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Ann Haley MacKenzie, EDT, has been named Extraordinary Professor for the Self-Directed Learning Research Center at North West University in South Africa.

Ann Mackenzie

Ann Haley MacKenzie, Miami University associate professor of teacher education, has been named an Extraordinary Professor for the Self-Directed Learning Research Center at North West University (NWU) in South Africa.

MacKenzie will be collaborating and conducting research within the Self-Directed Learning research unit. Her research agenda will focus on the intersection of indigenous knowledge and social justice.

“As a result, innovative teaching practices will be shared with diverse groups of in-service and preservice South African teachers that address social justice issues facing post-Apartheid South Africa as well as affording the chance to collaborate with EHS faculty, students, alumni, and other area educators,” MacKenzie said. “It will provide opportunities for a rich, research-based relationship between the universities into the foreseeable future.”

Noted as one of the top universities in South Africa, NWU welcomes MacKenzie along with two additional U.S. researchers from the University at Albany and Empire State College.

“The universality of self-directed learning is evident from the international interest in this topic,” said a NWU spokesperson. “To support the exceptional work being done within the research unit, we have appointed these three esteemed researchers.” 

MacKenzie, a former Ohio Teacher of the Year and a past recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Secondary Science Teaching, is also the current editor of The Science Teacher, an award-winning journal for secondary school science teachers. Her ongoing work in STEM education and action research has also led to more than three million dollars in grants focusing on infusing inquiry practices for science teachers.