Thomas Salmon

Nelson Mandela Legacy reflection pieces – call for contributions

Dear SAERA community, The SAERA committee is keen to promote engagement with our members throughout the year. As such, we are creating the opportunity for members to participate in thinking about one of our key activities. In the spirit of the annual Nelson Mandela legacy lecture, we would like to invite you to reflect on: …

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SAERA Conference 2024 hosted by University of the Free State, Bloemfontein Campus.

SAERA 2024 29 October -1 November 2024 Conference theme: Education Ideologies and National Development.  The 11th SAERA Conference was hosted by the University of Free State (UFS), Faculty of Education, Bloemfontein Campus, Economics and Management Sciences (EBW Auditorium). Congratulations to the UFS Local Organising Committee and all respective stakeholders who worked very hard to host …

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Empowering South Africa’s Young Education Researchers

In the ever-evolving landscape of education research the role of young researchers is pivotal. Their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and energy contribute significantly to advancing our understanding of educational practices and policies. However, they face many challenges in our institutions in South Africa. SAERA is working to foster a supportive environment through the activities proposed …

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Journal of Education migrating to the SABINET on-line platform

The Journal of Education is MIGRATING to a new on-line platformDear subscribers, contributors, reviewers, Board members, Editorial Team members, SAERA membership and the general academic communityGreetings to you allThe editorial team of the Journal of Education in consultation with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) library, the original host of the Journal, will migrate its online …

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SAERA Mandela Lecture 2023 – ‘Commodification, Corporatization, Complicity and Crisis: The University in Contemporary South Africa’.

This year marked SAERA’s 10th annual conference, a milestone hosted by Rhodes University’s Faculty of Education in East London in the Eastern Cape. This anniversary occasion was also marked by the delivery of our 10th annual Nelson Mandela Lecture as part of the conference at the end of the opening day in a plenary session …

SAERA Mandela Lecture 2023 – ‘Commodification, Corporatization, Complicity and Crisis: The University in Contemporary South Africa’. Read More »

In memory of Prof Sechaba M. Geoffrey Mahlomaholo

Prof Sechaba at SAERA 2014 The South African Education Research Association is saddened to hear about the passing of Prof Sechaba Mahlomaholo and we wish to express our condolences and share our deepest sympathies with his family, friends and colleagues Prof Sechaba M. Geoffrey Mahlomaholo was the President of SAERA in 2016 and 2017 and …

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Latest Issue of the Journal of Education Now Available

Dear Members of the South African Education Research Association, We are happy to announce the release of the newest issue of the Journal of Education, accessible for your perusal at the following URL: https://journals.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/joe/issue/current. This particular issue of the Journal of Education brings a spotlight to both basic and higher education, with a distinctive focus …

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December 2022 – New issue of the Journal of Education

On 2022-12-1 a new issue of the Journal of Education has been published No 89 (2022): General Issue– Please find a link to the new issue below:Link: https://journals.ukzn.ac.za/index.php/joe/issue/current Some key topics are illustrated in the word cloud below:   The Journal of Education publishes two general issues per year (June and December), as well as …

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We congratulate Dr Mphoentle Modise, SAERA executive member representing early career researchers, who recently graduated with her PhD at UNISA. Well done!

Dr Mpho-Entle Puleng Modise is a lecturer in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, College of Education at the University of South Africa. Her research areas include student support in open distance and e-learning (ODeL), academic professional development, technology adoption, and educational technology. She also has an interest in OERs and MOOCs. Dr Modise …

We congratulate Dr Mphoentle Modise, SAERA executive member representing early career researchers, who recently graduated with her PhD at UNISA. Well done! Read More »

Dear SAERA Members

You are welcome to the official website of the South African Educational Research Association (SAERA). This platform serves as a central hub where one can stay informed and be kept abreast of the latest news and developments about events like seminars, symposiums, workshops, conferences organized by SAERA.

SAERA is a community of like-minded scholars who are passionate and dedicated to active and result-oriented educational research capable of solving the challenge confronting teaching and learning. SAERA was founded with a fundamental aim of enhancing educational research in South Africa and beyond. As a learned association, SAERA aim to foster collaboration among researchers, educators, and policymakers, to create an environment where theory and practice converge meaningfully. Our association aspires to bridge the gaps that often exist between academic research and practical implementation, a gap that, if left unaddressed, can stifle our efforts towards educational transformation. A central tenet of our mission is to promote rigorous research quality. In an age where information overload has become a norm, it is important that we not only produce research but ensure that our researches are of quality and highest standard. Our commitment to research integrity is unwavering, and we strive to cultivate an atmosphere where scholarly work is not only respected but also valued for its impact on educational practices. We believe that through high-quality research, we can influence policies that will make a tangible difference in the education sector.

Over the years, paucity of quality research outputs has been a daunting stumbling block to research frontiers in Africa and the rest of the world. As we forge ahead in this 21st century, it is crucial to devote particular attention to developing the next generation of researchers. It is important to note that investing in young researchers is not merely a gentle encouragement; it is a necessity. They are our torchbearers in the relentless quest for knowledge and innovation. To achieve this, we offer mentorship programmes, workshops, and resources aimed explicitly at equipping young researchers with the skills and knowledge they require to succeed. By nurturing these talents, we ensure that the field of educational research remains dynamic, robust, and responsive to the ever-evolving educational landscape to meet the need of the modern society.

Our vision is not defined by individual achievements but by the establishment of a cohesive, coherent, and inclusive academic and research identity within the education sector. We seek to create vigorous and responsive epistemic communities that foster collaboration, dialogue, and innovation. These will serve as platforms for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and brainstorming solutions to common issues in educational research. Moreover, we recognize the importance of interaction with national and provincial education departments and research agencies. These relationships are vital as they pave the way for informed policy-making backed by solid research evidence. We will actively seek to engage these stakeholders, ensuring our research informs their initiatives. This collaboration enables us not only to advocate for the importance of educational research but also to influence policy decisions that will lead to improved educational outcomes for all South Africans.

As we strive for local impact, we must also set our sights on the global stage. The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and our efforts should reflect that reality. Therefore, SAERA is committed to establishing links with international educational research organizations and similar entities across Southern Africa and the broader African continent. Together, we can share insights, learn from one another, and contribute to a unified body of knowledge that serves our collective goals. These collaborations will enrich our understanding and elevate our standing in the global academic community, allowing us to contribute actively to international discourses on education.

Yours in scholarship.

 Prof. Melanie B. Luckay.