Researchers in Focus
Listening to the voices of children has always been at the heart of Dr Naseema Shaik’s research.
Her journey has taken her from an Early Childhood teacher to Head: Foundation Phase Teaching in the Education Faculty, and now she is honoured to add a new milestone – a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation.
“This recognition affirms my standing as an established researcher with a sustained publication record, particularly within the South African early childhood education research community. Importantly, it also acknowledges the growing international visibility of my work.”
“I am particularly interested in children's participatory rights and participatory pedagogies, with a focus on how pre-service teachers and in-service teachers are supported in embracing these approaches. This line of inquiry seeks to reframe the child not as a passive recipient of knowledge but as an active participant in their own learning and development.”
Shaik, who has served as a keynote speaker at local and international conferences, is passionate about the transformative role of research in society.
Her doctoral studies, undertaken at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, explored the nature of child participation in Grade R, which laid the foundation for her current research trajectory.
“I view research not merely as an academic exercise but as a vehicle for advocacy and social change. My work aspires to contribute to social justice by highlighting the importance of including children's voices in educational policy and practice, particularly in a democratic society such as South Africa. I also examine how meaningful child participation can enhance the quality of early childhood education.”
