The option exercise in a girls' secondary school : perceptions of students and guidance teachers regarding choice of options in form II : a case study

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to focus on the option exercise carried out in a Girls' Area Secondary School. The perceptions of both students and school guidance personnel are examined in view of the subject choice carried out at the end of Form 2. Young adolescents' decision making process is explored through various career development theories ranging from the Occupational Theory proposed by Ginzberg in 1951 to the Theory of Circumscription and Compromise professed by Gottfredson in the early 1980's. The study will attempt to analyse familial, school and peer influences of early adolescent students on their decision of subject option. Three methods of enquiry were used, mainly a students' questionnaire, a semi structured interview in a focus group with students and a structured interview with the guidance personnel. The principal finding with regard to influences in this research is that, familial influence is the most significant influence in the early adolescents' decision making process. Peer pressure and school guidance personnel did not feature as important sources to help students arrive at a decision. The study offers recommendations to adopt a career development curriculum that calls for continued planning and development across the primary and secondary schooling according to the needs of the students as illustrated in this case study.