Self-constructing a career : reflection following career adaptability as instructional scaffold
Year: 2021
Type: dissertation
Abstract: South African learners transitioning into the world of work are currently lacking \nadequate career education in schools. It is well documented that preparedness for the \nworld of work sets learners in a locus of control. \nThe main aim of this case study was to interpret learners’ reflections of selfconstructing \na career with the psychosocial construct of career adaptability as an \ninstructional scaffold. The study leaned on the life design for career construction \ntheory, a combination of the career construction theory of Savickas, and the selfconstruction \ntheory of Guichard. I utilised interpretivism as a research paradigm and \na single case study design. Following purposeful convenience sampling, sixteen \nGrade 11 learners in a South African public school participated in Phase 1: a workshop \ncomprising five sessions. Phase 2 consisted of a focus group interview with eight \nlearners selected from the original group on their level of contribution and commitment. \nData collection included group reflection, reflective writing, observation, researcher \nreflective field notes, and a focus group interview. \nSix themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the data. Learners successfully \ninitiated career planning activities by reflecting on the career adaptability construct. \nThe research results suggest a need for an alternative approach in the manner career \neducation is presented in schools. This study hopes to provide insight into career selfconstruction \ninitiatives learners employ when using the career adaptability construct \nas an instructional scaffold.
Author: Marlene Algra
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3170496652