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Walter Sisulu university’s faculty of Economics and Financial sciences hosted a tutorials and pedagogical development day at Zamukulungisa site on 06 September 2024.
The event aimed at enhancing pedagogy for tutors and provides a platform for tutors to share challenges they face and discuss solutions.
Faculty of Economics and Financial Science Tutor Development Coordinator, Masixole Ndamase delivered the purpose of the day and strategic vision, emphasised the importance of improving tutor selection and training as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
“Creating an innovative, student-centred tutorial programme is critical to fostering academic success, critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge within the Faculty of Economics and Financial Science Tutorial programme. By enhancing tutorials effectiveness, promoting best practices in teaching and encouraging collaboration, we are aligning our tutorial effort with the faculty’s goal of producing globally competitive graduates in Economic and financial Science,” said Ndamase.
Ndamase added that tutors have a vital role in shaping the quality and impact of the tutorial programme, ensuring that students are well-equipped for academic and professional success.
Faculty of Education Tutor Coordinator, Sabelo Peter highlighted the significance of academic development in tutorship. He shared his lifetime experience encouraging tutors to work hard and encouraging staff to recognise the value of tutorship as an academic development opportunity.
“Let me remind you, tutors, that you play a vital and influential role in shaping students’ academic journeys. Your impact extends beyond the classroom as you have the power to inspire, motivate, and guide students towards achieving their full potential. Therefore, it is essential that you support and enhance the teaching and learning practices, with a goal to promote excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment’’ Said Peter.
Peter added that by so doing, the tutors will not only improve student outcomes but also foster a culture of continuous improvement, where teaching practices are regularly reflected upon, adapted, and refined. This is precisely what academic developers strive to achieve.
The event featured presentations from tutors from various departments including, Sinoxolo Jali and Mihlali Mbasane representing Department of Business Management and Economics (BME), Dyasi Kwanele and Londeka Somerset representing Department of Management accounting and Finance(MAF), Nandi Madziba and Tshepo Monnnyana representing Department of Auditing(DoA) and Katlego Mahlatse Bambalala and Rickal Bhagwandeen representing Department of Accounting and Taxation (DA&T), followed by the pedagogical development panel discussion that explored ways to address challenges that are faced by tutors.
“Tutors must be equipped with skills and knowledge to provide effective support to students as they are the centre of students. This requires ongoing training development for tutors,’’ emphasised Peter.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Development studies lecturer Unathi Dingiswayo, who expressed her gratitude to all participants, presenters and organiser for their valuable contributions.
By Asemahle Mbete
