Thesis (MTech (Education and Social Sciences))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009 / This study examines the nature and the extent of school gang activity and how it
impacts on learner academic performance in South African township schools. The
research evidence shows that learners in South Africa have been exposed to
widespread school gang activity leading to poor learner academic performance in the
township schools. The effects of the phenomenon of school gang activity on learner
academic performance are given a more insightful understanding of its effects.
The literature review supports the central argument that school gang activity persists
in South African schools, especially in the townships. In addition, the literature
provides both international and local perspectives of the high prevalence of school
gang activity and claims that it results in an insecure teaching and learning
environment.
The specific research design selected for the study is a phenomenological study and is
qualitative, explorative and descriptive in nature. A semi-structured interview method
was employed to gather the data required.
The findings of the study reveal that many learners in the township schools
experience direct incidences of school gang activity either at school or on the way to
or from school. In addition, the findings reveal that feelings of insecurity are most
intense in the classroom situation because the opportunities to escape danger are
minimal.
The conclusions drawn from the study are that classrooms are dangerous places and
this impacts on the ability of learners to achieve academically. Based on the findings,
this mini-dissertation recommends collaborative efforts of all role-players to interact
and produce amicable strategies and solutions that will decrease the occurrence of
school gang activities and school violence.
Gang activity in schools severely hinders learner academic performance. Hence incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives, involving activities such as teamwork and programme development can provide some solutions.
This mini-dissertation is dedicated to my little angel, Avuyile Boqwana, in memory of
the day she was born. I said that day, "A professor is born in my house," trusting that
my wishes will be fulfilled one day. As young as she is, she is the source of all my
inspirations to pursue life-long learning. My little is a source of motivation every
time I look at her. She is my hope for the future. It was her enduring love when she
always missed her bedtimes waiting for me to come back from my late tiring sessions
that provided "the wind beneath my wings" to complete this educational journey.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:cput/oai:localhost:20.500.11838/1960 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Boqwana, Sizakele |
| Publisher | Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/za/ |
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