Jean Henry Blignaut | Education and Self-directed learning | Best Researcher Award

Dr Jean Henry Blignaut, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa

Dr. Jean Henry Blignaut is an esteemed academic, researcher, and curriculum development expert currently serving as Acting Head of Department at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), South Africa. With a strong foundation in teacher education and curriculum studies, Dr. Blignaut has established a career dedicated to advancing inclusive, context-responsive pedagogy in higher education. He has played pivotal roles in curriculum innovation, programme evaluation, academic leadership, and policy alignment within South African universities. Dr. Blignaut’s scholarly interests bridge critical themes such as gender and sexual diversity inclusion, self-directed learning, and transformative teacher education. He actively collaborates with both national and international academics and contributes extensively to research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, editing academic volumes, and authoring impactful book chapters. His work has reached audiences across five continents and continues to shape the discourse on equitable and innovative education practices globally.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Blignaut holds a PhD in Curriculum Development, Innovation and Evaluation (2021) from North-West University (NWU), where his thesis explored the inclusion of gender and sexual diversity in higher education curricula. He completed a Master of Education (MEd) cum laude in Curriculum Development in 2015, and a Bachelor of Education Honours (BEdHons) cum laude in Curriculum Studies in 2013, both from NWU. His foundational BEd degree in Senior and FET Phase Education (Economics and Life Orientation) was awarded in 2012. His postgraduate research has consistently addressed issues of equity, moral education, and diversity within teacher training curricula. Dr. Blignaut’s academic training reflects deep engagement with critical curriculum theory, underpinned by interdisciplinary and social justice perspectives. These qualifications provide a strong foundation for his impactful teaching, academic leadership, and ongoing scholarly contributions to the fields of education and curriculum transformation.

Experience

Dr. Blignaut’s academic career spans over a decade in South African higher education. He is currently Acting Head of the Senior and FET Department at CPUT, where he provides strategic academic leadership, oversees postgraduate supervision, and advances curriculum development. Previously, he served as a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader at NWU, managing and evaluating seventeen BEdHons programmes across multiple campuses. His expertise encompasses programme accreditation, HEQSF alignment, quality assurance, and research management. Dr. Blignaut holds membership in several key university governance and quality committees and has coordinated national and institutional curriculum evaluations. He has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, integrating philosophy of education, self-directed learning, and social justice themes. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to faculty development, research advancement, student success, and institutional transformation. Additionally, he has engaged in community outreach and school-level teacher training through WIL (Work Integrated Learning) programmes.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Blignaut has received multiple academic accolades reflecting his excellence and commitment to education and research. These include the PhD Sol Plaatjie Bursary (2016–2017), PhD Academic Merit Bursary, and the MEd Academic Merit Bursary. He was also awarded Honorary Colours for graduating cum laude in BEdHons and received a Golden Key International Honour Society Award in 2015. His leadership qualities were recognized early, receiving an Outstanding Achievement in Leadership Award as Vice-President and Treasurer of the NWU Student Council in 2011. Additionally, he was awarded an NRF research grant for his participation in the Edu-HRight and Human Rights Education in Diversity projects. These recognitions reflect not only academic merit but also a profound commitment to leadership, community engagement, and scholarly impact. Dr. Blignaut’s consistent academic excellence has positioned him as a respected and influential figure in South African higher education.

Research Focus

Dr. Blignaut’s research centers on curriculum innovation, inclusion of gender and sexual diversity, and self-directed learning (SDL). His PhD focused on embedding gender and sexual diversity in higher education curricula, using a queer theoretical lens to explore pedagogical opportunities and institutional challenges. He has also contributed extensively to literature on SDL, emphasizing its application in teacher training, homeschooling, and multilingual education. A cross-cutting theme in his work is equity—advancing inclusive and socially just educational practices in curriculum design and classroom application. He collaborates with national and international scholars on SDL praxis, curriculum evaluation, and distance learning, contributing to transformative educational discourse. Dr. Blignaut’s research has real-world impact, offering actionable frameworks for school teachers, policymakers, and university educators to reimagine pedagogy in inclusive and reflective ways. His work is widely cited and has global reach, reflecting sustained scholarly engagement and influence.

Publication Top Notes

1. Botha, E.A., Du Toit-Brits, C. & Blignaut, J.H. (2025). Charting New Pathways: Unleashing the Potential of Self-Directed Learning… Education Sciences, 15(5), 524. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15050524
   Explores SDL in the context of teacher transformation and innovation in education.

2. Blignaut, J.H. & Du Toit-Brits, C. (2022). Stay safe at the expense of our future workforce… Journal of Humanities, 62(1), 150-168.
   Critically examines the implications of COVID-19 on SDL implementation.

3. Du Toit-Brits, C. & Blignaut, J.H. (2019). Positioning self-directed continuing learning skills… Journal of Humanities, 59(4), 219–529.
   Discusses lifelong learning through the SDL framework in the 21st century.

4. Blignaut, J.H., Du Toit-Brits, C. & Wirth, C. (2024). Cultivating Self-Authorship… In: Du Toit-Brits et al., eds. Aosis.
   Addresses SDL environments fostering learner autonomy.

5. Blignaut, J.H., Balfour, R.J. & Rothmann, J. (2023). Understanding gender and sexual diversity… In: Meletiadou, E., ed. IGI Global.
   Applies queer theory in educational settings.

6. Scheepers, M., Du Toit-Brits, C. & Blignaut, J.H. (submitted). Parental Understanding of SDL in Homeschooling. ECNU Review of Education.