Rev. Deon van der Merwe

Overview

Rev Deon van der Merwe is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Johannesburg and a registered Educational Psychologist. He coordinates the BEd Undergraduate Programme in Life Orientation and Neurodevelopmental Learning Needs and supervises research work in the M Ed Educational Psychology and Masters in Inclusive Education Programme. His research focuses on the challenges faced by marginalized students, such as LGBTQI+, neurodivergent, and disabled learners, in navigating adversity in schools. He examines how educators perceive and respond to these experiences and advocates for resilience, inclusion, and effective support systems. Key research areas include: 1. Resilience in Marginalized Learners: Studying how LGBTQ+ students cope with bullying and adversity in higher education, and how support systems enhance resilience. 2. Inclusive Educational Practices: Exploring how teachers address neurodiversity and disabilities, and how inclusive practices and training foster supportive, inclusive environments. ORCiD | ResearchGate