When global education leaders gathered in Bangkok to explore inclusive, transformative solutions in teaching and learning, SPU’s Faculty of Education was represented by the Dean, Prof Boitumelo Diale. Participating in the 11th International Conference on Education (ICEDU), Prof Diale took part in key discussions that shape the future of education – both globally and back home – after receiving a special invitation to join the conference’s exclusive Speed Networking Session.
This platform, designed to foster international academic partnerships, allowed Prof Diale to showcase SPU’s institutional strengths while exploring new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as research, joint academic programmes, community engagement and professional development. Her presence not only reflected her individual scholarly standing but also reaffirmed SPU’s growing contribution to global academic dialogue. As a university where teacher education is a niche area, this international representation was especially significant.
Prof Diale presented two research papers at the conference, based on her two recently co-published research books on the career transitioning of students with ADHD and hearing impairments. Her research presentation on Assessment Tools for Students with ADHD earned her the Best Research Paper Award – a recognition that speaks volumes about the calibre of scholarship emerging from SPU. It also affirms the academic leadership embedded at the institution, where deans and executives lead through research and by example.
Reflecting on the experience, Prof Diale highlighted the deep resonance between SPU’s context and global educational challenges. “It was powerful to see how many countries, regardless of geography, are grappling with similar dynamics in rural and underserved communities,” she shared. Her insight reinforces SPU’s belief that while its roots are firmly in the Northern Cape, its work speaks to – and learns from – a global audience.
This engagement also laid the foundation for future collaboration through the soon-to-be-launched Centre for the Advancement of Rural and Inclusive Education Research that aims to drive inclusive, contextually grounded educational research. Prof Diale’s participation signalled to global partners that SPU is ready to lead in areas where rurality, inclusion and educational transformation intersect.
Prof Diale was accompanied by Ms Annie Kgosi, Lecturer in Mathematics Education, who also presented her research titled Enhancing the Teaching of Functions in the FET Phase in the South African Context: A Critical Review of Digital Tools and AI-Driven Methods – illustrating SPU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholar-leaders through international exposure. Her paper was also well received by the community of scholars at the conference.
By taking part in this global forum, Prof Diale strengthened her academic networks and placed SPU on the international map. Her participation speaks to the essence of SPU’s mission: to generate knowledge that changes lives, to cultivate leadership rooted in service and to demonstrate that from the heart of the Northern Cape, we can contribute to building a more just, informed and inclusive world.
SPU proudly congratulates Prof Diale on her award and celebrates the continued role she plays in advancing the University’s academic footprint with integrity, depth and purpose. You can explore her co-published books here by clicking on the links below:
