Exploring rigorous activism-oriented scholarship can increase universities’ contribution to society. This research brief, prepared with key author Herrie Schalekamp for Volvo Research & Education Foundation (VREF) in 2017, discusses the University of Cape Town’s work amongst adult learners who have extensive experience of public transport operations but little exposure to higher education.

KEY MESSAGES

• Trusted relationships with paratransit operators, and partnerships with government, are key to engaged scholarship.

• A university, with little vested interest in transport reform outcomes, is well positioned to develop such relationships.

• Where adult students already have expert knowledge and experience, the primary mode of interaction should be critical discussion.

• The learning experience needs to be continuously co-designed with students, and students’ practical needs re-assessed.