Challenges for enacting an indigenized science curriculum: A reply to Ogunniyi and Ogawa

Abstract

In their article Ogunniyi and Ogawa explore the prospects and challenges of training South African and Japanese educators to enact an indigenized science curriculum. They discuss the nature of science and the nature of indigenous knowledge (IK) and also that IK is acknowledged alongside Western science as a legitimate way of knowing in the
new curricula of both countries. Ogunniyi and Ogawa argue that although indigenous
knowledge is recognized in the science curricula of the two countries, successful
implementation will require specific teacher training. I wish to address three areas of
their work that afford an opportunity for further discussion. First, I argue that a focus
on the performative side of science provides a more nuanced understanding of the
relationship between Western science and indigenous knowledge. Second, I discuss the
role of indigenous knowledge in a global knowledge economy, an area that Ogunniyi
and Ogawa do not give much attention. Third, I elaborate on the challenges that an
indigenized science curriculum has for teacher education, another area which I feel
Ogunniyi and Ogawa do not do justice to.

South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 22 (4) 2008: pp. 817-826