OpenUCT :: Browsing by Author "Dawes, Andy"

Browsing by Author "Dawes, Andy"

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Open Access
A formative evaluation of the development and implementation of the waves for change coach training programme
Rolfe, Elana; Dawes, Andy
This dissertation reports on a formative evaluation of the initial implementation of the Waves for Change coach training programme. Waves for Change is a NPO that combines the sport of surfing with youth care work (what the organisation terms surf therapy) to provide psychological support to at-risk children. The individuals who provide the support (Coaches) are young adults who are employed and trained by the organisation to become youth care workers. Coaches attend a training programme designed by Waves for Change. There are three Coaching teams to reflect the three target communities of the organisation. The aim of this evaluation was to provide data on its implementation so as to improve its design and delivery. Due to the vulnerable nature of the surf therapy beneficiaries it was crucial for the evaluation to be flexible and to provide management with accurate and rapid feedback. The evaluator conducted a utilization-focused formative evaluation informed by a collaborative developmental approach. This meant that data were collected through well-suited methods throughout the evaluation term (February 2015 - October 2015) and, where appropriate, fed back to management for the purpose of remedying concerns. The Waves for Change programme theory was elicited by the evaluator and depicted in a usable format before its plausibility as well as key assumptions were investigated. The evaluator found the theory to be high in utility and plausibility. Following Chen's (2005) approach to formative evaluation, and in order to determine areas of the Coach Training programme on which the evaluation should focus, the evaluator worked with management to identify components deemed crucial to its delivery. These Crucial Components were identified as: the Implementing Organisation; the Programme Protocol; the Target Population; and Programme Implementation. The evaluator investigated Areas of Focus within each Crucial Component. For the Implementing Organisation component these were: Organisational Structure; Funding and Equipment. For the Programme Protocol component these were: the Coach Pathway, and Content of the programme. For the Target Population component: Eligibility Criteria and Recruitment Strategies; and Barriers to Retention and Strategies to address them, and finally, for the Programme Implementation component the focus was placed on Monitoring of the Coach programme. By the end of the evaluation the programme had shown development in several Areas of Focus. The organisation had addressed gaps in staff roles by employing people in key positions and in doing so had developed its organisational structure and improved its competence and cultural diversity. Funding had increased which meant that service delivery had been guaranteed for the next three years. The Coach pathway had become performance-based and due to retention strategies that now include incentives for improved performance Coaches' compliance and engagement had increased. The new pathway also created exit points for Coaches who were under-performing. Monitoring of the programme had developed in terms of revisions to the monitoring documentation and overall system which had led to improvements in data quality. Areas of concern were equipment and recruitment. An occasional lack of equipment meant that Coaches struggled to deliver services to child beneficiaries. Lax eligibility criteria and recruitment strategies meant that poor quality coaches were employed. This led to underperformance, misconduct and dissatisfaction among some of the Coaches and ultimately meant that four of the Coaches (all of whom were recruited through word-of-mouth) left the programme during the evaluation term. This led to one of the Coaching teams being all-female. Future programming needs to address these two areas very strongly as both could become a threat to the successful implementation of the Coach programme as well as the surf therapy programme. Ongoing monitoring of data quality, compulsory requirements to work with children (e.g., first aid and checking against the Child Protection Register) and levels of coach satisfaction are strongly recommended.
Open Access
A preliminary investigation into the relationship between age, gender, education, occupation and "race" and performance on selected neuropsychological tests in a non-clinical adult sample
(1990) Ahmed, Rashid; Dawes, Andy
The present study investigated the relationship between the subject variables Age, Gender, Education level, Occupational Status and "Race" on neuropsychological test performance in a large, convenient, non-clinical sample. The Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Wechsler Paired-Associate Learning Test and Digit Supraspan was administered to 329 adults in the age range 18 - 80. The relationship between the subject variables and test performance was analysed by ANOVA. It was found that a higher level of Education and a higher Occupational level was associated with superior performance, irrespective of "Race". Consistently significant ANOVA results were obtained for Education and Occupation and these variables also produced the most variation in test performance (percentage variance estimates ranged from 7 - 25%). Differences due to "Race" were marked at the lower levels of Education and Occupation and were minimal or absent at the higher levels of Education and Occupation. Age and Gender influenced test performance to a lesser extent. and performed less consistently. One exception was the influence of Age on performance on the Wechsler Paired Associate Learning I Test, where the contribution was relatively large (percentage variance 6 - 7%), where younger subjects (18 - 50) performed better than older subjects (51 - 80). Generally, the results were consistent with previously published data and highlight the need for more complete normative data. Local normative data that takes into account the influence of these variables on neuropsychological test performance needs to be developed.
Open Access
Discourses of racial prejudice : an analysis of discussions on open schooling
(1990) Middup, Judy; Dawes, Andy
Three groups of four males (seventeen years old) discussed Open Schooling. Each group completed a short attitude scale on the same topic before and after each discussion. The groups were from three schools - two "white" schools: an Afrikaans and an English medium school; and a " coloured" English medium school. Discourse analysis was used as the method of analysis to identify patterns - and their functions - within the discourses. Racial prejudice was of particular interest, and the topic of Open Schooling was used because of its significance within the present South African context. The volatile nature of the topic was expected to generate affective involvement in the discussion due to the investment of the adolescents concerned. The "coloured" school was expected to be differently positioned in the discourses of open schooling. The results demonstrated that racial prejudice was also included in the repertoire of the coloured school.
Open Access
Home at last : the re-entry adaptation of returned South African exiles
(1999) Majodina, Zonke; Dawes, Andy
Although promoted as the most durable solution to problems caused by forced migration, voluntary repatriation has proved to be a most difficult solution owing to the numerous psychosocial, economic, legal and political problems associated with it. This thesis is a report of an investigation into the complex set of personal and social factors that determine the adaptation of returning South African exiles. In Chapter 1, an account is given in broad outline of the present state of knowledge regarding the issue of repatriation as well as psychological explanations of cultural adaptation. Re-entry into the home culture after a period of forced absence is conceptualized as one aspect of cultural adaptation. Chapter 2 looks at the historical, international context of voluntary repatriation, focusing on the evolution of international refugee policy. Against the background of the intractable problems that elude the possibility of a permanent solution, a few repatriations to African countries are reviewed. In Chapter 3, psychological studies of the refugee/exile expenence are reviewed. Early psychological research examined the refugee experience from a medical perspective. This has led to a conceptualization of forced migration as a stress provoking process, with refugees reported to have a higher incidence of psychiatric disturbance than native born populations in host countries. Not surprisingly, the term post-traumatic stress disorder has become a frequently used term in relation to refugee adaptation. With the advent of more sophisticated multivariate methods of analysis, multidimensional models of adaptation have been developed. These consider adaptation to be a product of multiple interacting factors operating at various levels, thus taking into account the complexity of the refugee situation. Finally, acculturation models, notably Berry's acculturation framework focus on how individuals who have developed in one cultural context manage to adapt to new contexts that result from migration. The acculturation approach highlights the complex interactions and patterns of continuity and change people go through in new environments. Chapter 4 reviews research which shows that returning home can be as or more disturbing than living in exile. The chapter begins by conceptualizing re-entry as part of the larger issue of cultural adaptation. Studies of returning short-term migrants are reviewed and the centrality of re-entry difficulties noted. There are comparatively fewer psychological studies of repatriation of refugees/exiles from countries of asylum. The majority of studies in this domain are carried out from diverse disciplinary backgrounds but consistently report the prominence of economic difficulties of return. In Chapter 5, the socio-economic and political context of return for South African exiles is examined. The chapter begins by highlighting the major milestones in the history of resistance to apartheid and traces events leading to the advent of a post-apartheid South Africa. Concerning the repatriation exercise, it discusses the role played by the major stakeholders, namely, the South African government, NCCR and the UNHCR. This is followed by a consideration of returning to a situation of violence and uncertainty. Reports of dissatisfaction with conditions on return were common. Problems of employment, schooling, housing and feeling unwelcome often led to deep feelings of despair among returnees. Chapter 6 gives the rationale as well as an account of the methodology adopted for the study. Berry's acculturation framework, complemented by Nicholson's transition cycle theory forms the theoretical basis on which the study is based. The various components of the study are described under the methodology section and methodological difficulties of conducting a study of this nature are highlighted. With the collection of data completed, Chapter 7 gives an account of the various preliminary steps taken to prepare the data for statistical analysis. This included checking the data for completeness, accuracy and uniformity as well as examining the properties of the scales used in the questionnaire. Chapter 8 presents the results. The descriptive section of the results indicates that the majority of respondents adapted relatively well to exile life. They had high expectations of what would happen when they returned home. These high expectations were however mostly unfulfilled upon return. Furthermore, respondents reported that they experienced re-entry difficulties at various levels of severity. In the face of such great disappointment and difficulties in adapting back, the family was reported to be the main source of social support. In terms of how close they felt to either home or exile, most returnees indicated a closer affinity with home. More detailed analysis of the data indicated that re-entry difficulties had the most important influence on adaptation outcome. Chapter 9 discusses and elaborates on these results. The return of the sample of exiles under study was overshadowed by the severe difficulties they faced as they negotiated their way back into a now alien environment. This finding verifies empirically the commonplace fact that following the experience of being forcibly uprooted, people face tremendous challenges of adapting to a country they were forced to flee. The implications of this finding are that much as repatriation has been promoted as a durable solution to the refugee 'problem', the serious material, social and emotional difficulties accompanying return render it a most problematic solution. This reinforces the argument that the most important criterion to consider in any repatriation is neither the numbers nor the orderly physical movement of people across borders but how well they adapt to conditions of living in the new place called 'home'. It also supports the contention that returning exiles are not returning to the idealized home but to a country of origin. Thus the central thesis of my study is simple enough - repatriation as it is presently conceived is regarded as a solution to the refugee problem, an end point, and not as a completely new beginning on new terrain. Yet this simple fact does not seem to have been acknowledged thus far. The many repatriations that have taken place indicate that far from being an end point, repatriation is in fact a beginning. It is my modest hope that my study will help contribute to a better understanding of the repatriation process and to approach it as the problem that it is instead of assuming that it is the solution to problems of forced migration.
Open Access
Neuropsychological sequelae of aneurysmal sub-arachnoid haemorrhage in patients without neurological deficits 6 to 8 months post operatively : an exploratory study
(1987) Burbach, Frank Robert; Jordan, Ann; Dawes, Andy
Relatively little is known about the neuropsychological sequelae of sub-arachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and to date, there has only been one study (Ljunggren et al, 1985) focussing on patients without neurological deficits after aneurysm surgery for major SAH. A detailed exploratory study was designed to investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional, personality and behavioural sequelae of SAH in this group of patients. Neuropsychological sequelae were investigated in terms of a wide range of variables which could affect prognosis, viz location of aneurysm, timing of surgery, severity of the initial bleed, age, gender, educational level and estimated premorbid intelligence. An opportunity sample (N = 18) was drawn from patients treated at the Neurosurgery Department, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town from May to November 1986. Patients were assessed 6.1 to 8.0 months post-operatively (mean 7.0 months) by means of an extensive neuropsychological test battery. A detailed structured interview was also conducted with the patient and somebody who was familiar with the patient's everyday functioning. Subjects ranged in age from 17 to 67 years (mean 38.8 years) and had a mean educational level of Standard 6 (range 2-10). Results were analysed in terms of the total sample and then according to successive subdivisions of subjects, on the basis of prognostic variables. The incidence and severity of symptoms ascribed to SAH are reported. Test data was interpreted in terms of two complementary psychometric theories (cognitive fall-off, and specific cognitive ability models). Results of the various aspects of the assessment were integrated in terms of ratings of general functional outcome. A diffuse SAH-induced encephalopathy was detected, which confirmed the findings of Ljunggren et al (1985). Impairment in functional ability was present in 61% of the sample. Similarities were noted with the Ljunggren et al (1985) study in terms of the cognitive abilities that were impaired, as well as the physical, personality and Differences in emotional, behavioural symptoms that were reported. studies are critically interpretation discussed and between the implications two for rehabilitation based examined. prognostic study with Further, variables regard on integrated functional assessment are tentative findings on the effects of are reported. The implications of this to neuropsychological assessment and further research are discussed.
Open Access
Staff constructions of the rule-violating behaviour of the institutionalised delinquent child
(1982) Potgieter, Rodney Victor; Dawes, Andy
A ranked repertory grid analysis was used to examine staff constructions of the nature of the institutionalised delinquent child in a reform school. These constructions were assessed as personality attributions made by the staff based upon the rule-violating behaviour of the delinquent boys within the institution. In addition, the manner in which these constructions affect staff decisions with regard to the reprimands they use to manage the rule-violator and whether subgroups of staff differ in this respect, were examined. The Ingrid 72 computer programme was used to analyse the results. It was found that the constructs, Lazy/ Unmotivated and Immature/Irresponsible were the major dimensions used by the staff to differentiate between rule violators at the Reform School. Implications of the staff constructions for the management of the delinquent child showed that custodial aims are still strongly prevalent at the Reform School and that the need to recommend reprimands in a consistent manner receives more emphasis than reprimands based on the nature of the rule-violator.
Open Access
Staff constructions of the rule-violating behaviour of the institutionalised delinquent child
(1982) Potgieter, Rodney Victor; Dawes, Andy
A ranked repertory grid analysis was used to examine staff constructions of the nature of the institutionalised delinquent child in a reform school. These constructions were assessed as personality attributions made by the staff based upon the rule-violating behaviour of the delinquent boys within the institution. In addition, the manner in which these constructions affect staff decisions with regard to the reprimands they use to manage the rule-violator and whether subgroups of staff differ in this respect, were examined. The Ingrid 72 computer programme was used to analyse the results. It was found that the constructs, Lazy/ Unmotivated and Immature/Irresponsible were the major dimensions used by the staff to differentiate between rule violators at the Reform School. Implications of the staff constructions for the management of the delinquent child showed that custodial aims are still strongly prevalent at the Reform School and that the need to recommend reprimands in a consistent manner receives more emphasis than reprimands based on the nature of the rule-violator.
Open Access
Staff constructions of the rule-violating behaviour of the institutionalised delinquent child
(1982) Potgieter, Rodney Victor; Dawes, Andy
A ranked repertory grid analysis was used to examine staff constructions of the nature of the institutionalised delinquent child in a reform school. These constructions were assessed as personality attributions made by the staff based upon the rule-violating behaviour of the delinquent boys within the institution. In addition, the manner in which these constructions affect staff decisions with regard to the reprimands they use to manage the rule-violator and whether subgroups of staff differ in this respect, were examined. The Ingrid 72 computer programme was used to analyse the results. It was found that the constructs, Lazy/ Unmotivated and Immature/Irresponsible were the major dimensions used by the staff to differentiate between rule violators at the Reform School. Implications of the staff constructions for the management of the delinquent child showed that custodial aims are still strongly prevalent at the Reform School and that the need to recommend reprimands in a consistent manner receives more emphasis than reprimands based on the nature of the rule-violator.

Browsing by Author "Dawes, Andy"

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