“Integrating Global Perspectives and Local Impact: Advancing the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in STEM Education for Global Relevance.”
This theme affirms that meaningful transformation in STEM higher education arises at the intersection of international scholarship and locally grounded practice. It positions the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) as both a global and situated endeavour, one that draws on the best of international research while remaining accountable to the realities of African, South African, and Global South classrooms. The theme invites scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to interrogate how global frameworks can be critically adapted to advance equity, epistemic justice, and student success in diverse STEM contexts. It further calls for the elevation of local knowledge, innovation, and lived experience as legitimate contributions to the global SoTL discourse, positioning African STEM scholarship as an active shaper of, rather than a recipient of, international educational thought.
Sub-Theme 1: Institutionalising SoTL and Building Scholarly Teaching Cultures in STEM
This sub-theme focuses on establishing and enhancing frameworks, policies, and leadership initiatives that foster a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) within STEM faculties. This involves creating supportive structures that encourage collaboration, sharing of best practices, and ongoing professional development among educators to ultimately improve teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.
Focus Areas:
- Institutionalising SoTL in STEM faculties
- Academic staff development and professional learning
- SoTL leadership, policy, and governance
- Building communities of practice and professional learning network
- Research-informed teaching and educational inquiry in STEM
Sub-Theme 2: Transformative, Inclusive and Student-Centred STEM Education
Our focus is on promoting teaching and learning practices that are equitable, compassionate, and adaptable. We aim to create an environment where every student can thrive, ensuring that educational approaches are tailored to meet the diverse needs of all learners. By advancing these human-centered practices, we strive to enhance student success and foster an inclusive academic community.
Focus Areas:
- Student-centred and active learning pedagogies
- Inclusive and humanising pedagogies in STEM
- Curriculum transformation in STEM
- Africanisation, transformation, and epistemic justice in STEM education
- Data-informed approaches to student success, retention, and engagement
Sub-Theme 3: Assessment, Graduate Success and Employability in STEM
Emphasis on improving educational experiences by implementing impactful assessments that not only measure student learning but also cultivate skills and knowledge essential for graduates. The goal is to equip them for significant contributions to their professions and society as a whole.
Focus Areas:
- Assessment and feedback for student success
- Authentic and work-integrated assessment
- STEM graduate attributes and employability
- Student learning analytics and evidence-based improvement
- Developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and future-ready skills
Sub-Theme 4: Technology, Innovation and Internationalisation in STEM Education
Harnessing the potential of digital innovation alongside fostering global partnerships to significantly improve the quality of STEM education, promote effective learning experiences, and advance cutting-edge research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Focus Areas:
- Learning and teaching with technology in STEM
- Artificial intelligence and digital transformation in STEM education
- Internationalisation of STEM education
- Global and intercultural perspectives in STEM curricula
- International collaboration and partnership models in SoTL