Adelene Grobler

Some predictors of mathematics achievement among black secondary school learners

This study was conducted to identify predictors of mathematics achievement among grade 9 learners of a random sample of five township schools. A series of regression analyses were performed for boys and girls separately to obtain Cohens (1992) effect size estimate (uniquely explained criterion variance expressed as a proportion of unexplained criterion variance) for various predictor variables. Cognitive predictors were verbal and non-verbal General Scholastic Aptitude Test scores. Non-cognitive variables included the hierarchical levels of self-concept: Global (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and academic and mathematics self-concept (relevant scales of Brookover, Erickson and Joiner). Socio-economic predictors included home-related variables (parental education, parental occupation, family size) and school-related factors (class size, teachers qualification, teachers experience). Gender differences favouring boys were found. Non-verbal and verbal scholastic aptitude and teachers general training correlated significantly with mathematics achievement for boys and girls, with nonverbal scholastic aptitude showing the highest correlation and effect size estimate for girls and teachers general training occupying this position for boys. Teachers mathematics training and class size showed correlations in excess of 0.35 for boys but not for girls. The negative corrrelation obtained for teachers general training suggested that learners whose teachers held a three-year teaching diploma performed better in mathematics than did learners whose teachers held a degree and a teachers diploma.

BIOGRAPHICAL FACTORS AND MOTIVATION TO CHANGE AS PREDICTORS OF THE TREATMENT OUTCOMES FOR ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

The aim of this study was (i) to explore the biographical (age, race, level of education and marital status) predictors of treatment outcomes for alcohol use disorder and (ii) to investigate the role of motivation to change as a predictor of treatment outcomes for this disorder. The participants consisted of 100 males (50 from each race group – black and white). A biographical questionnaire and the Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ) were employed as measuring instruments. This study demonstrates that a significant relationship exists between age, motivational aspects (introjection and amotivation) and treatment outcomes. These findings should have profound implications for the development of treatment plans and intervention strategies for alcohol use disorder, leading to an improved quality of life in South African communities.