– by Noluthando Makhaza
Teaching and Learning in Higher Education is one of four modulesthat make up theUniversity Education Induction Programme (UEIP). The course is focused on developing the ability of academic staff in higher education to enhance and theorise their teaching and learning practices. Aligned to the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s mission to be academically excellent, the course is particularly related to the Institution’s fourth goal of “promoting excellence in teaching and learning through creative and innovative curriculum design and development, pedagogical strategies, and assessment practices …”
This module was recently facilitated by Dr Thoko Mnisi as well as Dr Caroline Goodier. The module ran for three days – this being made up of approximately fifteen hours of contact sessions, two hours of synchronous online learning (in participants’ own time), and three hours towards an assessed portfolio that is submitted by delegates.
Our groups were very diverse, consisting of UKZN academics from different disciplines, with different levels of experience, and with varied knowledge about teaching theories. The facilitation team created an ambiance which accommodated and allowed for discussions and interactions where delegates were able to learn from one another. This intake also included academic staff members from Mancosa, hence delegates participated in a variety of discussions and drew from the richness of the different levels amongst the two institutions.
“What I enjoyed the most about this module would have to be the rigorous engagement as we had a lot of reading to do. Although I felt like I was being thrown in the deep end, it helped me develop my own reading and critical thinking muscle again from a different context – not for the purpose of teaching someone else, but for the purpose of my own understanding” – said one of the delegates, Ms Ntokozo Madlala (UKZN Lecturer: Drama and Performance Studies).
The University Education Induction Programme (UEIP) is designed to support the personal and professional growth of academics through modules such as Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. We are pleased to have received such positive feedback and will continue to offer impactful programmes.
All our UEIP modules are available only on request. Should you wish to be part of this programme, please contact:
UKZN Extended Learning
T: +27 31 260 1234
