Lecturer awarded for impactful contributions to research

Dr Samantha Kriger is currently based in the Education Faculty at the Mowbray Campus, where she empowers preservice teachers in both the Foundation and Intermediate phases to become dynamic educators in primary schools. Her impactful contributions to research and teacher development in South Africa and beyond have truly earned her recognition.

The Cape Town-born academic recently received the Emerging Researcher Award from the Educational Association of South Africa (EASA). Prof Candice Livingston, Chair of EASA, said the Association is an inclusive network of academics, researchers, and practitioners who all prioritise education, particularly education in South Africa. “By means of active exchange and critique of hypotheses, theories, and practices, EASA members strive to promote excellence in education-related research and science,” said Livingston.

Kriger's research focuses on pre-service teacher education, teaching practice, educational inequality, and the role of music in literacy and curriculum integration. With degrees in music and education from the University of Cape Town and a PhD in Curriculum Studies from Stellenbosch University, she draws on 25 years of school teaching experience while developing her research capacity.

She completed her schooling on the Cape Flats and started her career in higher education when she joined CPUT in 2017. Before that, she had 25 years of teaching experience in both public and independent schools around Cape Town.

Her research projects include being part of an international team researching the experiences of academics during the pandemic, https://covidacademics.co.za/ and currently leading a study on males in the Foundation phase of teaching. https://lnkd.in/dVmwEc2G

Kriger's work appears in Harvard Educational review, Research Policy, Women's Studies International Forum, SAJCE, and Perspectives in Education. She co-authored Who Gets In and Why? with Prof Jonathan Jansen, exploring race and class in elite school admissions.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4085-4380

For her, in research, collaboration with fellow staff, academics, and colleagues is key. She learns so much from those she collaborates with. Sharing experiences and knowledge is also a motivator, and inspiration comes in different forms. “My PhD supervisor continues to be a role model and an inspiring figure, particularly within my research journey.”

Her parents, late sister, husband and “boys have always supported me, and this support provides a springboard for my research work”. “Furthermore, I love what I do. I always tell my students that they have one of the most important jobs where they develop the minds and learning within the learners they teach. This is a huge responsibility.”

This was the second time she applied for this award, as she was unsuccessful the first time, and therein lies the lesson, which is not to be discouraged if things don't turn out “as you would like the first few times”. “Perseverance is key. Continue to improve your practice and strive to achieve your goals. Be reflective, be humble, and continue to work hard,” she notes.

Reflecting on the highlights in her journey, the avid runner said: “Highlights continue to be presenting my research across the globe. CPUT has been generous in funding my attendance and subsequent research outputs at various conferences. The continued challenge is to maintain a work-life balance.”

She continued: “Receiving the award and the recognition is reaffirming and encourages me to continue this research journey.” Like many of us, Kriger finds herself juggling the demands of family life alongside a hectic work schedule, and it's a constant challenge that keeps her on her toes. On top of that, this year, she's proudly taking on her 21st Two Oceans half-marathon, showcasing her amazing dedication and spirit!.

“I have a wonderful running community that keeps me sane. This provides a needed space to decompress, especially when I'm out on the road, running with my 'running tribe.”

She adds: “' We see you' - that's what the award signifies.”

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za