HED4814
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 30 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
This assignment explores the educational, psychological, and developmental
experiences of Thabo Molefe, a 16-year-old learner navigating the challenges of a
diverse post-apartheid school environment. Thabo's case highlights the intersection
of multiple developmental domains, including cognitive, emotional, social, and
environmental influences, which affect his academic journey. His background as a
multilingual learner from a low-income township family presents both barriers and
strengths that must be understood within the broader context of South Africa’s
education system. The assignment applies key learning theories such as Piaget’s
cognitive development, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, and Erikson’s psychosocial
stages to explain Thabo’s development and learning behaviour. It also incorporates
a problem-based learning design tailored to his needs, followed by an integrated
strategy involving stakeholders like teachers and family. Finally, the assignment
includes reflective and advocacy components that consider inclusive education
practices and the need for policy reform to better support learners like Thabo in
diverse, under-resourced settings.
QUESTION 1: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS
a) Influence of Developmental Domains on Thabo’s Learning Experiences
Thabo’s learning is affected by several developmental domains: physical, personal,
social, and cognitive. Physically, he is healthy and active, but daily long-distance
travel leaves him tired, which reduces his focus in class and limits energy for
homework. Fatigue can lead to poor concentration and lower academic performance,
especially in afternoon sessions. According to Woolfolk (2016:58), physical
development includes growth and maturation, and a lack of rest may slow this
process.
On a personal level, Thabo shows confidence in groups but experiences test anxiety.
This affects his ability to perform well during assessments. Personal development
includes changes in personality and emotional control. His confidence in group
settings can support peer-based learning, but test anxiety may reduce his academic
results and motivation.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 30 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, INTRODUCTION
This assignment explores the educational, psychological, and developmental
experiences of Thabo Molefe, a 16-year-old learner navigating the challenges of a
diverse post-apartheid school environment. Thabo's case highlights the intersection
of multiple developmental domains, including cognitive, emotional, social, and
environmental influences, which affect his academic journey. His background as a
multilingual learner from a low-income township family presents both barriers and
strengths that must be understood within the broader context of South Africa’s
education system. The assignment applies key learning theories such as Piaget’s
cognitive development, Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, and Erikson’s psychosocial
stages to explain Thabo’s development and learning behaviour. It also incorporates
a problem-based learning design tailored to his needs, followed by an integrated
strategy involving stakeholders like teachers and family. Finally, the assignment
includes reflective and advocacy components that consider inclusive education
practices and the need for policy reform to better support learners like Thabo in
diverse, under-resourced settings.
QUESTION 1: DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS
a) Influence of Developmental Domains on Thabo’s Learning Experiences
Thabo’s learning is affected by several developmental domains: physical, personal,
social, and cognitive. Physically, he is healthy and active, but daily long-distance
travel leaves him tired, which reduces his focus in class and limits energy for
homework. Fatigue can lead to poor concentration and lower academic performance,
especially in afternoon sessions. According to Woolfolk (2016:58), physical
development includes growth and maturation, and a lack of rest may slow this
process.
On a personal level, Thabo shows confidence in groups but experiences test anxiety.
This affects his ability to perform well during assessments. Personal development
includes changes in personality and emotional control. His confidence in group
settings can support peer-based learning, but test anxiety may reduce his academic
results and motivation.
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372