Abstract
This paper provides a historical overview of the development of higher education research in South Africa by focusing on past achievements and conditions, and present and future challenges. An attempt is made to point out the changes in both the context and paradigm of higher education research. The authors illustrate how research foci and methods were shaped by the political agenda of the “old” South Africa, and highlight the issues which higher education currently and in the future will have to address as part of the transformation process of not only higher education, but of South African society as a whole.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bitzer, E.M. (1998). 'Hoër onderwys as 'n studieveld: uitdagings in 'n tyd van omvorming', Professorale intreerede aan die Universiteit van Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch.
Massy, W.F. (1990). 'A paradigm for research on higher education', in Smart, J.C. (ed.), Higher Education: Handbook of Theory and Research. Volume VI. New York: Agathon Press.
Muller, A. (1998). 'Trends in research in higher education', Presented at a Seminar on Higher Education as a Field of Study, at the URHE, UOFS, Bloemfontein.
NCHE (National Commission on Higher Education) (1996). A Framework for Transformation, Report. Pretoria: NCHE.
Rossouw, H.W. (1997). 'Die behoud van die akademiese etos', Langenhovenlesing gelewer aan die Universiteit van Port Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth.
RSA DoE (Republic of South Africa. Department of Education) (1997a). A Programme for Higher Education Transformation. Education White Paper 3. Pretoria: Dept. of Education.
RSA (Republic of South Africa) (1997b). Higher Education Act, No 101. Pretoria: Government Printer.
Stetar, J. (1998). 'Higher education as a field of study', Presented at a Seminar on Higher Education as a Field of Study, at the URHE, UOFS, Bloemfontein.
Teichler, U. (1998). 'Higher education and the world of work: changing conditions and challenges in comparative perspectives', Presented at a Seminar on Higher Education and the World of Work, at the URHE, UOFS, Bloemfontein.
Van Niekerk, A. (1993). 'Inleiding', in Rossouw, H.W. (ed.), Universiteit, wetenskap en kultuur. Kaapstad: Tafelberg Uitgewers.
Van Wyk, A.H. (1998) 'Verwelkomingsrede aan ouers van eerstejaarstudente'. Universiteit van Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Strydom, A., Fourie, M. Higher education research in South Africa: Achievements, conditions and new challenges. Higher Education 38, 155–167 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003756016644
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003756016644