Stellenbosch University
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LTE Seminar - Curriculum transformation in science
Start: 20/10/2022, 11:00
End: 20/10/2022, 12:00
Contact:Lucy Lucks - (021) 808 3717
Location: MS Teams

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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.​