Abstract
M.Ed. (Subject Didactics)
In a formal education situation pupils are accompanied to
reach proper adulthood. On their way to adulthood new
demands are continually made and adults-in-the-making are
expected to conform. For example a standard seven pupil is
expected to choose his final study course, a selection of
subjects and the grade or level on which the effects to take
his chosen subjects.
This situation in which the standard seven pupil of
necessity finds himself, in which he has to make these
choices, is such that he is forced to make a decision and
that there is no other way out. As a result of the far-reaching implications this decision has on the future of the pupil, it is of imperative that pupils should be
able to weigh all the possible alternatives. Only then the
actualisation of their choice will be significant and could
be justified educationally. In view of the fact that most standard seven pupils find
themselves in adolescence, the point of departure of this study is that pupils will also be, as far their choice of subjects is concerned,' in need of assistance and support.
Because of the fact that pupils will most probably be influenced by a great many factors, it might pose a problem taking a decision as to their choice of subjects. Consequently,
specific determinants which might have an influence in the opting of pupils for Biology have been identified and will be explored in this study.