South African Journal of Higher Education

Scope & Guideline

Disseminating impactful research for a global audience.

Introduction

Welcome to the South African Journal of Higher Education information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of South African Journal of Higher Education, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1011-3487
PublisherSUNJOURNALS
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationS AFR J HIGH EDUC / S. Afr. J. High, Educ.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressSTELLENBOSCH UNIV LIB & INFORMATION SERV, PRIVATE BAG X5036, STELLENBOSCH 7599, SOUTH AFRICA

Aims and Scopes

The 'South African Journal of Higher Education' aims to advance the discourse surrounding higher education in South Africa by publishing research that addresses the unique challenges faced by the sector. It focuses on empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and policy analyses that shed light on educational practices, access, equity, and the transformative role of higher education. The journal serves as a platform for scholars to discuss innovative teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and the integration of technology in education.
  1. Access and Equity in Higher Education:
    The journal consistently emphasizes research on access to higher education for marginalized groups, exploring barriers and proposing solutions to enhance equity.
  2. Curriculum Development and Transformation:
    There is a strong focus on curriculum studies, particularly on decolonization, inclusion, and the integration of indigenous knowledge in educational frameworks.
  3. Student Support and Well-Being:
    Research on student experiences, support systems, and well-being is a core area, highlighting the importance of mental health and academic support in fostering student success.
  4. Technology Integration in Education:
    The journal explores the impact of digital transformation on teaching and learning, focusing on online learning, educational technologies, and innovative pedagogical approaches.
  5. Research and Academic Development:
    The journal addresses the development of research capabilities among academics and students, emphasizing the importance of supervision, mentorship, and academic writing.
  6. Social Justice and Community Engagement:
    There is a strong commitment to social justice issues, examining how higher education institutions engage with communities and contribute to societal development.
The 'South African Journal of Higher Education' has demonstrated a dynamic evolution in its focus areas, particularly in response to contemporary challenges and societal demands. Emerging themes reflect an adaptive approach to the changing landscape of higher education, indicating areas of growing importance and relevance.
  1. Decolonization of Education:
    There is a marked increase in research addressing the need for decolonizing curricula and educational practices, reflecting a broader societal movement towards inclusivity and representation.
  2. Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education:
    The pandemic has catalyzed extensive research on its effects on teaching, learning, and student experiences, leading to a surge in studies on remote learning and adaptations in pedagogy.
  3. Mental Health and Student Well-Being:
    An emerging focus on mental health issues among students highlights the importance of well-being in academic success, with research exploring coping strategies and institutional support.
  4. Technological Innovations in Teaching:
    There is a growing trend towards exploring the integration of technology in education, particularly in relation to online learning, digital tools, and innovative assessment methods.
  5. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility:
    Research emphasizing the role of higher education institutions in community engagement and social responsibility is gaining traction, reflecting a commitment to societal impact.
  6. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Education Research:
    An increasing number of studies are adopting interdisciplinary frameworks, combining insights from various fields to address complex issues in higher education.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has a robust focus on various themes, some areas have shown a decline in publication frequency or prominence in recent years. These waning scopes may reflect shifting priorities within the higher education landscape or a saturation of research in those areas.
  1. Traditional Pedagogical Approaches:
    There has been a noticeable decline in research focused solely on traditional teaching methodologies, as the emphasis has shifted towards innovative and technology-enhanced pedagogies.
  2. Generalized Assessments:
    Studies on generalized assessment methods are becoming less prevalent, with a focus now on specific, nuanced approaches that address the diverse needs of students.
  3. Historical Perspectives on Higher Education:
    Research that strictly examines historical trends without linking them to contemporary issues or implications for current practices appears to be diminishing.
  4. Non-Equity Based Studies:
    There seems to be a reduction in studies that do not address equity or access, as the journal increasingly prioritizes research that contributes to social justice in higher education.
  5. Sector-Specific Challenges without Broader Implications:
    Research that addresses isolated challenges within specific sectors of higher education, without broader implications for systemic change, is less frequently published.

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