The termination of pregnancies is increasing worldwide and is associated with profound physical and emotional changes, but at the same time support in the form of pre- and post-counselling, especially in the South African context, does not always take place. Many women are thus reliant on themselves to deal with the trauma without receiving professional help in order to cope. Coping refers to efforts to manage claims made on the individual and which are viewed as a demand that exceeds the resources of the person. Coping is increasingly seen as a form of self-regulation, indicating the ability to conduct, direct and monitor a flexible plan of behaviour, depending on changing circumstances. A self-regulating perspective on coping can be very valuable to understand how appropriate adjustments are made in response to the discrepancy between stated goals and actual behaviour. In spite of this, there is lack of available research data in relation to the termination of pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to explore coping strategies relating to the termination of pregnancy from a self-regulating perspective. An exploratory qualitative case study research design was used, comprising in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of two young women and who had chosen to terminate their pregnancies. Both participants terminated their unplanned pregnancies by means of vacuum aspiration within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, without any post-abortion counselling. Both indicated that they were not yet ready to have children and that they would have been unable financially to care for the children. The interviews began with an open-ended question to get a general idea of the participants’ views on the termination of pregnancy, to establish how they coped with it, and to obtain insight into their subjective experience. Then, by using more structured questions, the focus shifted to their coping, specifically as a form of self-regulation. Thematic content analysis of the data was done independently by the researcher and a second experienced qualitative researcher. Results show that coping with the termination of a pregnancy is an extremely difficult process that is emotionally difficult to handle, and that both participants coped through social, emotional, cognitive and problem focused strategies, as well as by managing goals. In addition to this, one participant also made use of religion as a source to be able to cope. Particularly significant was the realisation that a self- regulating perspective contributed to the observation that there were clear differences in how these strategies were applied in the unique context of each case. It is shown that the way in which social support and interpersonal conflict is regulated, plays an important role in the coping process, especially because, in this study, it could be distinguished in terms of how the participants made cognitive and problem focused adjustments. Furthermore, it is indicated that both sometimes suppressed their emotions and at other times expressed them appropriately within the context of the stressor. The value of faith as an internal source, as well as the ability to create a synthesis between assimilation and accommodation, became apparent in one participant, and supports research in this regard. The conclusion is eached that a self-regulating perspective adds value to the understanding of coping with the termination of pregnancy, especially because it emphasises how coping is essentially a self-regulatory process, and not just a one- dimensional implementation strategy. Finally, some gaps were identified and recommendations made for further research. / Thesis (MSc (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The termination of pregnancies is increasing worldwide and is associated with profound physical and emotional changes, but at the same time support in the form of pre- and post-counselling, especially in the South African context, does not always take place. Many women are thus reliant on themselves to deal with the trauma without receiving professional help in order to cope. Coping refers to efforts to manage claims made on the individual and which are viewed as a demand that exceeds the resources of the person. Coping is increasingly seen as a form of self-regulation, indicating the ability to conduct, direct and monitor a flexible plan of behaviour, depending on changing circumstances. A self-regulating perspective on coping can be very valuable to understand how appropriate adjustments are made in response to the discrepancy between stated goals and actual behaviour. In spite of this, there is lack of available research data in relation to the termination of pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to explore coping strategies relating to the termination of pregnancy from a self-regulating perspective. An exploratory qualitative case study research design was used, comprising in-depth interviews with a convenience sample of two young women and who had chosen to terminate their pregnancies. Both participants terminated their unplanned pregnancies by means of vacuum aspiration within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, without any post-abortion counselling. Both indicated that they were not yet ready to have children and that they would have been unable financially to care for the children. The interviews began with an open-ended question to get a general idea of the participants’ views on the termination of pregnancy, to establish how they coped with it, and to obtain insight into their subjective experience. Then, by using more structured questions, the focus shifted to their coping, specifically as a form of self-regulation. Thematic content analysis of the data was done independently by the researcher and a second experienced qualitative researcher. Results show that coping with the termination of a pregnancy is an extremely difficult process that is emotionally difficult to handle, and that both participants coped through social, emotional, cognitive and problem focused strategies, as well as by managing goals. In addition to this, one participant also made use of religion as a source to be able to cope. Particularly significant was the realisation that a self- regulating perspective contributed to the observation that there were clear differences in how these strategies were applied in the unique context of each case. It is shown that the way in which social support and interpersonal conflict is regulated, plays an important role in the coping process, especially because, in this study, it could be distinguished in terms of how the participants made cognitive and problem focused adjustments. Furthermore, it is indicated that both sometimes suppressed their emotions and at other times expressed them appropriately within the context of the stressor. The value of faith as an internal source, as well as the ability to create a synthesis between assimilation and accommodation, became apparent in one participant, and supports research in this regard. The conclusion is eached that a self-regulating perspective adds value to the understanding of coping with the termination of pregnancy, especially because it emphasises how coping is essentially a self-regulatory process, and not just a one- dimensional implementation strategy. Finally, some gaps were identified and recommendations made for further research. / Thesis (MSc (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Resistant behaviour is a serious reality in South African primary schools. South Africa’s teachers strive to be agents of positive change amidst the multiple challenges they and their learners encounter, yet they admittedly experience daily frustration at addressing resistant behaviour. Considering the harsh external realities which many learners encounter, resistant behaviour cannot be expected to disappear at the introduction of specific techniques. The research consequently aimed to examine and describe Grade 5 teachers’ perceptions of resistance with the objective of improving teacher-learner relationships. A phenomenological paradigm structured this qualitative study to determine how grade 5 teachers perceive resistance through their direct experiences. The research involved focus group discussions and interviews. Fourteen teachers participated, representing three private and three public schools in Gauteng. Selection criteria included: a recognised teaching qualification, teaching experience of minimum two years, currently teaching Grade 5 learners, a commitment to teach demonstrated through course attendance and enhancement of the school’s curriculum, and the ability to speak English. During each focus group discussion, one introductory question was asked: “Please share your perceptions of resistant behaviour shown by children in your Grade 5 classes”. Additional funnelling and probing questions were utilized. Prior to data gathering, one participant per school was requested to volunteer to participate in an individual interview, in addition to the focus group discussion. During the interview, two introductory questions were asked: “How did you experience the focus group discussion pertaining to teacher perceptions of the resistant behaviour displayed by children in Grade 5?” and “What is your view of the conclusion/s reached during the discussion?” These questions were followed by funnelling questions. Content analysis was used with Interpretative phenomenological analysis to understand meanings ascribed to coded texts. Emerging findings were depicted visually to identify data patterns as part of thematic analysis until themes crystallised. Amongst findings understood from a causal, contextual and developmental perspective, unique findings emerged revealing that a relationship exists between teachers’ perceptions of resistant behaviour and the school ethos, that resistance can reveal creativity and divergent thinking processes, and that considering resistant behaviour from a future-minded perspective can enable teachers to see resistant behaviour as indicative of underlying skills needed by society, if developed as strengths. The findings support international research with one marked exception: that the examples provided in the literature affect the resistant learner personally, whereas the examples provided by the participants affect the other learners, teachers and the school itself. The findings contribute meaningfully to the debate regarding how to manage school resistance. The researcher recommends further studies be carried out to determine if the findings are reflective of most Grade 5 teachers. If so, it is advised that the findings be shared so that teachers become aware of alternate ways to interpret resistance and possibly to enhance their professional development by reformulating their current thought processes around resistance. The researcher recommends that the relationship between school ethos and resistant behaviour be explored to assist teachers in contextualising their management of resistance. / MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Resistant behaviour is a serious reality in South African primary schools. South Africa’s teachers strive to be agents of positive change amidst the multiple challenges they and their learners encounter, yet they admittedly experience daily frustration at addressing resistant behaviour. Considering the harsh external realities which many learners encounter, resistant behaviour cannot be expected to disappear at the introduction of specific techniques. The research consequently aimed to examine and describe Grade 5 teachers’ perceptions of resistance with the objective of improving teacher-learner relationships. A phenomenological paradigm structured this qualitative study to determine how grade 5 teachers perceive resistance through their direct experiences. The research involved focus group discussions and interviews. Fourteen teachers participated, representing three private and three public schools in Gauteng. Selection criteria included: a recognised teaching qualification, teaching experience of minimum two years, currently teaching Grade 5 learners, a commitment to teach demonstrated through course attendance and enhancement of the school’s curriculum, and the ability to speak English. During each focus group discussion, one introductory question was asked: “Please share your perceptions of resistant behaviour shown by children in your Grade 5 classes”. Additional funnelling and probing questions were utilized. Prior to data gathering, one participant per school was requested to volunteer to participate in an individual interview, in addition to the focus group discussion. During the interview, two introductory questions were asked: “How did you experience the focus group discussion pertaining to teacher perceptions of the resistant behaviour displayed by children in Grade 5?” and “What is your view of the conclusion/s reached during the discussion?” These questions were followed by funnelling questions. Content analysis was used with Interpretative phenomenological analysis to understand meanings ascribed to coded texts. Emerging findings were depicted visually to identify data patterns as part of thematic analysis until themes crystallised. Amongst findings understood from a causal, contextual and developmental perspective, unique findings emerged revealing that a relationship exists between teachers’ perceptions of resistant behaviour and the school ethos, that resistance can reveal creativity and divergent thinking processes, and that considering resistant behaviour from a future-minded perspective can enable teachers to see resistant behaviour as indicative of underlying skills needed by society, if developed as strengths. The findings support international research with one marked exception: that the examples provided in the literature affect the resistant learner personally, whereas the examples provided by the participants affect the other learners, teachers and the school itself. The findings contribute meaningfully to the debate regarding how to manage school resistance. The researcher recommends further studies be carried out to determine if the findings are reflective of most Grade 5 teachers. If so, it is advised that the findings be shared so that teachers become aware of alternate ways to interpret resistance and possibly to enhance their professional development by reformulating their current thought processes around resistance. The researcher recommends that the relationship between school ethos and resistant behaviour be explored to assist teachers in contextualising their management of resistance. / MA (Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Sport participation is continually rising nationally and internationally emphasizing the need for effective coaches. Literature regarding coaching in sport is also increasing yearly leading to an ample amount of studies available. Despite the available results, there is still a lot more to understand concerning the complex nature of coaching. Although the majority of the studies focused on coaching behaviours, only limited results exist measuring the perceptions of coaches and players to determine whether the behaviours are effective. More scientific research in the area of coaching effectiveness is therefore needed, especially in South Africa. The objectives of this study were firstly to determine the difference between players‟ perceptions of coaching effectiveness between larger and smaller secondary schools and secondly, to determine the difference between the players and the coaches‟ perceptions of coaching effectiveness at university/club level. Twenty high schools (n = 20) and four hundred and seventy-six (n = 476) male rugby union players (15-19 years) participated in the first part of the study. Players were asked to fill in the adapted version of the Coaching Efficacy Scale (CES). To determine the validity of the sample size a power calculation was done followed by Chronbach alpha values to determine the reliability of the questionnaire on the specific group. Discriptive statistics, followed by independant t-test were done to measure statistically differences between large and small schools with regard to the 4 constructs measured. Cohen‟s effect sizes were then used to determine practical significantly differences. The sample size was found to be valid (> 0.9) together with high Cronbach alpha values (> 0.7) indicating that the questionnaire is reliable for the specific sample. It was found that no practically significant differences exist between coaches from large schools compared to coaches from smaller schools. It was therefore concluded that the players from high schools that participated in the study perceive their coaches‟ effectiveness with regard to the constructs measured similarly, irrespective of the size (number of learners) of the school. One hundred and forty-two (n =142) male rugby union players (age: 18-15) and thirteen (n = 13) coaches (age: 23-55) from the Puk Rugby Institute (PRI) participated in the second part of this study. All the players completed the adapted version of the CES and the coaches completed the CES. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was done to determine the factor structure of the adapted version of the CES. The CFA of the CES was not done due to the small number (13) of coaches that participated in the study. Regression estimates were set at p<0.05. Cronbach alpha values were measured to determine the reliability of the questionnaires. To adapt for inter-dependency, mixed models (set at 5%) were used to measure perception differences between coaches and players. All the regression estimates were found to be significant (p < 0.05). High Cronbach alpha values were found (>0.70). Statistically significant differences between coaches and players‟ perceptions were found with regard to the four constructs measured where coaches‟ perception values were higher than those of the players. Although it is not important to practice, the findings should not be ignored. For total coaching effectiveness values, the majority of the coaches (8 out of 13) rated their own coaching effectiveness more positive than did their respective players. It was therefore concluded that researchers should be aware of the perception differences that exist when measuring coaching effectiveness. These results complement the existing literature with regard to sport coaching and the complexity thereof. / MA (Sport Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Sport participation is continually rising nationally and internationally emphasizing the need for effective coaches. Literature regarding coaching in sport is also increasing yearly leading to an ample amount of studies available. Despite the available results, there is still a lot more to understand concerning the complex nature of coaching. Although the majority of the studies focused on coaching behaviours, only limited results exist measuring the perceptions of coaches and players to determine whether the behaviours are effective. More scientific research in the area of coaching effectiveness is therefore needed, especially in South Africa. The objectives of this study were firstly to determine the difference between players‟ perceptions of coaching effectiveness between larger and smaller secondary schools and secondly, to determine the difference between the players and the coaches‟ perceptions of coaching effectiveness at university/club level. Twenty high schools (n = 20) and four hundred and seventy-six (n = 476) male rugby union players (15-19 years) participated in the first part of the study. Players were asked to fill in the adapted version of the Coaching Efficacy Scale (CES). To determine the validity of the sample size a power calculation was done followed by Chronbach alpha values to determine the reliability of the questionnaire on the specific group. Discriptive statistics, followed by independant t-test were done to measure statistically differences between large and small schools with regard to the 4 constructs measured. Cohen‟s effect sizes were then used to determine practical significantly differences. The sample size was found to be valid (> 0.9) together with high Cronbach alpha values (> 0.7) indicating that the questionnaire is reliable for the specific sample. It was found that no practically significant differences exist between coaches from large schools compared to coaches from smaller schools. It was therefore concluded that the players from high schools that participated in the study perceive their coaches‟ effectiveness with regard to the constructs measured similarly, irrespective of the size (number of learners) of the school. One hundred and forty-two (n =142) male rugby union players (age: 18-15) and thirteen (n = 13) coaches (age: 23-55) from the Puk Rugby Institute (PRI) participated in the second part of this study. All the players completed the adapted version of the CES and the coaches completed the CES. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was done to determine the factor structure of the adapted version of the CES. The CFA of the CES was not done due to the small number (13) of coaches that participated in the study. Regression estimates were set at p<0.05. Cronbach alpha values were measured to determine the reliability of the questionnaires. To adapt for inter-dependency, mixed models (set at 5%) were used to measure perception differences between coaches and players. All the regression estimates were found to be significant (p < 0.05). High Cronbach alpha values were found (>0.70). Statistically significant differences between coaches and players‟ perceptions were found with regard to the four constructs measured where coaches‟ perception values were higher than those of the players. Although it is not important to practice, the findings should not be ignored. For total coaching effectiveness values, the majority of the coaches (8 out of 13) rated their own coaching effectiveness more positive than did their respective players. It was therefore concluded that researchers should be aware of the perception differences that exist when measuring coaching effectiveness. These results complement the existing literature with regard to sport coaching and the complexity thereof. / MA (Sport Science), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

This research focuses on the perception of the learning support teacher regarding the use of play therapy with learners with special educational needs. The purpose of the research was to determine the perception of learning support educators regarding the utilization of play therapy as an aid with foundation phase learners with special educational needs. In order to achieve this purpose, information was gathered and a theoretical framework drawn up through an extensive literature study in consultation with experts. An empirical study was conducted by means of in-depth interviews with ten different learning support educators, in order to obtain empirical information. The researcher worked from an applied research perspective to attempt to use this newly gained practical information to determine whether play therapy could be utilized to help the learner with special educational needs. The researcher made use of an exploratory research design and the following research question formed the basis of the study: What is the perception of the learning support educator regarding the value of using play therapy as a form of aid with the foundation phase learner having special educational needs? Flowing from the empirical information gleaned during the interview schedule the following points emerged: · Learning support educators identify emotional, social, behavioural, family and academic problems, as well as other forms of trauma, associated with the learner who has special educational needs; · The learning support educator regards it as his or her task to refer problems connected to the learner and the learner’s family, where such problems are outside of his or her field of expertise. · The learning support educator has both positive and negative perceptions, as well as misconceptions regarding play therapy; and · The learning support educator has a need for a working relationship with the play therapist in the assistance of the learner with special educational needs. The research has therefore shown that the learning support educator has a positive perception regarding the utilization of play therapy with the foundation phase learner with special educational needs. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Although the need for and importance of self-directed learning are well documented, studies reporting on the influence of teaching–learning strategies, fostering self-directed learning skills, are limited. The aim of this investigation was to determine and understand the impact of the implementation of cooperative base groups on the self-directed learning readiness of first-year Life Sciences students. In order to achieve the research aim, a mixed method approach was followed. During the quantitative phase, the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, a cooperative base group perception questionnaire, a checklist for social skills, and the academic achievement of first-year Life Sciences students at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University were analysed. In the qualitative phase of the investigation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with randomly selected first-year Life Sciences students of the experimental group. The questions in the interviews were aimed at determining the students‟ perception of cooperative base groups, how this perception contributed to their self-directed learning competencies, as well as the role that active involvement, the cooperative base group folder and personal support play in the development of self-directed learning competencies. The results of the investigation contribute to the body of knowledge on cooperative learning as it provides insight into how students experience cooperative base groups. The implementation of cooperative base groups contributes to the development of the following characteristics and skills, which are vital for becoming self-directed in one‟s learning: viewing peers as resources; being able to give and receive help; developing good social skills; being motivated to learn; and taking initiative and responsibility for learning. / MEd (Natural Sciences Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Although the need for and importance of self-directed learning are well documented, studies reporting on the influence of teaching–learning strategies, fostering self-directed learning skills, are limited. The aim of this investigation was to determine and understand the impact of the implementation of cooperative base groups on the self-directed learning readiness of first-year Life Sciences students. In order to achieve the research aim, a mixed method approach was followed. During the quantitative phase, the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale, a cooperative base group perception questionnaire, a checklist for social skills, and the academic achievement of first-year Life Sciences students at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University were analysed. In the qualitative phase of the investigation, semi-structured interviews were conducted with randomly selected first-year Life Sciences students of the experimental group. The questions in the interviews were aimed at determining the students‟ perception of cooperative base groups, how this perception contributed to their self-directed learning competencies, as well as the role that active involvement, the cooperative base group folder and personal support play in the development of self-directed learning competencies. The results of the investigation contribute to the body of knowledge on cooperative learning as it provides insight into how students experience cooperative base groups. The implementation of cooperative base groups contributes to the development of the following characteristics and skills, which are vital for becoming self-directed in one‟s learning: viewing peers as resources; being able to give and receive help; developing good social skills; being motivated to learn; and taking initiative and responsibility for learning. / MEd (Natural Sciences Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

This study focuses on listening and auditory skills of Grade R learners. The researcher wanted to establish the state of these skills, and whether they influence the scholastic achievement of learners. Literature study was done, and literature indicates that listening skills are a prerequisite for language proficiency. Listening is a skill that has to be mastered before a child can learn to speak. Listening is essential for all learning, and also determines the success of learning in the formal school system. Cognitive development of the Grade R learner, which is a complex interaction among psychological, environmental and genetic factors, is also considered. Factors which influence auditory perception are emphasized and supported by the literature, as is the importance of good auditory skills. A literature study on brain development is also executed. The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and that cognitive development is seated in the brain. The study indicates the importance of correct stimulation and the acquisition of skills during the first eight years of a child’s life. School readiness, auditory perception and listening skills of the school entrant are considered. Listening skills as well as perceptual skills are skills needed for school readiness and will be discussed. The researcher utilised the mixed method for the empirical investigation, and data were interpreted from the Interpretivistic paradigm. Questionnaires to practising Grade R educators (n=20) determined the state of listening and auditory skills of current Grade R learners in the Kenneth Kaunda district in the Potchefstroom area. This was the qualitative part of the data collection. For quantitative data collection, school readiness tests (n=500) used during the past ten years from a specific pre-primary school in above mentioned district, were utilised. The test used in this study is the “Standardised School Readiness Test” of dr. S le Roux. By the statistical processing of the tests the researcher wanted to determine the state of listening and auditory skills of Grade R learners during the past ten years; whether a decrease is indicated by the statistics, and whether listening and auditory skills only make a difference according to year groups. This could, however, not be proven statistically. The educators who completed the questionnaires indicated significantly that listening and auditory skills of learners have decreased during the past few years. The researcher interprets the phenomenon as a result of the amount of learners in a class. Class ratio may have an influence, since only four to six learners are tested at a time with the school readiness test as opposed to 24 – 30 learners in a Grade R class. The researcher wanted to establish whether listening and auditory skills play a determining role in school readiness and scholastic achievement. According to literature and empirical research, listening and auditory skills do in fact play a determining role in scholastic achievement. If learners are unable to listen, they cannot learn to read and their reading comprehension is poor. All above factors contribute to learners not being ready for school when commencing Grade 1. If attention is given to the development of auditory perceptual skills as well as good listening skills of learners in the Grade R phase, the future Annual National Assessment (ANA) results of Grade 3 learners may be influenced positively. / Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Development))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.