Page 72 - Research & Innovation Report 2020

EDUCATION

Charles Duna Primary and HOPES researching together

pursuing postgraduate studies. In addition, each study has their resources to engage virtually and responding to new, complex
own ALS, which includes parents, community members, school multidimensional realities.
teachers and principals who have an interest in the topic under
study. The space is open to everyone who is interested, as we are In honouring the research participants’ request to meet in
committed to the principle of generative learning.” person, observing all safety protocols, doctoral fellow Malangeni
made a special appeal to the Department of Higher Education
Until the March 2020 lockdown, writing retreats, which included for an exemption to the stipulation of virtual engagement. The
personal wellness sessions, were held with the postgraduates to participants are all in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, including
conceptualise and work on their research topics and articles in a co- two high schools and two primary schools in New Brighton,
generation of knowledge between the supervisors and students. Kariega and Booysen Park. The request was approved and the
group managed to have its first engagement.
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this community engaged
project as the key methodological approach requires face-to- “My doctoral research invites the action learning set to take
face interaction with the different stakeholders. Sadly, the impact ownership of the research,” says Malangeni. “They support the
of the pandemic meant that instead, students and participants rationale, namely that the community school can be improved, not
were faced with the dual challenge of a lack of adequate only by the educators but by the whole community contributing

“ ... the element of hopefulness came to life,

and ... the research participants asserted their
views on the types of research methods they

would feel comfortable with."

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