learner performance, collected from the circuit office, was analysed. Key findings of this research suggest that the School Management Teams are faced with great challenges that emanate from high failure rates in grade nine classes. The majority of the schools in the Mamabolo circuit are characterised by very low school enrolment which affects the post establishment and results in management overload. Congestion in the classrooms is experienced in grade nine classes (see figure 4.5). Most of the School Management Teams consist of one principal and one HOD, while other members are post level one educators who are senior educators (see table 3.1). This situation, in some instances leads to reluctance in performing management duties as compared to the schools where the School Management Teams are constituted by appointed principal, deputy principal/s and HODs only. Grade nine classes are not effectively managed due to various challenges such as overcrowding, lack of furniture, shortage of Learner Teacher Support Material, over-aged learners, low morale, discipline problems, poor involvement of parents, teenage pregnancies and drop-outs. Furthermore, the study revealed that very few School Management Teams seem to acknowledge that they also contribute to the failure rate in grade nine. This was clearly indicated when the School Management Teams were responding to the question on the causes of poor academic performance in grade nine classes. Learners, parents, educators, some departmental policies and the Department of Education itself were mentioned as contributing factors to poor performance. The following conclusions were drawn from the study findings: There are serious challenges facing the School Management Teams in the Mamabolo circuit, which are emanating from high failure rates in grade nine classes. The School Management Teams find it difficult to effectively manage high failure rates. High failure rates have a negative impact on the management of schools and affect the functionality of the school as an institution of learning. Finally, although the School Management Teams in the Mamabolo circuit fail to effectively manage high failure rates in grade nine, this investigation indicates that they are very aware of their responsibilities as members of the School Management Teams. In order to improve the effective management of the School Management Teams, to eliminate the challenges experienced and to increase learner attainment in grade nine classes, the following recommendations should be considered: skills development workshops, planning, implementation and monitoring of curriculum activities, provision of human and physical resources and parental involvement.

The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the description of negative peer pressure by grade nine learners. The study took place within the context of adolescence, which is often described as a phase where negative peer pressure plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. A literature study on the topic showed that peer pressure is a complex phenomenon that is experienced by all adolescents at some point. Literature also indicated that the voice of adolescents regarding their own unique and subjective description of negative peer pressure has not been recorded often enough. It became evident that especially grade nine learners are vulnerable to negative peer pressure. This grade or age group forms part of the middle adolescent phase, which is especially characterised by the forming of an own identity. The forming of an own identity is influenced by the different develop-mental tasks that are associated with adolescence, namely their emotional, cognitive, moral and social development. During this developmental phase the membership of a peer group becomes increasingly important and exclusion from the group is feared. This fear often leads to conforming to negative group norms and behaviour. From this context, the study is necessary. The researcher has undertaken a qualitative, phenomenological study, during which unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve grade nine learners from public high schools in the Drakenstein area of the Boland, Western Cape. These interviews were transcribed and the data analysed so that specific themes concerning negative peer pressure could be identified. From these empirical findings it was evident that the mutual relationships of the participants as well as the dynamics and norms within their respective groups, impacted severely on their description of negative peer pressure. Group formation in the middle adolescent years seems to be a complex process. It appears as if the smaller, more intimate group of friends can protect adolescents against negative peer pressure on the one hand, but can also exert pressure on group members to partake in negative activities. Therefore smaller groups often change as members move in and out of the group to find a group where they feel at home. According to the participants, conforming to negative behaviour and norms takes place more readily in the bigger or wider and more diverse peer group. Within these bigger groups it is easier for individuals to lose their identity, and therefore adolescents that are still in search of a personal identity and value system, give in to negative pressure and behaviour easier. A wide range of causes are named for this giving in to pressure, but according to the participants, their need for acceptance and recognition by the peer group as well as the accompanying fear of exclusion are the most important causes. From the study it was further evident that the relationships that adolescents find themselves in, play a deciding role in their description of negative peer pressure. The participants indicated that their relationship with their parents, their peer group, as well as the relationship with themselves, all influence their ability to handle negative peer pressure. From these findings the description of participants of negative peer pressure is explained in full. Suggestions are made to better equip parents, teachers and other professional people who work with adolescents in order to support and advise grade nine learners more successfully in their handling of negative peer pressure. / Thesis (MA (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the description of negative peer pressure by grade nine learners. The study took place within the context of adolescence, which is often described as a phase where negative peer pressure plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. A literature study on the topic showed that peer pressure is a complex phenomenon that is experienced by all adolescents at some point. Literature also indicated that the voice of adolescents regarding their own unique and subjective description of negative peer pressure has not been recorded often enough. It became evident that especially grade nine learners are vulnerable to negative peer pressure. This grade or age group forms part of the middle adolescent phase, which is especially characterised by the forming of an own identity. The forming of an own identity is influenced by the different develop-mental tasks that are associated with adolescence, namely their emotional, cognitive, moral and social development. During this developmental phase the membership of a peer group becomes increasingly important and exclusion from the group is feared. This fear often leads to conforming to negative group norms and behaviour. From this context, the study is necessary. The researcher has undertaken a qualitative, phenomenological study, during which unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve grade nine learners from public high schools in the Drakenstein area of the Boland, Western Cape. These interviews were transcribed and the data analysed so that specific themes concerning negative peer pressure could be identified. From these empirical findings it was evident that the mutual relationships of the participants as well as the dynamics and norms within their respective groups, impacted severely on their description of negative peer pressure. Group formation in the middle adolescent years seems to be a complex process. It appears as if the smaller, more intimate group of friends can protect adolescents against negative peer pressure on the one hand, but can also exert pressure on group members to partake in negative activities. Therefore smaller groups often change as members move in and out of the group to find a group where they feel at home. According to the participants, conforming to negative behaviour and norms takes place more readily in the bigger or wider and more diverse peer group. Within these bigger groups it is easier for individuals to lose their identity, and therefore adolescents that are still in search of a personal identity and value system, give in to negative pressure and behaviour easier. A wide range of causes are named for this giving in to pressure, but according to the participants, their need for acceptance and recognition by the peer group as well as the accompanying fear of exclusion are the most important causes. From the study it was further evident that the relationships that adolescents find themselves in, play a deciding role in their description of negative peer pressure. The participants indicated that their relationship with their parents, their peer group, as well as the relationship with themselves, all influence their ability to handle negative peer pressure. From these findings the description of participants of negative peer pressure is explained in full. Suggestions are made to better equip parents, teachers and other professional people who work with adolescents in order to support and advise grade nine learners more successfully in their handling of negative peer pressure. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the description of negative peer pressure by grade nine learners. The study took place within the context of adolescence, which is often described as a phase where negative peer pressure plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. A literature study on the topic showed that peer pressure is a complex phenomenon that is experienced by all adolescents at some point. Literature also indicated that the voice of adolescents regarding their own unique and subjective description of negative peer pressure has not been recorded often enough. It became evident that especially grade nine learners are vulnerable to negative peer pressure. This grade or age group forms part of the middle adolescent phase, which is especially characterised by the forming of an own identity. The forming of an own identity is influenced by the different develop-mental tasks that are associated with adolescence, namely their emotional, cognitive, moral and social development. During this developmental phase the membership of a peer group becomes increasingly important and exclusion from the group is feared. This fear often leads to conforming to negative group norms and behaviour. From this context, the study is necessary. The researcher has undertaken a qualitative, phenomenological study, during which unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve grade nine learners from public high schools in the Drakenstein area of the Boland, Western Cape. These interviews were transcribed and the data analysed so that specific themes concerning negative peer pressure could be identified. From these empirical findings it was evident that the mutual relationships of the participants as well as the dynamics and norms within their respective groups, impacted severely on their description of negative peer pressure. Group formation in the middle adolescent years seems to be a complex process. It appears as if the smaller, more intimate group of friends can protect adolescents against negative peer pressure on the one hand, but can also exert pressure on group members to partake in negative activities. Therefore smaller groups often change as members move in and out of the group to find a group where they feel at home. According to the participants, conforming to negative behaviour and norms takes place more readily in the bigger or wider and more diverse peer group. Within these bigger groups it is easier for individuals to lose their identity, and therefore adolescents that are still in search of a personal identity and value system, give in to negative pressure and behaviour easier. A wide range of causes are named for this giving in to pressure, but according to the participants, their need for acceptance and recognition by the peer group as well as the accompanying fear of exclusion are the most important causes. From the study it was further evident that the relationships that adolescents find themselves in, play a deciding role in their description of negative peer pressure. The participants indicated that their relationship with their parents, their peer group, as well as the relationship with themselves, all influence their ability to handle negative peer pressure. From these findings the description of participants of negative peer pressure is explained in full. Suggestions are made to better equip parents, teachers and other professional people who work with adolescents in order to support and advise grade nine learners more successfully in their handling of negative peer pressure. / Thesis (MA (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the description of negative peer pressure by grade nine learners. The study took place within the context of adolescence, which is often described as a phase where negative peer pressure plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. A literature study on the topic showed that peer pressure is a complex phenomenon that is experienced by all adolescents at some point. Literature also indicated that the voice of adolescents regarding their own unique and subjective description of negative peer pressure has not been recorded often enough. It became evident that especially grade nine learners are vulnerable to negative peer pressure. This grade or age group forms part of the middle adolescent phase, which is especially characterised by the forming of an own identity. The forming of an own identity is influenced by the different develop-mental tasks that are associated with adolescence, namely their emotional, cognitive, moral and social development. During this developmental phase the membership of a peer group becomes increasingly important and exclusion from the group is feared. This fear often leads to conforming to negative group norms and behaviour. From this context, the study is necessary. The researcher has undertaken a qualitative, phenomenological study, during which unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve grade nine learners from public high schools in the Drakenstein area of the Boland, Western Cape. These interviews were transcribed and the data analysed so that specific themes concerning negative peer pressure could be identified. From these empirical findings it was evident that the mutual relationships of the participants as well as the dynamics and norms within their respective groups, impacted severely on their description of negative peer pressure. Group formation in the middle adolescent years seems to be a complex process. It appears as if the smaller, more intimate group of friends can protect adolescents against negative peer pressure on the one hand, but can also exert pressure on group members to partake in negative activities. Therefore smaller groups often change as members move in and out of the group to find a group where they feel at home. According to the participants, conforming to negative behaviour and norms takes place more readily in the bigger or wider and more diverse peer group. Within these bigger groups it is easier for individuals to lose their identity, and therefore adolescents that are still in search of a personal identity and value system, give in to negative pressure and behaviour easier. A wide range of causes are named for this giving in to pressure, but according to the participants, their need for acceptance and recognition by the peer group as well as the accompanying fear of exclusion are the most important causes. From the study it was further evident that the relationships that adolescents find themselves in, play a deciding role in their description of negative peer pressure. The participants indicated that their relationship with their parents, their peer group, as well as the relationship with themselves, all influence their ability to handle negative peer pressure. From these findings the description of participants of negative peer pressure is explained in full. Suggestions are made to better equip parents, teachers and other professional people who work with adolescents in order to support and advise grade nine learners more successfully in their handling of negative peer pressure. / Thesis (PhD (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

This study aimed at exploring the grade nine learners' experience of career counselling at school in order to determine their ability to make informed subject and career choices. The literature review explored career education programmes and the changing world of work in South Africa. The importance of knowledge about career possibilities, personal values, personality traits and individual interests and abilities was highlighted. Qualitative research involved grade nine learners and Life Orientation teachers in individual and focus group interviews. Data analysis led to the following conclusions: Life Orientation teachers are not adequately informed about the purpose and aim of the career counselling process. Most teachers do not have the necessary knowledge and skills to support learners to make informed subject and career choices. Career counselling in grade nine does not meet the needs of the learners. / Educational Studies / M. Ed.(Psychology of education)

This study aimed at exploring the grade nine learners' experience of career counselling at school in order to determine their ability to make informed subject and career choices. The literature review explored career education programmes and the changing world of work in South Africa. The importance of knowledge about career possibilities, personal values, personality traits and individual interests and abilities was highlighted. Qualitative research involved grade nine learners and Life Orientation teachers in individual and focus group interviews. Data analysis led to the following conclusions: Life Orientation teachers are not adequately informed about the purpose and aim of the career counselling process. Most teachers do not have the necessary knowledge and skills to support learners to make informed subject and career choices. Career counselling in grade nine does not meet the needs of the learners. / Educational Studies / M. Ed.(Psychology of education)

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2017. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of ill-discipline on the performance of Grade nine learners at Nghonyama High School. The acts of indiscipline among students, especially at the secondary level of education are universal challenge thatmany schools face all over the world. A quantitative descriptive research wasconducted to determine if there was a relationship between conduct and performance of such learners. Data collection was done through completion of questionnaires. Two groups participated in the study: the first group consisted of fifty Grade nine learners and the second group was composed of ten educators - four members of the School Management Team and six teachers. The study revealed that learners misbehave at school due to variety of reasons such as, peer pressure, overcrowding, lack of parental support, inability to do the work, poverty, lack of motivation to succeed, disrespect, moral decay, not being engaged in the formulation of rules, rules being not enforced, lack of parental care, unmonitored TV viewing, child-headed families, lack of effective disciplinary measures, poor perception of the aims and principles of schooling and poor home upbringing. The study further revealed that the most common types of illdiscipline in the area of study were vandalism, fighting, absenteeism, indecent dressing, substance abuse, bullying, stealing, smoking, and drinking alcohol. With ill-discipline academic performance is affected.The study equally revealed that the Department of Education is not doing enough to address the issue of infrastructure. For example, overcrowding is still a challenge. In other words, the school environment plays a role in promoting ill-discipline; if classes are overcrowded learners are forced to misbehave. The study recommends that teachers should be encouraged to refer cases of indiscipline to the School Management Team. Principals should also be encouraged to involve all stakeholders in the formulation of school rules. Parents must make sure thatschool rules are adhered to by all the learners, no matter whose child breaks the rule,and most importantly learners should be encouraged to cooperate well with their educators.