Topic
Modern Western
science is entangled with colonialism (Roy, 2018) and positivist paradigms that
view socially constructed knowledge as irrelevant or inferior. Issues of
decoloniality and social justice in science are complex (Ally, 2018) and
challenging to incorporate into technical curricula. Therefore, Marianne’s 2021
TAU (Teaching Advancement at University) fellowship project sought to establish
how staff and postgraduate students in STEM (science, technology, engineering
and mathematics) faculties at SU view and engage with decoloniality, given that
the institution’s Transformation Plan specifically refers to Africanisation and
decolonisation as requirements in teaching and learning (T&L).
Institutional ethical clearance was obtained (TL-2021-23895). Conversations
with staff and postgraduates were recorded and transcribed. Following a grounded-theory
approach, transcribed content was systematically coded in three iterative
rounds of comparative analysis. Results highlight the barriers that staff
experience regarding these issues, including confusion and anxiety, a perceived
lack of systemic support or recognition for transformative T&L, and insufficient
knowledge on how to implement change. Thus, to achieve social justice outcomes
in science T&L at SU, staff require training and support in “cultural
competencies” (Demosthenous, 2013) and ways to incorporate self and student voices
in contrapuntal approaches. The research findings and recommendations
contribute to the existing knowledge base regarding decoloniality in STEM. They
also highlight the critical importance of ensuring that the SU Transformation
Policy (currently in draft form) “commits to the commitment” by ensuring that
staff and students are empowered with, and recognised for, competencies that prioritise
Africanisation and decolonisation during curriculum renewal, leading to a truly
transformative and inclusive student learning experience.
The Speaker
Dr Marianne McKay
Marianne is a senior lecturer in Oenology at Stellenbosch University (SU) with a passion for teaching and learning (T&L) and the mysterious art and science of wine aroma. She holds a BSc in Chemistry and Geography from the University of Cape Town and an MSc (Agric) and a PhD in Oenology from SU. She previously worked in industry as an analytical chemist and operations manager of clinical trials and validation services for pharmaceutical companies. In 2000, she returned to oenology and academia as a lecturer at Plumpton College, Brighton, United Kingdom. She became interested in T&L at Plumpton and obtained her Postgraduate Certificate in Education in 2004. She returned to South Africa in 2007 and has been at SU ever since. Marianne's research has taken her into varied territory, from smoke taint in wine, through decolonial learning methodologies, to sensory evaluation. Her T&L research has a strong focus on transformation and decoloniality in science. She has published on oenology as well as T&L and is recognised for her contributions to both fields. Marianne has won several teaching-related awards and fellowships, both at SU and nationally.