PED3701
Assignment 2
Due 30 July 2025
, PCDE4801
Assignment Two: In-Depth Case Study Analysis
Student Name: [Your Full Name]
Student Number: [Your Student Number]
Course: Psychology of Education
Institution: University of South Africa
Word Count: [Insert Final Word Count Here]
Due Date: 30 July 2025
Case Study: Thabo Molefe
Thabo Molefe, a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner at a formerly Model C school in Pretoria
East, presents with a complex developmental and socio-cultural background. Though
academically inclined in science-related subjects, he struggles with abstract thinking
and shows signs of emotional and environmental stress. His case illustrates a rich
intersection of educational psychology, developmental theory, and systemic challenges
facing learners in post-apartheid South Africa.
Question 1: Developmental Analysis (20 Marks)
a) Influence of Developmental Domains on Thabo’s Learning (8 Marks)
1. Physical Development
Thabo is described as physically healthy and active. However, his long daily
commute likely contributes to fatigue, which can impair attention and memory
function in class (Papalia et al., 2021). His physical state directly influences his
engagement and stamina during academic tasks.
2. Cognitive Development
Thabo excels in concrete subjects like Mathematics and Life Sciences but
struggles with abstraction in English and History. This may suggest he is in
Piaget's formal operational stage but still transitioning from concrete thinking
Assignment 2
Due 30 July 2025
, PCDE4801
Assignment Two: In-Depth Case Study Analysis
Student Name: [Your Full Name]
Student Number: [Your Student Number]
Course: Psychology of Education
Institution: University of South Africa
Word Count: [Insert Final Word Count Here]
Due Date: 30 July 2025
Case Study: Thabo Molefe
Thabo Molefe, a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner at a formerly Model C school in Pretoria
East, presents with a complex developmental and socio-cultural background. Though
academically inclined in science-related subjects, he struggles with abstract thinking
and shows signs of emotional and environmental stress. His case illustrates a rich
intersection of educational psychology, developmental theory, and systemic challenges
facing learners in post-apartheid South Africa.
Question 1: Developmental Analysis (20 Marks)
a) Influence of Developmental Domains on Thabo’s Learning (8 Marks)
1. Physical Development
Thabo is described as physically healthy and active. However, his long daily
commute likely contributes to fatigue, which can impair attention and memory
function in class (Papalia et al., 2021). His physical state directly influences his
engagement and stamina during academic tasks.
2. Cognitive Development
Thabo excels in concrete subjects like Mathematics and Life Sciences but
struggles with abstraction in English and History. This may suggest he is in
Piaget's formal operational stage but still transitioning from concrete thinking
