The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) Teaching and Learning Office in partnership with UKZN’s Teaching and Learning Office hosted the 7th Annual Academic Monitoring and Support (AMS) Colloquium at the UNITE Building on the Howard College campus.
The main aim of the event is to align AMS with curriculum transformation in South African Higher Education Institutions. Since 2013, this annual colloquium has provided a platform for various stakeholders in teaching and learning to share good practices and challenges pertaining to AMS.
Supported by a committee, Professor Naven Chetty (Convener) and Dr Boby Varghese (Chair) co-ordinated the event.
This colloquium assessed and discussed curriculum transformation initiatives in Higher Education at large, and in AMS in particular, across UKZN’s Colleges. The need for curriculum transformation initiatives in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution was also discussed.
Keynote speaker, Professor Eli Bitzer, Emeritus Professor at the University of Stellenbosch presented an address on Curriculum Renewal in Higher Education in an Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He noted that, in adjusting curricula, due attention should be paid to the challenges confronting students in basic education and at university. Bitzer also discussed the relevance of curriculum transformation in AMS.
Psychologist, Ms Lucinda Johns’ input focused on emotional intelligence in Higher Education Institutions and the need to deal with secondary trauma among university staff.
Professor Albert Modi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, CAES highlighted the need to locate curriculum changes in Higher Education within the South African context as the challenges confronting the country are different from those of other countries.
The panel discussion was chaired by Professor Ruth Hoskins and the final discussions were facilitated by Mr Ashwin Manival and Deans of Teaching and Learning
The event was well attended with approximately 160 delegates, including academics, professional staff and students.
Student, Ms Tivana Chellan commented that she appreciated the opportunity to engage with other participants, while Mr Ronal Thakurpersad, Operations Manager in the School of Engineering observed that, ‘The colloquium was well-organised and very informative. The papers were of high quality and presented diverse viewpoints.’
Prizes awarded for best paper presentations included:
• First Prizes: Ms Amanda Gumede, Mr Ashwin Manival, Dr Mlamuli Hlatshwayo and Mr Ncamiso Dlamini; and
• Second Prizes: Mr Rogerant Tshibangu, Dr Vanessa Singh, Dr Vasanthie Padayachee and Ms Nolwazi Biyela.
Words: Leena Rajpal
Photograph: Yola Ndzabe
