Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Guidance)
Truancy is a grave problem because truants are wasting their
opportunities and are in danger of not becoming productive
members of society.
Teachers, parents, peers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other
important people (see Chapter 5) can play a decisive role in
preventing truancy.
The literature study states that peer group pressure is one of
the main causes of truancy (see Chapter 2) .
An empirical research study has been done at Mamelodi high
schools. Certain criteria were followed in order to identify
truants (see Appendix B). Chapter 4 shows clearly the results
of the research project.
The significant findings are as follows :
more truants are among std 9 than std 8
more truants than non-truants have failed three times or
more
more truants than non-truants expect to obtain lower marks
in the coming examination ;
more friends of truants than those of non- truants expect
them to obtain lower marks in the coming examination ;
truants have less friends than non-truants who are at
school ; truants have less friends than those of non-truants who
think they are good in their school work.