in terms of teacher development programmes.” She also looks to collaborate with the department to develop better mathematics and science teachers for the future with the infusion of learning enhanced with the help of technology.
“EDUCATION NEEDS A PARADIGM SHIFT TO ACCOMMODATE THE RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD OF WORK, WHERE DIGITISATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ARE TAKING OVER.” THIS, SHE SAYS, IMPLIES THAT CHILDREN HAVE TO BE AS EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR) AS EVERYONE ELSE AROUND THEM...”
“Education needs a paradigm shift to accommodate the
rapidly changing world of work, where digitisation and artificial intelligence are taking over.” This, she says, implies that children have to be as equipped to deal with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) as everyone else around them – but also that teachers have to be equipped with the same skills.” “Skills like critical thinking, creativity, communication, complex problem solving, computational thinking, emotional intelligence, cognitive flexibility, and adaptability all come into play.” Penn is currently completing her in- service professional development programmes, but believes that education specialists still have more work ahead when it comes to training teachers for future-fit classrooms – and hopes that she can bridge the gap for a future where learning through technology is embraced in all its forms. Support has been one of the most important achievements so far – and not just from the Department of Education, but from beloved friends, mentors, and family members. “I’d like to thank the people who supported me throughout my studies, including my supervisor (Prof U Ramnarain), one of my professional mentors (Dr L Mavuru), my husband (Vincent) and my lovely children.” She remembers advice from a beloved family member as a closing statement as she looks towards a future embracing doing what she loves most for the betterment of mankind, “Anything is possible if you visualise it and set attainable goals to achieve it.”
Mafor Penn lives her life by the mantra which she recites every day: “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Wishing is not enough; we must do.” Penn is the recipient of the most prestigious award given to students by the University of Johannesburg: The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Chancellor’s Medal. “The prize will open bigger doors for me, as I look forward to growing my career as a science education researcher and propagating the global excellence status of the University of Johannesburg.” Her first introduction to education happened through Teach South Africa in 2009. “At the time, education officials reminded me I didn’t have a teaching qualification – even though I had an honours degree in biochemistry and medical laboratory technology.” Completing her PGCE in 2015, she realised that she wanted more – a deeper understanding. “That is what led me to register for an honours degree – and subsequently a master’s degree. I needed to gain an understanding of science education research to improve my practice as a science teacher at the time.”
The award allows Penn to bring her dream of further-reaching education to the world. “To do this, one has to be committed, consistent, and hard-working.” She acknowledges the support of her supervisor, her loving family, and her faith in God as crowning all her efforts in the field so far. Her dissertation taught her as much about education and science as it did about herself. “The ultimate goal was to establish the level of scientific literacy of Grade 12 learners in 21 global countries,” she says. “But by the close of two research cycles, I discovered several things about myself during the research process: I discovered that persistence was a key quality for school-based research, and that dialogue was just as important.” Penn says that her degree has already opened up several doors and allowed her to move from high school teaching to lecturing in higher education through the University of Johannesburg. The future appears especially bright: “In the next five years, I would have completed a PhD in Science Education, been published extensively in internationally recognised journals and given back to the Department of Education
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
46
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator