Reflections on educational research in South Africa

Abstract

A definition of educational research is proposed: Educational research is a particular mode of social service, using rigorous scientific endeavours for the continuous improvement of educational practice. The key components of this definition are used to reflect on educational research in South Africa as (1) a particular mode of social service (with discussion of an ethical code for educational research and national educational research priorities), (2) scientific endeavour (with reference to the nature of educational research, dissertations, scientific articles and research programme reports), and (3) role players in the continuous improvement of educational practice (with reference to policy making and operational practice). It is evident that educational research in South Africa has a noteworthy record of national and regional impact. Present threats to its academic stature and praxiological impact can only be overcome by taking appropriate and timely research management action.


South African Journal of Education Vol.24(3) 2004: 233-238