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STEM and Social Justice: Teaching and Learning in Diverse Settings pp 77–94Cite as

Recent Research on Science Communication and Engagement in Informal Settings in South Africa

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Abstract

This chapter provides an analysis of recent research which has been conducted in South Africa in the fields of science communication and science engagement in informal settings. The majority of science communication research has been made available via meetings such as the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) and the African Science Communication Conference (ASCC). Presentations at PCST have been varied, from Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and outreach to health and social media, while the majority of presentations at the two ASCC conferences focused on science journalism, “show and tell” and policy issues. The relatively few published articles with the field of science communication indicate that there is considerable scope for an expanded research agenda. The field of science engagement research has tended to rely on the interests of a few individuals. Despite this, it has confirmed that many of the findings of similar research in developed countries hold true in South Africa, for example, that learning is incremental, and affective outcomes are as important as cognitive ones. Research studies on science fairs show impressive agency and initiative by the student participants, but resource constraints are hampering greater engagement with such informal learning opportunities. In summary, while informal sites are making strides in science communication and engagement, there are historical inequities in terms of space and culture which need to be addressed to ensure greater participation by the majority of the population.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    www.sahistory.org.za.

  2. 2.

    e.g., http://www.scidev.net/en/science-communication/features/drinking-up-science-in-african-caf-s-1.html; http://www.scidev.net/en/news/ghana-launches-first-caf-scientifique-in-west-afr.html.

  3. 3.

    Townships were initiated under South Africa’s Group Areas Act during apartheid, which demarcated residential areas for different race groups (black, Indian, colored, etc.) Even today, many people in townships belong to a low income group, and there is a high rate of unemployment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Anthony Lelliott

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  1. Anthony Lelliott
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Correspondence to Anthony Lelliott .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Cheryl B. Leggon

  2. Department of Biology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA

    Michael S. Gaines

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Lelliott, A. (2017). Recent Research on Science Communication and Engagement in Informal Settings in South Africa. In: Leggon, C., Gaines, M. (eds) STEM and Social Justice: Teaching and Learning in Diverse Settings. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56297-1_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56297-1_5

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