In line with its educational vision for 2025, the North-West University's (NWU’s) Faculty of Education recently organised a professional development campus to provide students with a deeper insight into the demands of their future careers.
Hosted by esteemed educators and professionals in the field, the camp sought to immerse students in real classroom scenarios and equip them with the necessary skills and mindset for success in the job market.
One of the key presentations was delivered by Itumeleng Lesabe, who underscored the importance of reading for meaning in the classroom. She provided valuable strategies for improving reading deficits among students, emphasising techniques such as decoding, inference and prosody. Itumeleng also stressed the distinction between reading for meaning and reading fluency, offering practical advice on implementation through group discussions and whole-classroom activities.
Dr Nothile Kunene addressed the challenges and expectations facing new language educators from a curriculum perspective. Her presentation covered various aspects including teamwork, quality teaching, and effective communication. She emphasised the need for innovation and professionalism while navigating issues such as underperformance and disciplinary matters.
Kabelo Noosi delved into the role of language in decolonising education, highlighting its significance in conveying messages and shaping identities. He shed light on the challenges faced by African languages in South Africa and proposed solutions such as using indigenous languages as mediums of instruction and fostering translanguaging practices to bridge linguistic divides.
Ethics and professionalism in the teaching profession were the focal points of the joint presentation by Boitumelo Molokwane and Shadikgolo Mokoena. They stressed the importance of ethical conduct, professionalism and clear communication in representing oneself and the institution positively.
Furthermore, Hopolang Khanye provided insights into teaching poetry, advocating for interactive and innovative approaches to engage learners. He stressed the use of technology as a tool to spark interest and inclusivity in the classroom.
Lastly, Mathai Monyakane shared tips on teaching literature, focusing on critical analysis and interpretation of novels. She encouraged the future educators to utilise creative techniques such as discussing cover pages and employing real-life examples to enhance students' understanding and engagement.
Overall, the professional development camp served as a valuable platform for aspiring educators to gain practical insights and skills essential for their future careers in teaching. With a focus on innovation, ethics, and effective communication, the camp aimed to empower the next generation of educators to meet the challenges of the evolving educational landscape.
The NWU’s next generation of educators who attended the professional development camp.
