Promoting science to prospective students
Monday, 28 May 2007
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town campus recently hosted the Learner-Meet Scientist @Work Programme. The programme provides role models for prospective CPUT students. Learners get the experience of visiting science laboratories and an opportunity to talk to postgraduate ‘scientists’ personally.
The programme started two years ago and is facilitated by Dr Shaheed Hartley, acting Dean of Contract Research in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. The programme aims to provide prospective students with insight in the science field at large.
“It’s important for our learners to get exposure to venues of study and career possibilities,” said Dr Hartley. He said the programme helps learners to make informed decisions about their future. The programme benefits learners, especially those in grade twelve. It also helps in marketing the courses the CPUT has on offer.
The Learner-Meet Scientist@Work Project began after an awareness campaign was held to promote Science and Technology in 1996. This was in response to a call to build a human resource for science and technology base of South Africa.
“CPUT thus embarked on this project to expose learners to some of the areas of study and research in science and technology. The project aims to promote Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) as a study field to meet the demand for scientific human capital in the country,” reports Dr Hartley.
The programme aims to inform learners from previously disadvantaged schools that Science, Engineering and Technology careers are achievable, socially relevant, rewarding and fun. It also aims to improve the image of science and technology as a career. It aims to provide information about SET and careers, expose learners to hands-on experience offered in these fields. It finally aims to impact on the learners’ attitudes and aspirations, to help them make informed decisions about their future.
Learners who attended the session were grade eleven and twelve learners from Cathkin, Harry Gwala, Florida and Spine Road high schools. Learners with Physical Science, Biology and Mathematics learning areas were chosen to participate in the programme.
*by Liziwe Ndalana
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
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