Abstract
D.Phil. (Educational Psychology)
The high incidence of school dropout in South African schools led to a joint
research project by the Rand Afrikaans University and the Hubert H. Humphrey
Institute of Social Ecology at the Ben Gurion University.
Various facets of the school dropout phenomenon were researched with the aim
of identifying the at risk student. Possible causes were hypothesised and
researched under the broad categories of: self-concept, locus of control, family
relations and school climate. These aspects were individually researched and
this study culminates from these pilot studies. The aim of this study is an
integrated approach to ascertain the interaction of variables that place students
at risk.
These variables were incorporated into a research design done with a sample
group of 734 students taken from five schools in the Pretoria - Witwatersrand Vereeniging
area. The findings of the research indicate that the above mentioned
variables cause dropout but were not the best predictors of students at risk.
Making use of Chaid's exploratory technique variables such as attitude towards
school, own evaluation of performance, age and family size were identified as
good predictors of students at risk.
A logistical regression was used to design a model of prediction that could
effectively be used in schools to identify the at risk student.
The hope is expressed that early identification will lead to the application of
appropriate remedial measures in order to prevent the at risk student from
becoming a "school dropout".