The Department of Distance Education, part of the School of Continuing and Distance Education (SCDE), successfully conducted a three-day workshop focused on academic engagement and knowledge sharing from June 3 to 5 2024.
On the first day of the workshop, Prof. Samuel Amponsah, the Head of the Department of Distance Education, presided over the opening session. He extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to faculty members, students, and staff for their participation in this significant event. During a concise opening ceremony, Prof. Amponsah underscored the essential role of academic discourse in fostering educational transformation across the African continent. He emphasized the importance of engaging in profound discussions and exchanging diverse experiences to enhance knowledge capacity within the academic community. This workshop served as a vital platform for enriching academic engagement and strengthening collaborative efforts in the pursuit of educational excellence.
The three sessions prominently featured Dr. Oscar Koopman, a Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University. He delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “Returning to the Broken African Body in Educational Research.” This was followed by a student session on the second day, culminating in a collaborative workshop for both students and faculty.
Students’ Session Overview
During the students’ session, Dr. Koopman presented an in-depth exploration of canonical thinkers in the field of phenomenology research in education. He highlighted the contributions of prominent philosophers such as Husserl, Heidegger, and Merleau-Ponty, emphasizing the applications of their phenomenological perspectives.
Dr. Koopman conducted a comparative analysis between Husserlian Phenomenology, known as the "life-world theory," and Heideggerian Phenomenology, which focuses on the concept of "Dasein." He articulated that these elements are fundamental to understanding Heidegger's phenomenology, as they relate closely to what he describes as “fundamental ontology.” This discussion underscored the significance of phenomenological inquiry in educational contexts, inviting students to engage with these foundational ideas critically.
Faculty & Students’ Session: Article Writing
On the third day, Dr. Koopman shared invaluable insights on the journey to becoming an exceptional writer in academia. He underscored the significance of having a dedicated mentor who can offer essential guidance on research, publications, and the appropriate language for academic writing. Dr. Koopman recommended cultivating a daily habit of reading and writing. This consistent practice not only aids in understanding how accomplished writers construct arguments but also sharpens one’s ability to critique their own work—an essential skill for gaining acceptance in prestigious academic journals. He urged attendees to maintain a positive mindset and exercise patience, emphasizing that writing should be an internalized process that nurtures the development of innovative ideas. Dr Koopman’s concluding remarks was as follows, “Don’t be a researcher for publishing for promotion business but research and publish for the love of it”.
At the end of proceedings, the Hod expressed sincere appreciation to Dr Koopman for his selflessness and global impact. He HoD presented Dr Koopman with a gift as a sign of appreciation from the Distance Education Department.
