Education

Forum explores challenges in short-learning programmes

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 09:15:08 +0000

Forum explores challenges in short-learning programmes

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 12/05/2024 - 11:15

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.

The unique short-learning programme coordination forum, held at Stellenbosch University, covered significant topics, and dissected the competitive environment between public and private institutions. Among the topics covered at the forum were agreements, intellectual property, micro-credentialing, academic quality control, management software and brand management.

Yolanda Kirsten and other directors from several participating universities expressed their distinct perspectives on overseeing short-learning programmes and overcoming obstacles at higher-education institutions.

Consensus evolved on the difficulty of striking a balance between the flexibility needed for administering short-learning courses and the necessity for scalability while retaining academic quality and user satisfaction.

One of the challenges brought up was the increasing complexity of implementing intellectual property programmes, particularly for online and hybrid design learning, multimedia production, and of co-producing short-learning programmes in universities.

More importantly, one notable aspect was that a number of institutions are still in the early stages of developing their own administrative software and learning management systems.

Several university delegates noted that some of their departments were created to mitigate previous risky business practices that had impacted the reputation of the institutional board.

Some of the major differences among institutional practices included the annual renewal of short-learning courses and the decision by institutions not to compensate lecturers for curriculum development and facilitation.

Above all the forum is expected to become an annual event and will soon be hosted by the Unit for CED at the NWU.

Education expert weighs in on North West Department’s mother-tongue education pilot

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 12:06:36 +0000

Education expert weighs in on North West Department’s mother-tongue education pilot

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 11/15/2024 - 14:06

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.

Commenting on the North West Department of Education’s planned Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) project, Dr Sebatana lauds the department’s commitment to mother-tongue education.

“The MTbBE project is about extending the use of the home language beyond Grade 3, which has historically been the limit for non-English and non-Afrikaans speakers,” says Dr Sebatana.

“English and Afrikaans speakers have access to mother-tongue instruction from early years through to Grade 12. This initiative will extend mother-tongue instruction for African language speakers to eight years, covering Grades R to 7 for mathematics, science and technology (MST) subjects.”

The pilot project will see core subjects such as natural science, technology and mathematics taught in Setswana, IsiXhosa and Sesotho to support students in learning through their mother tongue.

The aim is to integrate African languages into instruction for Grade 4 learners in 300 schools, potentially fostering a stronger connection to their culture and promoting cognitive development.

However, Dr Sebatana raises several concerns about the feasibility of the project, particularly around language development and teaching capacity.

Are African languages ready?

“One of my main concerns is the readiness of African languages to handle the complexities of technical subjects like the MST subjects,” he explains. “It was only in 2019 that we saw our first PhD in Setswana with Dr Justice Legodi from Zeerust, so there is a gap in higher education for African languages, especially in technical fields.”

The Department of Higher Education has invested in initiatives to develop African languages, but Dr Sebatana cautions that progress has been slow. “At the NWU, we struggle to find candidates qualified to teach or study in Setswana and Sesotho at advanced levels. This shortage is particularly acute for technical subjects.”

He also highlights challenges in staffing for the pilot project. “Many African language teachers are not trained in technical subjects, and technical subject teachers may lack proficiency in African languages. In some cases, these teachers might not even be from South Africa, which can complicate language integration further,” he notes.

In his view, while the MTbBE project reflects a positive goal of expanding educational accessibility, there are foundational issues that need to be addressed for the initiative to succeed.

“The intention is good, but it needs stronger positioning and support to ensure effective implementation.”

Dr Judicial Sebatana.

North-West University expertise addresses catastrophic teacher shortfall

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:27:34 +0000

North-West University expertise addresses catastrophic teacher shortfall

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 11/14/2024 - 09:27

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.

Immediate action is needed if the country’s degrading educational system is to be salvaged. The current situation in KwaZulu-Natal, where there are insufficient funds to pay more than 11 000 teachers, cannot become the norm.

How do we keep enticing potential teachers to follow a career path where uncertainty and a lack of top-level support is coupled with a crumbling infrastructure that is ill-equipped to meet the needs of their chosen profession?

According to Prof Maryna Reyneke, deputy dean for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Education at the North-West University (NWU), both the university and its Faculty of Education fully understand the challenges prospective teachers face in the South African context.

“The education landscape indeed presents significant obstacles that leave aspiring teachers grappling with questions of stability and job security, professional growth and fulfilment. However, there are compelling reasons and strategic approaches to attract motivated individuals to and retain them in this noble profession,” she explains.

“Firstly, we must reaffirm and elevate the essential purpose of teaching as a deeply impactful, transformative career. Through the ages teachers have always held and continue to hold the power to shape society, to inspire young minds and to spark change, not only in communities where teachers find themselves, but also in national and international contexts. Teaching and learning in the Faculty of Education are aligned with the attainment of teacher competencies and of NWU graduate attributes such as flexibility, adaptability, resilience, creative and critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Our aim is to deliver prospective teachers who see themselves as agents of change in diverse contexts who can rise above obstacles.”

Communicating an integrated teacher education approach is also crucial: “Secondly, we are highlighting the advantages of our integrated approach to teacher education, which combines content expertise with pedagogical skill-building. This ensures that our graduates are well prepared, not only with the knowledge they need to teach but with the adaptive strategies required for diverse and evolving classroom environments. By building confidence and capability through this comprehensive approach, we manage to instil a sense of preparedness and empowerment.”

She also emphasises how the NWU is fostering support networks in education through mentorship and professional development programmes, and by advocating for better resources.

“In addition, while issues like infrastructure require systemic change, we are developing strong support networks in the education community, including mentorship and ongoing professional development. In the latter regard we offer various short leaning programmes, as well as formal qualifications such as a BEd Honours, an Advanced Certificate in Teaching, an Advanced Diploma in Education and master’s-degree and doctoral programmes. Our faculty is committed to advocating for our teachers at all levels, working with policy makers to secure better support and resources. By creating a culture that champions collaboration, encourages innovation and supports professional growth, we can help teachers feel sustained and valued on their journey.”

The NWU has been providing the country with teachers for more than a century, and its Faculty of Education is an undisputed leader in its field.

The faculty boasts five teaching and learning schools, namely Language Education, Psycho-Social Education, Professional Studies in Education, Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, as well as Commerce and Social Studies in Education.

Producing quality teachers is critical for South Africa, as the country’s education system faces severe shortages and significant performance gaps. Teachers are vital in reducing dropout rates and improving foundational literacy and numeracy, which are crucial for long-term socio-economic stability. A strong, well-prepared teaching workforce can help address inequalities by equipping learners with the skills needed to succeed.

Quality teachers also enhance the country’s ability to innovate, build a skilled workforce and foster social cohesion, making them indispensable in overcoming South Africa’s developmental challenges and realising sustainable growth.

Prof Reyneke: “The country needs more teachers, and in attracting potential teachers we are presenting an honest, realistic view while empowering them with the skills, resilience and community support they need to thrive.”

Educational psychologist offers vital mental health support during exam season at schools

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 07:55:27 +0000

Educational psychologist offers vital mental health support during exam season at schools

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 11/08/2024 - 09:55

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.

Through a series of mental health sessions, Dr Ramadie is reaching out to learners, parents and educators with strategies to manage the emotional challenges of exams.

Dr Ramadie says the mental health talks are a combination of interactive group-based discussions, individual guidance and recorded online videos shared through the Department of Education’s media platforms.

“The talks are designed to foster open communication and address the specific needs of students while offering tailored advice,” she adds.

She highlights the importance of a supportive environment during this period. "Exams can bring about intense pressure for learners, who may feel their future depends on their performance. Our goal is to offer them coping tools that allow them to manage these feelings constructively."

The mental health talks are structured to be interactive, creating a space where learners can share their concerns and learn effective stress-management techniques.

In addition to supporting learners, her programme addresses the mental health needs of educators, who face their own challenges during exam season. By introducing concepts such as adaptive intelligence, she encourages teachers to develop positive coping mechanisms, both for themselves and in guiding students.

"Adaptive intelligence helps educators to stay resilient under pressure and set a calm, supportive tone for their students," she says.

Watch one of Dr Ramadie’s online videos here.

NWU educational psychologist Dr Khido Ramadie.

BEd alumni reunion strengthens the NWU community

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 10:06:33 +0000

BEd alumni reunion strengthens the NWU community

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 10/23/2024 - 12:06

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.

Thoriso Maseng, manager of career services and alumni relations, emphasised the crucial role of alumni in strengthening partnerships through various events such as reunions and career empowerment seminars. He touched on the importance of fundraising, noting that 33,6% of graduates are facing employability challenges post-Covid.

He briefed the gathering on the various communication channels the alumni office uses to keep alumni informed, from online magazines to social media.

In addition, Bongani Mahlangu, an NWU Convocation Exco member who addressed the significance of the Convocation, encouraged members to join for a one-off fee of R50.

Noting the Convocation’s influence on university governance, he highlighted its power to elect members of the university Council and called for greater diversity and representation.

Bongani also pointed out the need for transformation to align with the university's transformation charter, including changes in the Convocation’s constitution and budget allocation.

Many left the event feeling inspired, eager to participate in future alumni activities and with a renewed sense of pride in their alma mater.

The NWU BEd alumni reunion celebrated achievements encouraged the strengthening of ties and addressed alumni challenges post-pandemic.

Alumnus clinches top position at National Teaching Awards

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:10:09 +0000

Alumnus clinches top position at National Teaching Awards

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 10/18/2024 - 11:10

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.

Hailing from North West, the 26-year-old teacher has etched his name in history as the first teacher from the region to attain this prestigious honour.

Itumeleng's journey to success can be traced back to his academic years at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Education in the Senior and FET Phase, specialising in mathematical literacy and life orientation, in 2022. He also held the position of current affairs officer from 2018 to 2019 and was the primarius at Thuthuka Residence from 2020 to 2021.

He says his time at the university not only equipped him with the necessary knowledge and skills but also instilled in him the value of excellence as a continuous pursuit rather than a one-time achievement.

Reflecting on his formative years at the NWU, Itumeleng acknowledges the supportive environment that fostered his personal and professional growth.

"The NWU created an environment where I could be myself. Networking with other students and professionals from different walks of life continues to encourage me to be bold enough to want to learn more by engaging with others. It is through the NWU that I learned the value of excellence. Excellence is not a one-time thing, but rather a journey," he shares.

As a passionate teacher, Itumeleng is dedicated to imparting the value of excellence to his learners. "I continuously strive to instil the value of excellence in my learners. Irrespective of any challenges they face, I encourage them to continue to work hard in pursuit of excellence," he says.

Itumeleng's innovative approach to education includes integrating technology into his teaching methods, aiming to equip his learners with essential 21st-century skills. Embracing the use of technology, he ensures that his learners are prepared for the demands of the modern world.

"I am truly honoured to be the first teacher in North West to be awarded the first position at the National Teaching Awards in the category Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning. Integrating technology in my classroom ensures that I equip my learners with the necessary 21st-century skills," he says.

He says being a teacher has always been a passion of his.

"Witnessing my learners improve is truly a humbling experience – an experience I first encountered during the WIL student practical days. Knowing that I have made a positive impact on my learners even beyond the classroom is truly inspiring."

In the light of his recent accolade, Itumeleng attributes his success to the quality of education he received at the NWU and encourages aspiring teachers to consider the institution for their teaching qualifications. He hopes to inspire his fellow teachers to strive for excellence and prioritise the best interests of their learners, regardless of the resources at their disposal.

"Acquiring my teaching qualification through the NWU was the right decision. The quality of education offered at this institution made me the teacher I am today. Let us all explore ways to ensure quality education in our classrooms, regardless of resources. You are great, you are excellent," he says.

NWU alumnus Itumeleng Komane secured the top position in the prestigious Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning category at the National Teaching Awards.

Researchers in the spotlight

MARELIZE SANTANA — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 18:05:35 +0000

Researchers in the spotlight MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 10/08/2024 - 20:05

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.

Alumni honoured for outstanding teaching skills

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:14:07 +0000

Alumni honoured for outstanding teaching skills BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 07/24/2024 - 14:14

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.

Mapule secured first place in the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category at the Naledi Local Office’s National Teacher Awards. These awards are made in recognition and appreciation of educators who demonstrate passion and enthusiasm in their work, ensuring students achieve excellent results.

Tumelo Malebelela.

Mapule Sechogo.

Lecturer's NGO is restoring dignity to the community

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 06:32:24 +0000

Lecturer's NGO is restoring dignity to the community BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 07/18/2024 - 08:32

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.

Hailing from Letlhabile, Brits in the North West province, Florence holds an MEd in curriculum and instrumental design. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Pretoria.

In 2018, she established the Promise and Prosperity Youth Development Organisation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) aimed at supporting underprivileged youth and restoring their dignity.

The NGO is involved in various outreach initiatives. Members of the organization have facilitated career exhibitions for Grade 11 and 12 learners, organised soup drives for homeless individuals, offered assistance for matric dances, and initiated a sanitary pad drive to address the issue of underprivileged schoolgirls missing school due to the lack of access to sanitary pads.

"The motivation behind starting this organisation stemmed from recognising the need to assist the disadvantaged youth, especially high school learners, in my community with essential resources and information for accessing higher education,” explains Florence.

“Having been involved in leadership positions since my undergraduate years, I wanted to use these skills to help the broader community by expanding our projects.” She says they wanted to address crises such as school absenteeism due to lack of sanitary pads and hunger, and learners missing out on matric dance due to financial constraints.”

She envisions expanding her NGO reach to other communities. They have already started branching out in 2023 by donated sanitary pads at a primary school in Pretoria and a girls’ home in Tembisa.

She foresees partnering with more graduates and small NGOs, focusing on empowering youth with opportunities and skills. Currently, they are preparing to hold a seminar on technology and information for girls.

Florence says one of the challenges that they encounter as NGO is the difficulty of securing sponsors and donors to help them make an impact in people’s lives.

“The issue of securing sponsors continues to be a thorn in our operation, but we continue to make a significant impact through our projects and remain confident that we will find the right sponsors in due time.”

Her advice to others who would like to start their own NGOs or offer their services to the less privileged is that they could start by visiting their former schools or mentoring one child at a time.

“I started small during university holidays, giving motivational talks at three high schools in my community. I also supported a lot of learners with their university applications or higher education queries through a WhatsApp group I created.”

NWU lecturer Florence Shange is passionate about giving back to the community.

NWU and ROF empower Afrikaans-speaking teachers

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 12:40:00 +0000

NWU and ROF empower Afrikaans-speaking teachers

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 07/15/2024 - 14:40

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.

A delegation from the ROF comprising Inge Kühne, chairperson, Phil-Marie Roberts from the ROF and Werner Human from the ROF Board of Trustees met with Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor, on 11 July. The aim of the meeting was to discuss the way forward, as the renewal of the agreement is fast approaching and the current three-year term is coming to an end.

The discussions included exploring a possible increase in the loan bursary amount for 2025, as well as reflecting on the successes and past financial assistance to students.

The ROF initiative is celebrating two decades as an important role player in the training of Afrikaans-speaking teachers across the country. Through the ROF, successful Afrikaans-speaking education students can become part of the cohort of well-trained teachers.

During the past three years thirty-six NWU education students benefitted from the loan annually. The ROF and the NWU concluded a collaboration agreement as far back as 2014, in terms of which the NWU donates to the ROF on behalf of an NWU student, and then the ROF, in addition to the one student, financially supports another NWU student. In addition, ROF supports more students at the NWU from own and other donor’s funds.

From 2020 to 2022, a total of 205 students received support through ROF – some for one year and others for more years. Education students from the Foundation Phase to master’s degree students receive support from the fund.

Through these collaboration agreements, a total of R12 million has been invested in NWU education students.

Inge says NWU education students are academically strong and driven to complete their studies. “Therefore, the ROF can confidently recommend and allocate these students to our donors. NWU education students come from across all the provinces of the country. They are not concentrated in only one province. Therefore, students can be allocated to donors from other provinces who would like to support someone from their own area according to their wishes.”

She says the ROF’s 20-year milestone would not have been possible without the support of donors such as the NWU.

Going forward, the two parties aim to explore and leverage possible opportunities and lessons learnt in this venture in order to enhance the development of Sesotho, isiZulu and Setswana as languages of instruction.

More about the ROF

An ROF loan bursary is a loan of which a portion is annually converted to a scholarship based on academic achievement. It establishes the principle of “hard work is rewarded” in young people.

According to Inge, the ROF receives more than 750 applications annually, from which approximately 300 students can be supported.

For more information, visit the ROF website at https://rof.org.za/.

ROF representatives visited the office of the NWU vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka. Werner Human from the ROF Board of Trustees, Phil-Marie Roberts from the ROF, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Inge Kühne, Nkosinathi Tom, NWU director for Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects, and Philip Malan, manager in the office of the vice-chancellor, attended the meeting.