Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Psychology)
The main purpose of this study is to determine whether pupil quality influences
educational standards. The development and growth of pupils are the result of
hereditary and environmental factors. Environmental factors inter alia include the
school's and teacher's involvement with pupils. The role that the school plays in the
life of the pupil, is very important for his development. The school is the pupil's living
place in which he becomes involved with his peer group. The pupil has to learn to
socialise and to respect authority. Knowledge becomes unlocked through the pupil
as well as for him.
The school is the preparatory phase for his adult life.
The qualities that the pupil obtains during his school years, largely determine the
career that he will follow, his social status, his economic welfare and his self-concept.
The empirical component of the investigation was based on the implementation of a
questionnaire. Concerning validity and reliability, a principal component analysis
(P.C.A.) was followed by a principal factor analysis (P.F.A.) in the first order analysis.
This was followed by a second order P.C.A. and P.F.A. The variables resulting from
this factor analysis procedure were then subjected to an item analysis. The identified
variables, i.e, sex differences, educational qualifications, occupation, primary and
secondary schools, school models, permanent place of residence, religion, marital
status, children and income, were used to investigate the importance of pupil qualities
and educational standards.
The most important findings are:
The majority of respondents regards pupil quality as a very important
determinant which can influence educational standards.
Great emphasis should be placed on reading in primary schools. Pupils with
specific reading problems should receive continuing formal reading tuition in
the secondary schools.
Rationalisation within the teaching profession should not have an effect on
support classes and remedial education. As far as achievement oriented education is concerned, care should be
taken to ensure that pupils with problems and needs receive the necessary
attention. The primary aim should be child centred education.