WSU RESEARCH NICHE AREA STRIVES TO ENHANCE CURRICULUM DESIGN

Researchers from Walter Sisulu University’s seven faculties recently gathered for a Sustainable Education Curriculum Design Workshop aimed at unearthing innovative strategies for creating relevant, engaging, and inclusive learning experiences.

The workshop was spearheaded by Acting Director: Research and Innovation Directorate, Professor Thobeka Ncanywa, who also leads the Sustainable Development and Contemporary Issues in the Society and Education Research Niche-Area; together with Professor Newlin Marongwe who leads the Transformative Education sub-niche area.

Marongwe and Ncanywa asserted that this was an effort guided by goals 1 and 2 of WSU’s strategic plan, which are Quality, impactful teaching, and learning, as well as Relevant and impactful research and innovation.

“One of the aims of this workshop was to develop the curriculum at Walter Sisulu University through research that is publishable. This workshop offered academics an opportunity to step away from their everyday lives and focus on their craft. The workshop provided a supportive environment for participants to develop their strategies,” said Marongwe.

Marongwe added that their aim was to link the university’s vision, mission and purpose to curriculum design.

“It develops an entrepreneurial approach to curriculum design (creativity and innovation) that addresses the three Ps, which are people, profit, and planet. It empowered the participants to implement the participatory action research that responds to societal and environmental needs as advocated for by the Sustainable Development Goals,” she said.

Some of the key focus areas for workshop participants included creativity and innovation of curriculum design, entrepreneurship and sustainability, trends in higher education, as well as framework for enhancing academics as university teachers.

Ncanywa said: “It is possible to integrate the core goals of the university through a niche area. For example, in this workshop there was evidence of integration in the goal of learning and teaching through curriculum development, and research through participatory action research that addresses societal needs. The workshop is also responding to the purpose of the university in its strides to be an entrepreneurial university.”

By Yanga Ziwele