Mr Sindile Khani graduates cum laude with a Masters degree in Criminology and Forensic Studies. Graduate Explores Teachers’ Experiences of Learner-on-Learner Physical Assault in Schools
A thrilled Mr Sindile Khani recently graduated cum laude with a Masters degree in Criminology and Forensic Studies from UKZN for his analytical study of teachers’ experiences and perceptions towards learner-on-learner physical assault in schools.
Khani’s research, conducted among learners in 12 high schools in the Umlazi Township, investigated teachers’ perceptions regarding the nature and extent of school-based violence, and perceived causes of learner-on-learner physical assault. It also aimed to establish from teachers what they believe could be done to better manage physical violence.
Khani believes that by understanding the educational personnel perceptions and experiences about learner-on-learner physical violence at schools, intervention strategies can be developed to promote effective management of school-based violence in conflict-troubled schools, thereby contributing to the maintenance of school safety.
One of the major themes that emerged from the study was the need for capacity and developmental programmes for learners. ‘Educators in Umlazi believe that extra-curricular activities are needed to keep learners busy, to deter them from deviance and violence.
‘Educators also believe in the importance of enforcing the school code of conduct and the application of consistent disciplinary measures. To be effective, the enforcement of disciplinary measures needs to be constant when dealing with violence at schools,’ he said.
According to Khani, managing violence in schools requires a multi-level approach that does not only address the behavioural issues of learners. ‘To create schools free of physical violence requires the participation of all the stakeholders involved, which include the learners themselves, the educators, the school management team, the school governing body, the community and the authoritative bodies within the communities.’
Khani is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in monitoring and evaluation at the University of Stellenbosch. ‘My plan is to develop an evaluation study for my PhD to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Correctional Services Programme[s] to curb levels of recidivism. I believe taking this extra year to learn evaluation designs will enhance my research interests.’
Offering advice to other students, Khani said: ‘Researchers are defensive about their work and don’t take kindly to criticism, but what I have learned at UKZN is that your fellow scholars want to see you do well. Whether it’s the colloquiums, or student conferences or even your supervisor, try to learn from other people. Also, talk about your work with fellow scholars. Research doesn’t have to be a lonely journey.’