SAERA Outstanding Article Award Nominations

SAERA outstanding article award nominations are open until 9th September 2016. 

SAERA Doctoral Dissertation Award

The SAERA Doctoral Dissertation Award may be made annually to an outstanding PhD thesis awarded by a South African Higher Education Institution in the field of education.

  1. Criteria for an outstanding PhD thesis

1.1 Makes a substantial and original contribution to theoretical, empirical, and/or methodological knowledge in education.

1.2 Shows outstanding research quality, including rigour, transparency and validity/trustworthiness.

1.3 Has potential impact for policy-makers, practitioners, and other research users or provides a significant conceptual and theoretical contribution to its field.

1.4 The study has a transformative intent. There are indications that the research is aimed at advancing theories and methodologies in socially critical ways.

1.5 Evidence of published or submitted research outputs would strengthen the nomination

  1. Eligibility

2.1 The degree should have been awarded during the calendar year preceding (i.e. the award for the year 2018 is for a degree granted during the period 30 April 2017 to 30 April 2018). ‘Degree awarded’ means when the University formally wrote to confirm the award rather than the graduation ceremony.

  1. Process of nomination

3.1 Any SAERA member may nominate an outstanding PhD thesis for the award.

3.2 The following documents must be submitted to az.oc.areas@esorby 31 June 2018:
a) A completed nomination form (available from the SAERA website);

b) A proposer’s statement of no more than 1,000 words in support of the nomination. The statement should clearly indicate how the work makes a significant contribution to education research against the relevant SAERA Doctoral Thesis Award criteria for assessment;

c) The examination reports (these may be anonymised if required by the rules of the HEI, and if requested by the examiners);

d) Proof of any publications emanating from the thesis that have been accepted for publication or published from the dissertation;

e) An electronic copy of the full dissertation.

  1. The evaluation process

The evaluation panel will comprise three SAERA executive members, plus one other member nominated by the Executive Committee. The evaluation panel will examine all the documentation per nominee and make a decision based on how well the thesis meets the criteria.

  1. Award

The SAERA Doctoral Dissertation Award will be awarded at the Annual conference. The recipient will be sponsored to attend the conference, and receive SAERA membership for a year. The recipient will be expected to present his/her work at the conference, and to write a summary of the study to be placed on the SAERA website.

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.