Single steps on a thousand mile journey: Reimagining a scientific curriculum in the current South African HE

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​​​Single steps on a thousand mile journey:  Reimagining a scientific curriculum in the current South African HE context (Auxin Padkos session 23 February)

 

Marianne McKay¹ and Antoinette Smith-Tolken²

 

1. Department of Oenology and Viticulture, S. U.
2. Division for Social Impact, S. U.
   
    
   
   Embedding indigenous knowledge and social justice issues in any curriculum in Higher Education in South Africa is an ongoing challenge, particularly in the 'hard'/ natural sciences, where nature and the data are seen as paramount, and the educational context is a revered system of hierarchical knowledge and methodology that stretches way back to the Renaissance. It is a tough call.
   
    In this short session, we try to show that even within current ('colonised'?) module and programme structures, it is possible to include relevant teaching materials and create an awareness of alternative perspectives in scientific modules. We use a few examples taken from an Agriscience programme to illustrate that a little lateral and creative thinking in terms of teaching and learning methods can give some very interesting results, and enhance and broaden student understanding of their subject. We suggest that such small beginnings can help to 'prepare the ground' and create an exciting and stimulating atmosphere for curriculum renewal at our University.
   
    

"It is critically important that we decolonise South Africa's universities. This will involve creating a radically altered curriculum and producing a genuinely diversified academic population." (Shay, 2015: the Conversation).

 

When:

Tuesday 23 February 2016, Time: 12:45 - 13:45 ("padkos" will be provided)

Where:

Den Bosch opposite "Skuilhoek" 41 Victoria Street (directly behind the Conservatoire) There are only 10 places available. Please contact Nothemba Nqayi at nothemban@sun.ac.za, Tel 021 808 3717.

Page Image:

Staff Only: Yes

Visibly Featured: Faculties; Staff; SU Main

Published Date: 2/9/2016

Enterprise Keywords: Scientific Curriculum; South African HE context

GUID Original Article: 8E7F01AA-76E9-44ED-A478-8FF5F5C271F7

Is Highlight: No

Opsomming: Die insluiting van inheemse kennis en sosiale geregtigheidskwessies in enige kurrikulum in Hoër Onderwys in Suid-Afrika is ‘n voortdurende uitdaging, veral in die natuurwetenskappe waar natuur en data gesien word as onontbeerlik

Summary: Embedding indigenous knowledge and social justice issues in any curriculum in Higher Education in South Africa is an ongoing challenge, particularly in the ‘hard’/ natural sciences, where nature and the data are seen as paramount