Stellenbosch University​ (SU) is highly respected for its excellence in teaching, learning and assessment (TLA), and this, said SU's Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath​, doesn't happen by chance. “It is because of a concerted, dedicated effort by colleagues like yourself who take the professionalisation of TLA so seriously," Ramjugernath told member of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science​s (FMHS) at a recent event to celebrate staff achievements in TLA at the Faculty.

“At SU we often refer to ourselves as a research-intensive university. But I believe you can only build a research-intensive university on a strong foundation of TLA. From what I've seen here today, we are doing exceptionally well within the FMHS to help realise this vision of our institution," he maintained.

Echoing this sentiment was Prof Karin Baatjes, FMHS Vice Dean: Learning and Teaching who commended staff on their efforts to develop their TLA skills. “We honour your commitment to improving student outcomes by enhancing your knowledge of TLA within the health professions education.

“Learning is complex and multifaceted, and to teach any subject you must be well-versed in the discipline and have various tools within your teaching quiver to make the conceptual contextual. Teaching is not merely a transmission of facts. It requires investment into new teaching styles and strategies, as well as an inclination to use both formal and informal learning opportunities," Baatjes said.

She highlighted the university and faculty's objective to professionalise the scholarly teaching role within academic renewal, and mentioned the support structures that academics can access to advance their TLA in an innovative and research-based manner. FMHS staff can access various courses and degree programmes to augment TLA through SU's Division of Learning and Teaching Advancement or the Centre for Health Professions Education​ (CHPE).

According to Dr Rhoda Meyer, a lecturer at CHPE, there has been a rise in attendance of the faculty's development offerings, and she shared the following attendance statistics for 2023: 23 participants in the Orientation in Teaching in the Health Professions short course; 23 participants in the Teaching in Health Professions short course; 22 participants in the Registrar as Teacher short course; 40 participants in the Supervisor as Teacher short course; and learning technology offerings attracted more than 100 participants so far for the year.  

Acting head of CHPE, Prof Elize Archer, acknowledged staff members who completed some of the longer TLA programmes offered by the university and faculty, namely: Mrs Arina Du Plessis, Dr Tracy Kellerman, Dr Sylnita Swart-Filies and Dr Ziyanda Vundle for completing the PREDAC (Professional Educational Development of Academics); Mrs Dawn Hector, Dr Yolanda Brink, Mrs Talita van Schalkwyk, and Ms Amanda Msindwana for completing the Assessment short course; Dr Gouwa Dawood, Ms Jodie Layman-Lemphane, Dr Nadine Rampf, Ms Lizaan van Rooyen, and Dr Lisel de Waard for completing the Introduction to Blended TLA course; Prof Marianne Unger, Prof Lilian Dudley, and Mrs Alida De Beer for completing the Advanced Blended TLA course; Dr Marli Conradie-Smit, Mrs Anel Schoonees, and Dr Robyn Dyers for completing the MPhil short Courses; and lastly for Prof Faadiel Essop for receiving the Leaderly Teaching Scholar Award.

“What strikes me most about this list is the wide variety of disciplines showing their commitment to TLA advancement," said Archer. “It is heartening to see that there are champions in all these different departments that are going the extra mile to advance TLA in our faculty."

Photos by Lizaan van Rooyen.