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SU Teaching Fellowships 2024http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10535SU Teaching Fellowships 2024Karin Cattell-Holden<p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">​<span style="color:#000000;">The SU Teaching Fellowships offer eminent academics with a track record of involvement with teaching-learning-assessment (TLA) and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning support and opportunities over one to three years to enhance and share their TLA expertise at the departmental, faculty and institutional level. </span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#000000;"><br></span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#000000;">The University has awarded 22 fellowships since the inception of the project in 2009. In 2024 another new Fellow, Dr Mariette Volschenk, has joined the current cohort of Prof. Deborah Blaine (Faculty of Engineering), Dr Taryn Bernard (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences), Dr Marnel Mouton (Faculty of Science) and Prof. Nicola Plastow (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences). </span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#000000;"><br></span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><strong style="">Dr Mariette Volschenk </strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#000000;">Dr Volschenk is a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Health Professions Education (CHPE) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. She was appointed programme leader of the MPhil in HPE (MHPE) in 2023. Her doctoral studies indicated that many students may be unprepared for the challenges posed by master’s-level studies in HPE. The design of the SU MHPE as a hybrid learning interprofessional coursework programme deepens these challenges. Dr Volschenk realised the necessity for a more profound understanding of mastersness within the MHPE programme context, including strategies for professional socialization, innovative pedagogical and supervisory approaches, and virtual student support structures aimed at advancing the mastersness trajectories of MHPE candidates (Volschenk, 2021). </span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#000000;">The overarching aim of Dr Volschenk’s teaching fellowship is to investigate and advance the cultivation of mastersness in the MHPE at SU. The primary focus is to facilitate wider access, enhance readiness for the transition to master’s-level studies, foster academic success among master's candidates, and catalyze their subsequent career trajectories as educational scholars and leaders in HPE. </span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#000000;">The study intends to enhance SU’s responsiveness to national throughput and retention rates for postgraduate taught students. It should provide the university with a nuanced understanding of the dimensions of mastersness and the requisite skills for achieving academic success at this postgraduate level within HE. It is envisaged that some of the findings and ensuing interventions may potentially be transferable to other coursework master’s programmes offered in hybrid learning mode at SU as well as comparable MHPE programmes globally. Furthermore, this teaching fellowship will explore avenues for acquiring, strengthening, and sustaining the competencies of academic staff to facilitate the cultivation of mastersness in MHPE candidates. </span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#000000;">We wish Dr Volschenk every success with her fellowship.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"></span><font color="#000000" face="times new roman" size="3"><span style="color:#000000;font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">For more information about the Teaching Fellowships, please contact Dr Karin Cattell-Holden at kcattell@sun.ac.za.</span><br></font><br></p>
Announcement: Finlo project proposals 2024 http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10538Announcement: Finlo project proposals 2024 Anthea H M Jacobs<p>​​<br><br></p><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr"><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><strong>Fund for Innovation and Research in Learning and Teaching (Finlo) will not be accepting project proposals for the year 2024</strong><br></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><br></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">Since its inception in 2005, the Fund for Innovation and Research in Learning and Teaching (Finlo) has played a pivotal role in advancing teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) for lecturers and students at SU through funding small-scale TLA projects focused on either innovation or research.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;"> <br></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">In line with Stellenbosch University’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, we believe it is important to assess the impact and effectiveness of Finlo. This is all the more important in the context of institutional financial constraints. With this in mind, the decision was made not to accept Finlo project proposals during 2024. Instead, an evaluation of the impact of the fund in relation to its own objectives and SU’s game changers in the teaching and learning core function will be undertaken.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">Recipients of Finlo funding over the years will receive email communication requesting their assistance with submitting information for all projects as a first phase of the evaluation study. <br></span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;"><br style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:40px;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">We value all stakeholders’ understanding and ongoing support as we work together to enhance TLA across our institution.</span><br></p></span></div><p><br><br></p>
"Champions" in SU Teaching-Learning-Assessment (TLA) Recognised at TLA Celebrationhttp://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10509"Champions" in SU Teaching-Learning-Assessment (TLA) Recognised at TLA CelebrationAnthea HM Jacobs<p>​</p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">A diverse cohort of academics from Stellenbosch University (SU) took center stage at the Teaching-Learning-Assessment (TLA) Celebration, held at STIAS on March 5th, 2024. <br></span></p><p style="color:#000000;"></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">Addressing the attendees, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath, extended his congratulations to SU's TLA "champions" and lauded their unwavering dedication to TLA. Prof. Ramjugernath underscored the significance of excellence in TLA for SU to realise its ambition of becoming Africa's premier research-intensive university. He emphasised that exemplary TLA practices are not only fundamental for academic achievement but also lay a solid groundwork for impactful research endeavors.</span></p><p style="color:#000000;"></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">Furthermore, Prof. Ramjugernath highlighted SU's consistently high overall undergraduate academic success rates, positioning SU graduates as highly sought-after professionals in the global job market. He reiterated SU's commitment to sustaining this reputation by prioritising student success through continued support and enhancement of TLA experiences.</span></p><p style="color:#000000;"></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">The TLA Celebration aimed to honour the invaluable contributions of academics who demonstrate leadership in TLA within their respective faculties and throughout the institution, thus advancing the scholarly discourse on TLA at SU. Recognising and rewarding academic excellence in TLA is envisioned to cultivate better pedagogical practices, ultimately fostering responsible critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity among students.</span></p><p style="color:#000000;"></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">Additionally, the TLA Celebration provided an opportunity to commend the professional development achievements of staff members who participated in various TLA-related opportunities offered by the Division for Learning and Teaching Enhancement, including:</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;"><br></span></p><p style="color:#000000;"></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· SU Teaching Awards winners 2023</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· SU Teaching Fellows 2023/2024</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· SU TAU (Teaching Advancement at University) Fellows 2023</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – SoTL Conference 2023 prize winners</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· Fund for Innovation and Research in Learning and Teaching - Finlo grant recipients 2023</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· Scholarship of Educational Leadership – SoEL short course participants 2023</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· Scholarship of Teaching and Learning – SoTL short course participants 2023</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· Assessment short course participants 2023<br></span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· PREDAC short course participants 2023</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· Blended Learning short course participants of 2023</span></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">· AI in TLA short course participants</span></p><p style="color:#000000;"></p><p style="color:#000000;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:18px;">The event proved to be an inspiring occasion, marked by genuine moments of pride and celebration.​<br></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">​<br></p>
DLTE TLA Seminar 14 March 2024http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10473DLTE TLA Seminar 14 March 2024Dr Karin Cattell-Holden<p style="text-align:justify;"><strong></strong><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">Speaker</strong><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">:</strong><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"> Prof. Susan van Schalkwyk (Director: Centre for Health Professions Education (CHPE), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences) (SU Teaching Fellow)</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">Topic:</strong> Models of doctoral supervision in health professions education: process and power </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-size:14px;"> <br></span></p><p><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">Summary of seminar</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">Doctoral studies are about pushing the boundaries of what is known with the intention of making a knowledge contribution to the field within which such studies are undertaken. Knowledge that is seen to be valued by those who are held in high regard in the field is inherently powerful, directing the science and informing the canon. The pursuit of such knowledge is central to doctoral endeavour characterized by a process of 'being and becoming' as the student transitions into a chosen disciplinary community—a community that is defined by a set of norms and values that have been developed over time and by what constitutes knowledge within it. The notion of border crossing provides a lens through which the transition can be explored. Doctoral writing, for example, represents a specific border that students must negotiate as they seek to inscribe the body of work emerging from their academic endeavours, and ultimately become powerful writers (Van Schalkwyk & Jacobs, 2021). The process of supervision is central to the doctoral journey and seeks to facilitate this negotiation, while still maintaining the integrity of the disciplinary canon. This raises questions about the nature of that supervision, the way it is organised, and how it is practiced. ​<br></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"></p><p><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><span>​</span><strong>Biography of speaker</strong></span></p><p><strong style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"></strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">Prof. Van Schalkwyk described insights gleaned from her work on doctoral supervision, which, amongst others, explored the experience of being supervised, or supervising others, during a series of interviews (some online) with 23 doctoral candidates and 10 supervisors across 10 countries. She shared the ever-evolving nature of the supervisory relationship, including drivers for new models and approaches. This work has implications for opening up conversations about doctoral supervision, revisiting the approaches we adopt, and critically engaging with notions of knowledge and power. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">Prof. Van Schalkwyk's presentation represented the findings of her Teaching Fellowship research project</span>.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> <br></p><p><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">References</strong></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">McKenna, S; Van Schalkwyk, S. (2023). A scoping review of the changing landscape of doctoral education. </span><em style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">COMPARE. </em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2023.2168121"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">https://doi.org/10.1080/03057925.2023.2168121</span></a><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"> </span></li><li><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">Van Schalkwyk, S; Jacobs, C. (2021). Borders and tensions in Doctoral Writing. In: Badenhorst C; Amell and B & Burford J. (eds). </span><em style="font-family:raleway;">Re-imagining doctoral writing.</em><span style="font-family:raleway;"> WAC Clearing House: Colorado. ​</span><br></span></li></ul><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;">Please refer to the presentation slides for further references or contact Prof. Van Schalkwyk directly.</span><br></p>
PREDAC 2024http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10453PREDAC 2024Claudia Swart<p>​​</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;">This year's </span><a href="/english/learning-teaching/ctl/PREDAC/predac" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;">PREDAC</strong></a><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;"> (Professional Educational Development for Academics) programme kicked off on 29 January at Devonvale Hotel and Golf Estate.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;">62 participants from 9 faculties and 1 centre enrolled for the programme.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;"> <br></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;">Based on the feedback from the 2023 cohort, the contact sessions were moved to take place before classes start.  This allows participants the flexibility to determine when, during the year, they would like to complete the learning activities and assessments.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;">The first contact session took place from 29 – 31 January 2024.  During the three days participants engaged with all the elements of the DeLTA framework.  The DeLTA framework (see image) guides academics through the iterative and cyclical process of designing, facilitating and reflecting on TLA at SU to promote a transformative student learning experience in service of society. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;">The three-day contact session is designed so that participants can experience various ways to facilitate learning.  Participants reflected on these experiences and chose what to apply in their own TLA contexts. Participants engaged with the T&L Policy during various learning activities to familiarize themselves with how the policy can guide their TLA practices. Participants are guided towards becoming reflective practitioners who think deliberately and critically about their TLA practices and systematically review and document their professional growth.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;">PREDAC consist of 5 phases and culminates in a poster presentation at the </span><a href="/english/learning-teaching/ctl/Pages/SoTL-Conference.aspx" style="text-decoration:underline;"><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="text-decoration:underline;font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;"><strong>Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) conference</strong></span></a><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="text-decoration:underline;font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;"><strong>.</strong></span><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;">  During the next phase of PREDAC participants determine their own pace for their learning by completing several milestones.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:16px;">The next contact session will take place on 7 June at STIAS.  The focus of the session will be Reflection.​<br></span></p><p>​<br></p>
SU Teaching, Learning & Assessment Celebration Eventhttp://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10452SU Teaching, Learning & Assessment Celebration EventAnthea H M Jacobs<p>​​​<br></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">A teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) celebration event, under the auspices of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, will be held on the 5th of March 2024 at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS). The aim of the event is to celebrate the professional learning success of various staff members. At the heart of any thriving educational institution lies a dedication to continuous growth and development. This event serves as a testament to Stellenbosch University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing excellence in TLA. We believe that investing in the professional growth of our staff members not only enriches their individual careers but also elevates the quality of education and support we provide to our students. Participants who successfully participated in or completed the following professional learning opportunities offered in 2023 will be honoured:</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - SU Teaching Awards</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - SU Teaching Fellows</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - SU Teaching Advancement at University (TAU) Fellows</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - SU Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Conference Prize Winners</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - Fund for Innovation and Research into Learning and Teaching (Finlo) Recipients</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - Scholarship of Educational Leadership (SoEL) Short Course</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Short Course</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - Assessment Short Course</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - Professional Educational Development of Academics (PREDAC) Short Course</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - Blended Learning TLA Short Courses</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">- - Artificial Intelligence (AI) in TLA Short Course </span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;"><br></span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">The TLA Celebration Event promises to be an inspiring and uplifting occasion, filled with heartfelt moments of reflection, recognition, and celebration. As we gather to celebrate the journey of growth and learning, we are excited to honour the achievements of our incredible staff members. Together, we will celebrate the power of lifelong learning and the transformative impact it has on individuals, our institution, and our communities.</span><br></p><p style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;"><br></span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;"><strong>Date:</strong> 05 March 2024 </span></span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;"><strong>Venue:</strong> STIAS </span></span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;"><strong>Time:</strong> 16h30 –19:00 </span></span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;"><strong>RSVP:</strong> <a href="https://stellenbosch-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/jacobsa_sun_ac_za/ET2Bd8O8ir9Koj1XcpPQnJUBBVRW8l23WYNtTFK_3Tgm9w?e=L8btpy">Invitation to T&L Celebration on 05 March 2024.pdf</a> </span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:raleway;"><span style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;"><strong>Contact person:</strong> Dr Anthea H M Jacobs, jacobsa@sun.ac.za</span><br>​</span></p><p>​<br></p>
SU Teaching Fellowships 2023http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10300SU Teaching Fellowships 2023Dr Karin Cattell-Holden<p>​​<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">T<span style="font-family:raleway;">he SU Teaching Fellowships offer eminent academics with a track record of involvement with teaching-learning-assessment (TLA) and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning support and opportunities over one to three years to enhance and share their TLA expertise at the departmental, faculty and institutional level. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">The University has awarded 20 fellowships since the inception of the project in 2009. In 2023 two new Fellows joined the current cohort of Prof. Susan van Schalkwyk (CHPE, FMHS), Prof. Deborah Blaine (Engineering), Prof. Gretha Steenkamp (EMS), Dr Taryn Bernard (FASS) and Dr Marnel Mouton (Science):</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><strong>1.</strong>       <strong>Prof. Dennis Francis</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">Prof. Francis is Professor of Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and an internationally recognised scholar of teaching and learning. Their research and teaching focus on the sociocultural dimensions of gender and sexualities, in particular how educational structures, discourses and practices reproduce cisheteronormativity and social inequality, and how these are also resisted and challenged. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">Prof. Francis' first-year students reflect on their experiences of the heteronormative-dominated South African schooling and society. In their project for this teaching fellowship Prof. Francis analyses these stories to gauge how students navigate, resist and disrupt these educational spaces and norms. Prof. Francis specifically investigates how students in a first-year Sociology module construct queer and trans youth, respond to homophobia and transphobia in educational spaces, and conceptualise social change in relation to these issues. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">The impact of Prof. Francis' fellowship will be far-reaching, not only advancing the scholarship of teaching and learning at SU but also enhancing critical reflection on social and institutional norms that foster exclusion, thereby contributing to meaningful institutional transformation.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"> </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;font-size:14px;"><strong>2.</strong>      <strong>Prof. Nicola Plastow</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">Prof. Nicola Plastow is Professor of Occupational Therapy in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a renowned researcher of teaching and learning in the context of mental health and well-being in adulthood and old age, using a social justice approach which includes critical citizenship as a pedagogy. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">The aim of Prof. Plastow's fellowship project is to establish and then evaluate the impact of a community interaction project that promotes social participation and occupational justice for older people living in Bishop Lavis. Prof. Plastow will develop a new clinical placement opportunity for her students at a retirement home for independent living older people, challenging – and transforming – students' perspective on ageing, older people, and life in a low-income area of Cape Town so that they discover new ways of being an occupational therapist.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">Prof. Plastow's project is strongly linked to SU's focus on making a difference in society. It will enhance teaching and learning at SU by developing the graduate attributes of becoming a dynamic professional and engaged citizen. The project will not only have a marked effect on students' learning in terms of their studies but also on their professional lives and their lives as caring and aware members of society. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">For more information about the Teaching Fellowships, please contact Dr Karin Cattell-Holden at <a href="mailto:kcattell@sun.ac.za">kcattell@sun.ac.za</a>. <br><br></span></p><p><br></p>
HELTASA "[un] Conference" 2023http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10298HELTASA "[un] Conference" 2023Dr Anthea H M Jacobs<p>​​​<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-size:16px;font-family:raleway;"><strong>HELTASA (Un)Conference 2023 Highlights</strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ms-rteForeColor-1" style="font-size:16px;"><strong><br></strong></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">The 2023 HELTASA (Un)Conference, hosted by Northwest University (NWU) at their Vanderbijlpark campus, took place from 24 to 26 October. The (un)conference was a hybrid event with 212 in-person participants and 108 online participants. There were 86 different presentations, workshops, critical dialogues, posters and panel sessions. The theme of the (un)conference was “Celebration of Scholarship: Connecting the Lights", with subthemes centred on teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) experiences, digital transformation in higher education (HE), scholarship in HE, and HE TLA practices in changing times. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">In his opening address, Prof Robert Balfour (NWU Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning) challenged participants to take the opportunity of the post-Covid moment to ask themselves what they could be doing differently in terms of teaching, learning and assessment. This would entail being present in the moment and reminding ourselves that our TLA practices are our personal brand. A question for participants to reflect on was, “How does *this* improve the student experience?"</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">A highlight from the second day was students voicing their opinions at the panel discussion on Generative AI in HE. The conversations emphasised that, even though embracing this technology may give you an edge, it is a double-edged sword that may hinder individuality. A panellist noted the important fact that Generative AI loves to teach. We, therefore, need to think about how we can use it to extend our TLA practices. Another highlight from day two was a panel discussion of the implications of 'publish or perish' for scholarship in HE and how emerging researchers can approach publishing in different ways. And, of course, the gala dinner was a highlight for some participants. During this event, the Teaching Advancement at Universities (TAU) Award for 2023 was awarded to Prof Elmarie Costandius from Stellenbosch University.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">A highlight from day three was the critical dialogue on disruption and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Through song, dance, words and actions, participants creatively explored the (un)conference methodology as a disruption of scholarship and TLA practices.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">Over the three days, HELTASA delegates came together as a community of HE educators, students, thinkers and innovators to explore, disrupt boundaries, and connect their thinking. This event was a success due to the active participation of delegates and their passion for HE TLA. A special thank you goes to the NWU organising team. HELTASA encourages members and participants to continue the conversations, share the knowledge gained, and implement the insights gathered during the (un)conference.​<br></span></p><p><br></p>
University of Bath visits SU Division for Learning and Teaching Enhancement (DLTE)http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10260University of Bath visits SU Division for Learning and Teaching Enhancement (DLTE)Dr Nicoline Herman<p>From October 18 to 20, a delegation from the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Bath visited Stellenbosch University. Their visit kicked off with a warm welcome dinner at the historic De Volkskombuis, hosted by Sarah van der Westhuizen and Sarah Richmond from the Stellenbosch University International Office (SUI). The guests were treated to an array of authentic South African cuisine, setting the tone for a fruitful exchange.</p><p>On Thursday, October 19 Dr Rob Eaton (Curriculum Development Manager) Ms Abby Osborne (Assessment and Feedback Development Lead), and Ms Stephanie Kamffer (Project Officer), started the deliberations by sharing their innovative strategies and methodologies in teaching-learning-assessment (TLA). They also discussed the professional development of lecturers for their TLA. The ensuing discussion revealed several areas of mutual interest between the University of Bath and Stellenbosch University.</p><p>In the afternoon, the DLTE introduced the Bath counterparts to the functions and operations of its five units – the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Centre for Learning Technologies (CLT), Language Centre (LC), Academic Planning & Quality Assurance (APQ), and Hybrid Learning (HL).</p><p>The morning of October 20 was dedicated to further exploring common TLA ground and discussing potential collaborations between the two institutions. The visit was not only productive but also marked the beginning of what promises to be an enriching partnership.<br></p><p>​<br></p>
SU Teaching Fellowships 2024http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10244SU Teaching Fellowships 2024Dr Karin Cattell-Holden<p>​<br><br></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">Teaching fellowships were initiated at Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2009 to provide an opportunity for outstanding academics to develop their teaching expertise and to stimulate the growth of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning at the University. The University has awarded 20 fellowships since then.</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">The University Capacity Development Plan (UCDP) will be funding <strong style="text-decoration:underline;">two more teaching fellowships from 1 January 2024</strong>.</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">The fellowships offer eminent academics with a track record of involvement with teaching-learning-assessment (TLA) and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning support and opportunities over one to three years to enhance and share their TLA expertise at the departmental, faculty and institutional level. The fellowships also offer academics who would like to follow a professional teaching trajectory an opportunity to consolidate and extend their research on and knowledge of TLA.</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">The core of a fellowship is a research project which could focus on any aspect of TLA, including macro-aspects such as programme or curriculum renewal, or more micro-aspects such as redesigning the assessment of a module or investigating innovative classroom interventions.</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;"></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">Prospective applicants need to bear in mind that the aim of a teaching fellowship is not to introduce academics to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. In-depth knowledge and application of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning are essential to undertake a research project on the level of a teaching fellowship.</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">The closing date for applications for the 2024 teaching fellowships is <strong style="text-decoration:underline;">17 November 2023</strong>.</span></p><p style="color:#000000;font-size:medium;"></p><p style="color:#000000;font-family:"times new roman";font-size:medium;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:raleway;">For more information, including the stipulations of the fellowships and the application form, please contact Dr Karin Cattell-Holden at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">kcattell@sun.ac.za</span>.</span><br></p><p>​<br></p>