Secondary school learners' experience of aggression in a classroom in Alexandra Township, South Africa

Aim: The aim of this research was to explore and describe the learners' experience of aggression in a classroom at a secondary school in Alexandra Township, and to describe guidelines for learners and teachers to assist these learners in facilitating their mental health and the constructive management of aggression in the classroom at a secondary school in Alexandra. Method: The participants were nine Grade nine learners aged between 15 and 17 years. Data was collected through descriptive phenomenological interviews, observations and field notes. Results and conclusion: Learners' experience of aggression in the classroom included physical attacks, verbal remarks and threats. The learners' experience of aggression led to the development of negative feelings such as anger, stress, hurt, fear and humiliation. Emotionally, learners' responses showed experiencing bullying, frustration, a sense of hopelessness, rejection and isolation. Guidelines were formulated for learners and teachers to assist these learners in facilitating their mental health and the constructive management of aggression in the classroom at a secondary school in Alexandra.