WSU PREPARES LIFE SKILLS COURSE FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

The Directorate of Teaching and Learning is in the process of developing a WSU101 course to help transition first-year students who come from under-resourced schooling backgrounds into university life and, eventually, the job market.

The course is in response to several challenges identified through the National Benchmarking Test (NBT) from 2017–2019, which indicated that most students have an opportunity to further develop their academic literacies and enhance their language and academic writing skills to thrive in their studies.

“This is a targeted module for all first-years so that they have a better understanding of the University, student life, and acquire basic literacies and skills that will allow them to succeed while at university and beyond,” said Writing Center Manager, Dr. Stanford Matenda.

Due to its geographical location and outreach, the university has taken on the role of a gateway institution, offering educational opportunities to the substantial population of rural, economically disadvantaged individuals, thereby providing access to higher education for thousands who might not have had this opportunity otherwise.

The WSU101 course aligns closely with the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the university's commitment to fostering global citizenship and sustainable development. By embedding elements of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, ethics, and leadership, the course actively supports SDG 4: Quality Education, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Additionally, the inclusion of modules like Ubuntu and Ethics encourages a focus on SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, promoting ethical leadership and governance. Through the integration of digital literacies, the course also addresses SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, equipping students to navigate the demands of a digital and interconnected world.

According to Dr. Matenda, “The course should prepare students for lifelong learning and contribute to the development of graduate attributes, in line with institutional prerogatives of ‘graduating versatile, work-ready individuals,’ as stated in the university purpose.”

“Upon entering university, we’ve also found that numerous students encounter the challenging responsibility of independently managing their finances for the first time, adjusting to a digital space, and adapting to university life in general. The course is designed to counter these challenges,” Matenda added.

The WSU101 programme is expected to offer Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, Ubuntu and Ethics, Digital Literacies, WSU Overview, Language Development, Academic Literacies, and Leadership and Governance.

By Ongezwa Sigodi