ASSIGNMENT ONE
HED4814
2025
Total Marks: 50
Instructions:
1. Read the provided case study carefully.
2. Answer all questions with well-supported arguments, referencing academic sources.
3. Your responses should be well-structured, demonstrating critical thinking and an
understanding of the key concepts.
4. Use APA referencing for all sources cited.
5. Include the student declaration of academic honesty form that is in the HED4814
Tutorial Letter 101/0/2025
6. The assignment must be submitted as a typed PDF document (Times New Roman, 12pt,
1.5 spacing).
Case Study: Emotional and Behavioural Challenges in a South African School Context
Thabo is a 13-year-old Grade 7 learner at a public school in Soweto, Johannesburg. Over the past
few months, teachers have noticed a decline in his academic performance and frequent
emotional outbursts in the classroom. Thabo often displays signs of frustration, has difficulty
regulating his emotions, and has become increasingly withdrawn from his peers. His teachers
report instances where he lashes out verbally at classmates and refuses to participate in group
activities.
Thabo’s behaviour escalated after his family experienced a major financial crisis, leading to
instability in his home environment. His mother, who was the primary breadwinner, lost her job,
and the family had to relocate to a smaller residence in an informal settlement. This transition
has disrupted Thabo’s routine, making him anxious and defensive.
Teachers have tried to implement traditional discipline strategies, but these have not been
effective. Some educators suspect that Thabo might be dealing with psychological distress due
to his home circumstances and a lack of coping mechanisms. The school LO Educator has
suggested an approach integrating Emotional Intelligence (EI) principles and Behavioural
Interventions to support Thabo’s emotional well-being and classroom engagement.
Assignment Questions and Mark Allocation:
Section A: Emotional Intelligence (20 Marks)
1. Define Emotional Intelligence (EI) and describe its components (self-awareness, self-
regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills) (10 marks).
HED4814
2025
Total Marks: 50
Instructions:
1. Read the provided case study carefully.
2. Answer all questions with well-supported arguments, referencing academic sources.
3. Your responses should be well-structured, demonstrating critical thinking and an
understanding of the key concepts.
4. Use APA referencing for all sources cited.
5. Include the student declaration of academic honesty form that is in the HED4814
Tutorial Letter 101/0/2025
6. The assignment must be submitted as a typed PDF document (Times New Roman, 12pt,
1.5 spacing).
Case Study: Emotional and Behavioural Challenges in a South African School Context
Thabo is a 13-year-old Grade 7 learner at a public school in Soweto, Johannesburg. Over the past
few months, teachers have noticed a decline in his academic performance and frequent
emotional outbursts in the classroom. Thabo often displays signs of frustration, has difficulty
regulating his emotions, and has become increasingly withdrawn from his peers. His teachers
report instances where he lashes out verbally at classmates and refuses to participate in group
activities.
Thabo’s behaviour escalated after his family experienced a major financial crisis, leading to
instability in his home environment. His mother, who was the primary breadwinner, lost her job,
and the family had to relocate to a smaller residence in an informal settlement. This transition
has disrupted Thabo’s routine, making him anxious and defensive.
Teachers have tried to implement traditional discipline strategies, but these have not been
effective. Some educators suspect that Thabo might be dealing with psychological distress due
to his home circumstances and a lack of coping mechanisms. The school LO Educator has
suggested an approach integrating Emotional Intelligence (EI) principles and Behavioural
Interventions to support Thabo’s emotional well-being and classroom engagement.
Assignment Questions and Mark Allocation:
Section A: Emotional Intelligence (20 Marks)
1. Define Emotional Intelligence (EI) and describe its components (self-awareness, self-
regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills) (10 marks).
