An assessment of the psychological needs and problems of standard six pupils

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this investigation was to determine the needs and problems of Standard six pupils in schools controlled by theDepartment of Education and Culture (Administration: House ofRepresentatives) and the extent to which these are beingaddressed by existing educational structures.The investigatior: consists of two parts, a literature study andan empirical investigation.The literature study consists of an examination of South Africanand international research relevant to the investigation. Ananalysis of South African and international school guidanceprogrammes aimed at meeting the needs and solving possibleproblems is included and an overview is given of the role thatthe school, both nationally and internationally, can, is andshould be playing to meet these needs and help solve theseproblems.The empirical investigation examined standard six pupils'problems and needs concerning extra-mural activities,relationships with peers and older pupils, teachers and parentsand personal adjustment.A questionnaire to determine these needs and problems wasadministered to a representative random sample of secondaryschool pupils in the Cape Peninsula.To determine what is being done to address these needs andproblems, a second questionnaire was sent to the 58 dual-mediumstate controlled schools in thE~ Cape Peninsula for standard Sixguidance teachers.A third questionnaire was sent to the Department of Education andculture (Administration: House of Representatives) to determinewhether the Department agreed that the school guidance programmefor Standard six pupils had been adequately applied by the schoolguidance teachers.Both South African and internati.onal research indicates that manyadolescents experience adjustment problems on entering secondaryschool. Education authorities worldwide address these problemsin various ways. In South l~frica, guidance and counsellingservices are available through elll the education departments, buttheir effectiveness and implementation need to be clarifiedbecause uniform control is not being exercised. The presentresearch showed that most of the secondary schools in the surveydo not have an orientation programme to assist pupils to bridgethe gap between the primary and the secondary schools.Although this research does not offer conclusive evidence thatStandard Six pupils are adversely affected by their presentcircumstances, the following needs were established:pupils • need to belong, supported by their opinion thatextra-mural activities should be compulsorypupils' need for parent~; to be more lnvolved in schoolactivities pupils' need for satisfactory relationships with teacherspupils' need for satisfactory peer relationships.Bas~~ on the~e findings, a number of recommendations have beenmade. These include:a sound orientation programme and the Careful selection ofteachers who are sensitive to the needs of standard six1Jupilsan extra-mural programme where teachers and senior pupilscan play a significant role to enhance the formation ofconstructive social groups and engender a sense ofbelonginga guidance programme incorporating group work and whichteaches coping and problem-solving skillsone non-racial education department with equal financingfor all pupils and a uniform system of examination andcertifica.tionthe establishment of mini-schools or middle schools andthe adoption of extended support for pupils to reduceadjustment problems.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University