Why do we need more research in education – after centuries of doing it, don’t we know how to teach?

Sadly we do not know how to do education interventions on the scale and in the different contexts required today. For instance, the USA and other developed countries are trying to break through the ceiling which has been constraining their education systems for decades. South Africa and other developing countries are grappling with how to provide quality education to ever-growing numbers of children.

While South Africa shares many concerns with other countries, we also have unique challenges which we can only resolve ourselves. A number of recent publications evaluate our situation in education comprehensively and succinctly – so the evidence outlining the scope of the problem is on the table. However, solid evidence to support proposals on fi xing the problem is lacking across most contexts in South Africa. And a massive rollout of unproven ideas is not an option.

The Sasol Inzalo Foundation’s research, engagement and collaboration focus takes a fresh look at STEM education at all levels to get the fundamentals right.

In collaboration with others, the Foundation aims to:

	Share what we know and do not know about how to achieve excellence in STEM education.
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	Help bring research to classrooms where it can make a difference in practice.
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	Generate evidence of what works in which circumstances to inform policy.
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	Explore how to grow the capacity of the education system to deliver excellence in STEM education.
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We have specific, targeted interventions and endeavour to grow the pool of education researchers in South Africa.