Abstract
M.Ed.
This investigation forms part of a greater research project on identity and the
factors influencing identity as perceived by the learners themselves. A
research team of the Department of Educational Sciences of the Rand
Afrikaans University conducted the research project. The focus of this study is
the contribution of the geographical environment to the identity of secondary
school learners as perceived by the learners themselves. Aspects of the
geographical environment are addressed as factors contributing to the identity
of secondary school learners as perceived by the learners themselves.
In chapter two a literature study to the contribution of the geographical
environment to the identity of secondary school learners as perceived by the
learners themselves was undertaken. This information was used to support the
investigation and to make conclusions based on factual information. Aspects
of the geographical environment that make a contribution to the identity of the
learners as perceived by the learners themselves were discussed.
In chapter three the instrument of research was discussed. Questionnaires were
completed by secondary school learners of different schools in the
Johannesburg district of the Gauteng Department of Education. The
information from the completed questionnaires helped the researcher to
ascertain to what extent the aspects of the geographical environment
contributed to their identities as perceived by the learners themselves. The analyses and interpretation of empirical data were discussed in chapter
four. The validity of the research instrument was investigated.
Chapter five focused on the importance of research on the contribution of the
geographical environment to the identity of secondary school learners as
perceived by the learners themselves. Teachers and parents should be aware of
the contribution of the geographical environment and how this affects the
secondary school learner's personal and social development as well as his/her
expectations for the future.
The findings of this research essay suggest that secondary school learners do
perceive the geographical environment as contributing to their identities.
Data indicate that learners seem to put a higher value on 'mobility' and
`home' followed by 'health' than in other aspects.
Data also show that learners seem to have a lower opinion of the contribution
of the geographical environment to their identities concerning 'educational
and recreational facilities' as well as on 'security in their surroundings'
despite literature that proves that these aspects are very important in the
development of an adolescent's identity.