South Africa – Turbulence continues; Stellenbosch ‘demotes’ Afrikaans

By Karen MacGregor – Africa Editor. In Africa Features, Sharon Dell reports on turbulence in South Africa where politicised, violent protests continued at some institutions and some Afrikaners responded angrily to a top research university’s management decision to make English the primary language, in response to transformation demands. Wachira Kigotho unpacks research that finds Kenya’s ‘village universities’ expanding access, but also deep concerns about quality.
In Africa Analysis, Eric Fredua-Kwarteng defends his concept of the developmental university, arguing that their developmental role in helping solve Africa’s problems should start now.
In Commentary Matthew Francis says academics have made tremendous advances in understanding why and how people join violent extremist groups like ISIS, and are sharing this research with intelligence agencies. Jeremy Rappleye and Edward Vickers give pointers as to how Japan can produce the more globalised education system its policy-makers want. Draft education reforms in Vietnam have sparked controversy over the teaching of history in schools, and Ly Pham contends that universities must train teachers to build critical thinking skills. Alain Mayeur describes a new Internet portal for online learners and teachers in France.
Finally, in Global Features, Nicola Jenvey finds higher education to be the top beneficiary of philanthropy, garnering 30% of total million-dollar global donations. Read more...