Abstract
D.Phil. (Education)
The study-group in this study focus on the education students of the Rand Afrikaans University
(RAU) from 1988-1990. All these students completed the diagnostic testing program of RAU as
well as the practical course in didactics. The practical mark in didactics were used to distribute
the students into three research sub-groups. This mark reflected the students' didactical skills in
a simulated classroom situation. The diagnostic data which was utilised to compile a profile of
the study-group consisted of tests for intelligence, aptitude, adaptation, personality and study
habits, as well as relevant biographical data. The students' academic achievement in matric was
determined by the M-score. The three sub-groups were determined by calculating the average of
the groups' practical mark and cut-off points of half a standard deviation on either side of the
average. This presupposed a less superior didactical group (Group A) versus a superior
didactical group (Group B), utilized for statistical purposes. The calculations did not include the
middle group.
The entire discussion of the career process selection was based on Super's career choice model.
This was done to determine the main contributory factors in selecting teaching as a career. A
literature study was made of the teacher and teaching as a career, followed by a discussion of
the Importance of the attributes of the excellent teacher, which included more than just good
academic achievement. Teaching as a career was also discussed, emphasizing a temporary
difference between the practical and theoretical aspects of t118 didactics course, in order to
identify which specific attributes contributed to the success in the practical component of the
course. A discussion based on literature was done to determine the various psychological tests
and questionnaires which were utilized in this study, namely NSGT, SAT, 16-PF, PHSF, 19-FII,
SSHAas well as supportive biographical data.
The aim of this study was to determine certain psychological aspects which contributed to the
success in the practical components of a course in didactics.
A career choice is usually made during the late adolescence. In discussing a career choice
model, Super (1990) explains various determinants which influence career choice including the
geographical origin, personality and contributory aspects of an individual's personality...