Short-learning programmes bridge the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern workforce, fostering an environment of adaptability, innovation and lifelong learning.

The director of the Unit for Continuing Education (CED) at the North-West University (NWU), Yolanda Kirsten, took part in a conference tailored to discuss short-learning programme challenges in public higher-education institutions (HEIs).

Due to the intense competition among HEIs, short-learning course management practices are thoroughly monitored to increase benchmarking opportunities.

Mother-tongue education for North West Province school learners is set to be expanded through a pilot project in January 2025. The expert view of Dr Judicial Sebatana of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education is that the provincial government’s plans are a critical step forward for mother-tongue learning. However, some foundational issues will need to be addressed for the initiative to succeed.

Thirty-one thousand. That is the conservative estimate of the current teacher shortage in South Africa. Classrooms are overcrowded, with ballooning learner-to-teacher ratios, especially in rural and under-resourced schools. This severely impacts dropout rates and education quality.

This is not where the woes of future learners end. It is estimated that nearly half the teaching workforce will retire within the next decade, meaning the demand for new teachers will only keep increasing.

Exam season at South African schools can give rise to stress, anxiety and self-doubt among learners, especially in Grade 12, as well as educators.

Dr Khido Ramadie, educational psychologist and senior lecturer at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education, is collaborating with the North West Department of Education to support mental health during the National Senior Certificate examination period.

The importance of alumni involvement in shaping the future of the North-West University (NWU) and ensuring its transformation was stressed during a recent reunion for BEd alumni.

On 26 September, the Alumni Office, in collaboration with the Faculty of Education, hosted a memorable reunion for BEd alumni, bringing together graduates from various years.

The event was an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, share their professional journeys and reflect on their time at the university.

Itumeleng Komane, a graduate of the North-West University (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Campus and a dedicated teacher at the Sunrise View Secondary School, recently achieved a significant milestone by securing the top position in the prestigious Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning category at the National Teaching Awards.

His story serves as an inspiration to teachers and learners, demonstrating the transformative power of passionate and committed teaching.

Researchers across the faculties at the NWU continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise.

We introduce the work of two researchers - Prof Muchativugwa Liberty Hove, deputy director of the School of Language in Education, and Dr Wihan Pheiffer, senior lecturer at the DSI/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform (PCDDP).Tumi Ledwaba, a lecturer in History, and Prof Tycho Maas, extraordinary researcher in the School for Ancient Language and Text Studies.

By Keaoleboga Motshabi

Two alumni from the North-West University (NWU), Tumelo Malebelela and Mapule Sechogo, have been recognised for their exceptional teaching abilities.

Tumelo was honoured at the Ngaka Modiri Molema district Teaching Awards and will represent the district at the Provincial Awards in August 2024.His dedication to education was previously acknowledged when he received the Teacher’s Award in the Excellence in Secondary Teaching category during the North West Provincial Teaching Awards in 2023.

By Oscar Mosiane

Belgian-born British actress and humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn, once said: "As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands - one for helping yourself and the other for helping others."  

This sentiment resonates with Florence Shange, a 28-year-old lecturer in education at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus, exemplifying her dedication to self-improvement and aiding others.

It has been 10 years since the North-West University (NWU) and the Rapport Onderwysfonds (ROF) first started collaborating to empower Afrikaans-speaking education students at the university through an ROF loan bursary.