We have the honor and pleasure to host Prof Dorothy Queiros from the University of South Africa as a visiting professor for one month, as part of an UGent’s Global Minds Short Research Stay.
Prof Dorothy Queiros is excited to engage with students and staff on the following two topics on Tuesday 19 May, 11h00 - 12h00, Block F, Ground floor, lecture room (next to Capra meeting room).
1. University of South Africa: Defying barriers to provide accessible education in Africa
The University of South Africa (Unisa) was one of the first public universities in the world to teach exclusively by means of distance education. As one of the largest universities in the world, today it serves 370 000 students from 109 countries. Several prominent South African anti-apartheid activists imprisoned on Robben Island obtained their degrees through Unisa, the most famous being former president Nelson Mandela!
Unisa has a different mandate to in-person universities – serving the working student; a large body of young students who cannot afford to study elsewhere; and others, who for various reasons, cannot attend day universities. I am excited to present a short talk, followed by Q and A regarding our education model which defies barriers to provide accessible education across Africa despite distance, poverty, imprisonment, work and geography.
2. Reflections on research in rural South Africa
Socio-ecological research in rural South Africa requires adaptive and flexible methodologies to gather authentic indigenous knowledge. We will discuss key aspects to consider when using qualitative research methods in rural settings – context; multiple methods; issues of access; ethical dilemmas; and feedback. I look forward to connecting with you on Wednesday for a short presentation and discussion on paving the way to hear the voices of rural participants.
About Prof Queiros …
Prof Dorothy Queiros is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Management, University of South Africa (Unisa). She has worked in universities in South Africa and the UK. Her research interests centre on sustainability in socio-ecological contexts, specifically people-parks relationships, community pro-conservation attitudes and impacts on coastal communities. Prof Queiros and her postgraduate students utilise a variety of qualitative research methods in different African contexts.
Hope to see you there!