The North-West University (NWU) hosted the 33rd annual conference of the Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) on the Potchefstroom Campus from 13 to 16 January 2025.
This international conference, hosted in collaboration with the North West SAARMSTE chapter, was aimed at promoting research to improve and develop Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (MSTE) programmes in response to current and future needs.
The theme of the conference was Adapting to a changing landscape of STEAM education in the era of artificial intelligence, and it featured delegates from the African continent, the USA and Australia.
During his welcome address, the president of SAARMSTE, Dr Million Chauraya from the Midlands University, emphasised that the conference was expanding and attracting international collaborators.
In turn, the deputy dean of Teaching and Learning from the Faculty of Education at the NWU, Prof Maryna Reyneke, stated that teachers have the responsibility to redefine how they engage with education and learning environments.
Prof Nnenesi Kgabi, chief director of Research and Postgraduate Support at the NWU, commended SAARMSTE for creating a sense of community among researchers. She further stated that “AI is a technology that should be welcomed rather than viewed as a threat. It is our responsibility as researchers to minimise the negative effects of this technology.”
Strategies that will shape the future of STEAM education
Throughout the four-day conference, several keynote speakers contributed their perspectives to the discussions around mathematics, science and technology education.
Chief research expert Dr Nazeem Mustapha conducted the first plenary address. He discussed the South African profile of artificial intelligence (AI) in science, technology, and innovation (STI). Prof Katie Makar from the University of Queensland then spoke about data science education, focusing on how it may be utilised to get primary school learners ready for the rapidly evolving world.
Prof Joseph Krajcik from Michigan State University stressed the need for feedback and explained how to use knowledge-in-use assessment activities in classrooms to encourage learning.
The fourth plenary was delivered by Prof Martin Braund, research associate at the Nelson Mandela University. The title of his presentation was The Arts and Sciences – Crossing the “Great-Divide”. He discussed three themes: creativity expanding scientific (STEM) thinking, the human brain-arts-science thinking, and arts-science collaboration.
Dr Chauraya acknowledged the plenary speakers' contributions and said the theme of the symposium was echoed in their discussions. Reflecting on the successful conference, Dr Chauraya stated: “It was a well-organised conference – I was impressed by the reception. The local leadership fully supported it. Thank you to the North-West University community, the ushers, the sponsors, and everyone who helped organise this conference and made it a success.”
The SAARMSTE choir provided a musical item at the closing ceremony and gala dinner held at The Roots, with the programme being directed by Dr Sonto Mthembu-Mwamwenda and Mr Lucky Ncala.
Musical group Setswana sa Nyelela blessed the audience with an outstanding performance during their opening and welcoming ceremony.
Dignitaries at the 33rd annual SAARMSTE conference on the Potchefstroom Campus.
The plenary sessions built capacity and fostered collaboration among researchers.
The president of SAARMSTE, Dr Million Chauraya, during his welcoming address.
