Thesis (M.Dev) --University of Limpopo, 2009. / The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing towards the poor
performance of Grade 12 learners at two selected high schools, which fall within low
quintiles in Limpopo Province. Specifically, the study focused on low Grade 12 outputs in
relation to access to university. Due to the exploratory nature of the study and the holistic
approach that was undertaken both the home and school environments were targeted as points
of investigation.
Multiple methods of data collection were used. First, data were collected through individual
interviews with learners, educators, principals, and parents. Second, an observation method
was used to collect data, such as, time management by learners, their behavioral patterns
inside and outside the classroom and in the schoolyard. Finally, document analysis was used
to analyse the attendance and performance of learners on attendance registers, quarterly and
half yearly schedules, and mark sheets.
Key findings of this research suggest that the home environment of learners is not
educationally supportive due to poverty, which includes factors such as parents’ low-level of
education, high unemployment rate, child-headed families, unpredictable home environment,
emotional problems and issues relating to gender roles.
In the school environment, the study showed the following causative factors: lack of
facilities, unavailable learner support materials, lack of discipline, English as a medium of
instruction, heavy workload due to rationalisation and redeployment of educators, and
confusion with regard to the application of the new curriculum (National Curriculum
Statement). As a result, the study concluded that both home and school environment factors
collaborate in producing poor Grade 12 results in the schools. Recommendations are made
for attention to be given to these factors by all educational stakeholders. Directions are
suggested for future research on poor performance and university access. / Not listed
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ul/oai:ulspace.ul.ac.za:10386/224 |
| Date | January 2009 |
| Creators | Rammala, Mokgaetsi Salome |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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