La période de l’adolescence entraîne d’importants changements au niveau de l’univers social et des relations interpersonnelles des jeunes. La présente recherche s’intéresse au point de vue des adolescents face aux adultes significatifs présents dans leur réseau social. Les objectifs de l’étude visent à mieux comprendre l’influence de ces derniers sur la vie des adolescents au secondaire. Le présent mémoire est une recherche qualitative exploratoire dans laquelle la voix des adolescents a été mise de l’avant. Un entretien de groupe focalisé et des entretiens individuels ont été réalisés auprès de dix adolescents. Les entrevues ont permis d’avoir une discussion ouverte avec les participants sur différents thèmes en lien avec les adultes significatifs présents dans leur vie. Cette recherche démontre que les relations avec un adulte significatif influencent positivement la vie des adolescents au secondaire. L’analyse des résultats a permis d’identifier les rôles joués par les adultes significatifs, ainsi que les caractéristiques de ces derniers. L’examen des données recueillies a contribué à la compréhension de la place des membres du personnel en milieu scolaire dans la vie des adolescents au Québec. En somme, la discussion met en lumière le désir des adolescents d’être entourés d’adultes bienveillants, qui les respectent et qui croient en eux. Ils souhaitent pouvoir apprendre et s’épanouir à leurs côtés. Ce mémoire entend contribuer à une meilleure compréhension des relations entre un adolescent et un adulte significatif et à l’amélioration des pratiques en intervention auprès de cette clientèle et de son entourage. / The period of adolescence brings about important changes within the social universe and interpersonal relationships of young people. Taken from the teenagers' point of view, this study looks at the significant adults present in their social network. The objectives of the study are to better understand the influence of the latter in the lives of high schoolers. This memoir is an exploratory qualitative research study in which the voice of teens was brought forward. A focus group interview along with individual interviews were conducted with ten adolescents. The interviews allowed for an open discussion with the participants on various themes related to the significant adults in their lives. This research demonstrates that relationships with a significant adult positively influence the lives of adolescents in high school. The analysis of the results made it possible to identify not only the characteristics but also the roles played by the significant adults. Examination of the data collected contributed to an understanding of the place occupied by school personnel in the lives of adolescents in Quebec. In sum, the discussion highlights young people's desire to be surrounded by caring adults who respect and believe in them. They want to be able to learn and grow alongside these individuals. This memoir aims to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between a young person and a significant adult and to the improvement of intervention practices with this clientele and their entourage.

The study focused on the challenges of teaching at-risk learners at secondary schools. A qualitative investigation based on interviewing and observation was conducted with sixteen teachers teaching at-risk learners. Findings revealed that pre-service teacher training does not prepare teachers adequately to teach learners at risk constructively. Findings also revealed that at-risk learners have no control over themselves due to lack of parental support as parents show no commitment and support for their children’s education. Interventions to counter challenges with teaching at-risk learners relate to applicable preservice teacher training to engage with at-risk learners constructively and continuous in-service teacher training as professional development to empower teachers to engage with at-risk learners appropriately. At-risk learners must value second-chance education opportunities with schools ensuring that a supportive school culture prevails. The study contributes to the discourse on effective teaching practices to support at-risk learners for acceptable academic attainment. / Educational Management and Leadership / M. Ed. (Education Management)