As many as 8 to 11% of children and adolescents suffer from an anxiety disorder which can develop into specific phobias, social phobias, generalised anxiety disorders and obsessive behaviour. Childhood and adolescents are identified as the main risk developmental phases for the beginning of anxiety disorders and abnormal anxiety levels have negative effects on cognitive functioning, school performance and outcomes. If it were known why anxiety disorders in children was on the increase, some changes could be made to suitably accommodate these learners in schools. Learning barriers can also cause anxiety disorders, resulting in learners’ poor performances academically.
A typical school community was selected to conduct the research. The main study objective was to facilitate the implementation of an education support plan, to enable learners with anxiety to participate in learning activities, and provide guidelines on the effective teaching and learning strategies for learners with anxiety disorders. What defines anxiety in learners at school, how are these anxiety disorders managed and what support is available, were the three main research questions posed. Relevant data was gathered via document analysis, questionnaires, observations and field notes and a mixed-method study approach and an interpretivist paradigm were chosen, with the researcher acting as a participant observer. Through a mixed methods approach, relevant in-depth information was generated and by choosing to conduct a case study, an in-depth analysis of anxiety disorders in learners and adolescents in their natural school setting was possible. The researcher’s personal experiences and interactions with the learners, also allowed for a subjective epistemology.
A pyramid structure and framework was recommended to maximise support for learners experiencing an anxiety disorder. This framework is comprised of three pillars on which the learner’s success rests, namely: the enrolment procedure, having a support team and effective communication. The teachers indicated that by really getting to know their learners and responding to their needs, they could reduce feelings of anxiety in their learners. Finally, a goal for the near future was set to reduce the unwanted rise of anxious distress in young learners and adolescents so that they can be the successful adults of tomorrow. / Inclusive Education
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/27759 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Fabbri, Philippa Helen |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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