Thesis--Wisconsin. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 270-273).

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School vandalism is a serious problem in South Africa, particularly, as it places a heavy burden on education budgets. It could also cause learning to collapse, since it infringes on the right of learners to be taught in clean, well kept school buildings, and to develop their full potential. It is generally accepted that cared for school facilities, adequate furniture and equipment, as well as clean ablution facilities, are conducive to a healthy learning environment. The aim of this research was to determine whether vandalism at schools in Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM) has an influence on learners’ scholastic achievement. Against the background of the literature review, this investigation endeavours to report on the nature and extent of vandalism at a sample of South African schools, as well as preventative measures that be introduced to combat such vandalism. The research comprised of a study of relevant literature, followed by a qualitative research design. The literature study covered aspects regarding the nature, extent and consequences of vandalism at schools. The sample group consisted of learners, teachers and parents from four secondary schools in the western region of the Uitenhage District. The respondents completed questionnaires regarding their viewpoints on the role that the school, the parents, the community, the police and the media could play in curbing acts of vandalism at schools. The respective principals and some members of staff were also interviewed. The research revealed that both teachers and learners were of the opinion that preventative measures need to be put in place to combat the scourge of vandalism at schools. However, such programmes should be implemented in collaboration with the community, the parents, the South African Police Services and the media. In conclusion some recommendations were made to combat the scourge of vandalism at schools and these may be of value to all schools in South Africa that experience similar problems.

Thesis (M.S.)--Rutgers University, 2007. / "Graduate Program in Psychology."

MEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / In South Africa, violence continues to undermine the functioning of schools. Literature has revealed that the subject of school violence is quite varied and covers a wide variety of related areas from sociology to educational psychology; these examine psychological factors such as peer pressure, stress, cognition, emotional development and their relation to school violence. The study was aimed at investigating the effects of school violence in South African rural schools in Mpumalanga Province. The study used mixed methods approach employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. For the quantitative part of the study, the study adopted simple random sampling to select the learners. A 'purposive sample' was used to select the principals and educators for the qualitative part of the study. A sample of 423 learners from the 9 secondary schools in the circuit was selected for the quantitative part of the study. A purposive sample of 9 principals and 18 educators was also be deemed appropriate for the qualitative part of the study. IBM SPSS version 23 was used to analyse quantitative data. Frequency tables were generated (univariate analysis), and the Chi-square test was used to calculate significant differences in the effects and coping strategies between male and female victims of school-based violence. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and used to support and complement the quantitative data. Principals and educators in schools with high prevalence of school-based violence was prioritised. It was expected that the effects of school-based violence in the study area were described. Causes of violence, its effects and ways to improve coping strategies in the respective schools are also anticipated to be comprehensively covered as expected outcomes. / NRF