Innovative Pedagogies tops the agenda at VUT Teaching and Learning Colloquium
18 October 2024 | STORY .Tshepiso Kaibe. PHOTO VUT.
On 11 October 2024, the Faculty of Human Sciences at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted a thought-provoking Teaching and Learning Colloquium under the theme “Innovative Teaching Pedagogies in Human Science: Exploring New Teaching Methods and Their Impact on Student Engagement.” The event served as a crucial platform for educators to explore and discuss evolving teaching methods and strategies that are transforming classrooms in the modern age.
In opening the colloquium and welcoming the participants, from the acting Faculty Executive Dean, Prof Lazarus Maleho emphasized the event’s role as a space for idea-sharing, collaboration, and challenging established perspectives in education. He encouraged attendees to actively participate in discussions, network, and celebrate the transformative power of education, stressing the importance of continuous reflection on how we teach.
Following this, Professor Kholeka Moloi took the stage, delivering a compelling presentation on rethinking learning and teaching in the context of the knowledge economy. Her presentation posed vital questions to the academic community: Are we adopting new teaching methods? Are we engaging students in new ways? Or are we merely improving our existing knowledge to better facilitate learning in today’s dynamic environment?
She further urged educators to consider how their teaching strategies have evolved over the past five years and why those changes occurred. Professor Moloi’s thought-provoking address highlighted the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration within departments and ignited discussions around the need for constant evolution in teaching practices.
Next, Dr. Liemiseng Tjabane from VUT’s Centre for Academic Development (CAD) addressed the audience on the pedagogical importance for the 21st century. She stressed the importance of humanizing pedagogy, particularly within the South African context, where students come from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Tjabane called for more inclusive and accommodating teaching approaches, highlighting the significance of incorporating the concept of ubuntu into pedagogy to create a learning environment where every student feels valued and included.
Dr. Veruschka Pelser-Carstens from North-West University (NWU) followed with a session on teaching diverse student populations. Drawing from her background as a former lawyer turned academic, she shared personal insights into how she fosters inclusivity in the classroom. Recognizing South Africa’s unique diversity, Dr. Pelser-Carstens advocates for lecturers to engage students directly, asking for their input on how they would like to see their learning environment shaped. She shared how incorporating interactive elements, such as games, has made her teaching more effective in connecting with a broad spectrum of students.
After a brief tea break, Prof Dewald Venter presented on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. He outlined the benefits of AI in enhancing learning experiences, improving accessibility, and fostering inclusivity, while emphasizing the importance of ethical guidelines to govern its use. His presentation underscored how AI, when employed responsibly, can lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness in both workplaces and educational institutions.
Dr. Anneke De Klerk followed with an exploration of the Metaverse in South Africa. Her presentation discussed how students can leverage virtual reality and other emerging technologies within their professional fields, opening doors to new forms of experiential learning and engagement.
The final presentation of the day was delivered by Dr. Gauta Maseko, who focused on fostering student-centered learning in the modern teaching and learning environment. His session reiterated the need for educators to place students at the heart of the learning process, ensuring that teaching methods evolve in line with the needs and expectations of today’s learners.
The colloquium concluded with reflections from Dr. Chemu Chitumwa, followed by a vote of thanks from Mrs. L. Japhta, bringing to a close a day of rich discussions and meaningful exchanges.