Department of Science and Technology Education

The inaugural Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Educators and Researchers in Africa Conference (STEM-ERA Conference)

Share

The Department of Science and Technology Education(DeSTE) hosted its inaugural Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics Educators and Researchers (STEM-ERA ) Conference pioneered by Professor Lindelani Mnguni. The conference was held on 27 to 29 July 2022 and numerous research papers were presented by delegates. The conference aimed to bring together educators and researchers in STEM education from around the world to share their teaching, learning, and research.

The conference was officially opened by UNISA’s Head of Research and Graduate Studies, Professor Velisiwe Gasa. Professor Lindelani Mnguni proceeded to give the welcome note and spoke about the purpose of having the conference and if another conference is needed. Professor Mnguni mentioned that the conference was an opportunity for all academics to come together and have a conference that addresses African issues in STEM education. These types of conferences should be, Our conferences, for us, by us. They should be a developmental platform for academics that does away with recycling research but instead develop into becoming philosophers.

The conference had a total of six (6) sessions with over forty-nine (49) presentations from delegates, and guest speakers from all over Africa. The guest speakers that graced the conference with their presence are Prof Jeanne Kriek, Prof Mmankoko Ramorola, Prof Zingiswa Jojo, Dr. Oscar Koopman, Prof Sylvia Ramaligela, Prof Loyiso Jita, and Prof Samuel Oyoo.

The presentations on ICT/ Technology in education highlighted the need to evaluate the current infrastructure to keep us with the rapidly evolving technologies. They also emphasized the necessity to re-evaluate education in the digital age. In terms of Mathematics Education, has pointed out the value of using inquiry-based learning. The value of practical activities and developing a scientific register was indicated in terms of Science Education. The integration of Environmental education, as well as indigenous knowledge systems in schools, were discussed in terms of general STEM.

The conference attracted different nations including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia. The universities that took part in the conference are the University of South Africa, University of Pretoria, North West University, University of Venda, University of Limpopo, University of Witwatersrand, University of Free State, University of Zululand, Nelson Mandela University, Kenyatta University (Kenya), Midland State University (Kenya), Walter Sisulu University, University of Fort Hare, Maseno University, University of Education (Winneba), University of Cape Coast (Ghana).

The STEM-ERA Conference is anticipated to be an annual conference to bring together STEM educators and researchers from around the world. The Department of Science and Technology Education looks forward to hosting all the delegates again in 2023.

Share

Publish date: 2022/08/10

Unisa Shop