The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) hosted another successful Teaching and Learning Conference from 10 to 12 September.

Themed "Student centricity in teaching and learning at the NWU", the conference stressed the importance of reimagining teaching and learning methodologies to better cater to the specific needs of NWU students.

The annual event has proven to be a much-needed engagement where NWU stakeholders come together to unpack student excellence and innovation in teaching in the era of artificial intelligence. This year’s conference was funded as part of the University Capacity Development Grant Focus Area 2 for Staff Development, specifically the "Enhancing academics as University Teachers" project.

The annual gathering was hosted by the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus and attracted approximately 200 delegates who joined the event in person and online.

The conference underscored the significance of student centricity, emphasising the central role of students in the educational experience at the NWU, with the primary objective of guaranteeing that no student is left behind and that their perspectives are thoroughly acknowledged.

During her opening address, Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, extended a warm welcome to all. She underscored the critical significance of reimagining the teaching and learning experience to foster an optimal environment, as well as the importance of empowering students to excel.

The gathering included notable NWU speakers such as Dr Anitia Lubbe, Prof Elsa Mentz, Dr Elize Küng, Prof Thebe Rodney Medupe, and Prof Tumi Mmusinyane.

Dr Timothy M Renick, executive director of the National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University in Atlanta, USA, delivered the keynote address - “Student success in South Africa’s higher education landscape”.

Dr Renick said he believes that failure is not the opposite of success, but that it is actually a part of success.

He further explained how Georgia State University prioritises the utilisation of predictive analytics, proactive advising, analytics-based financial aid, microgrants, and chatbots to enhance academic performance and to support students from underprivileged backgrounds.

“Technology such as chatbots has allowed us to deliver much more to our students. This technology aligns with what they are familiar with, enhancing their teaching and learning experience,” said Dr Renick.

He advocated for the endorsement of technology utilisation and the harmonisation of its implementation to facilitate cohesive student success. He addressed the prevalent issue of departmental segmentation and urged for unified collaboration among all administrative bodies.

Prof Willie van Vollenhoven, chief director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning, expressed his gratitude to the university management, the conference committee and delegates for delivering another successful teaching and learning conference.

“The annual NWU Teaching and Learning Conference provides the NWU community with a dedicated forum to concentrate on the university's teaching and learning aspects. We eagerly anticipate the practical implementation and subsequent evaluation of the insightful presentations to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning at the NWU.”

Dr Timothy M Renick, executive director of the National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University in Atlanta, USA, delivered the keynote address.

The NWU’s annual Teaching and Learning Conference was a great success.