Students paying attention during a presentation

This workshop was conducted on 3-4 April 2013 at the Unisa, Polokwane. The lecturers were Prof MT Gumbo, Dr M Mokhele, Prof ER Mathipa and Ms B Ramasodi. On Day 1 123 students attended, 121 on Day 2 and 87 on Day 3. Almost all the students were CEDU students. A few students were those registered in other Colleges in the fields of law, agriculture, psychology, etc. Their active participation and asking questions indicated to us that these students from other Colleges did not feel out.On Day 1 the workshop presented combined sessions that covered topics on understanding M&D procedures, academic writing, Unisa library – access to a wealth of knowledge, overview of a research journey, emotional support and time management in the study journey, and issues of ethics and ethical clearance.

Many students had just registered and had not yet started with their research proposals. They were advised to start with their research proposals and alerted to the fact that they only had one year left to complete their Research Proposal Module. They were also advised to visit MyUnisa (MPEDU91 and DPEDU01) to access the materials that have been posted for them, as well as to familiarise themselves with the policies and procedures of the postgraduate programme. Those that had already submitted their research proposal draft had been assigned supervisors already. So there were not many queries about supervisor allocation. The few queries received were of an administrative and technical nature, e.g. students could not be re-registered because they had no access online, their course codes were not active, etc. These queries were noted by Prof MT Gumbo so he could follow them up with DSAR.

Students engaged in the activity of implementing what they learned to suggest their research topics, research problems and questions. In this picture they critique each other’s ideas in group

On Day 2 and 3 the students were separated into two groups; Group 1 for those who were still at the research proposal stage and Group 2 for those who were already at the dissertation/thesis stage. Group 1 was taken through the research proposal structure. The presentations were followed by group activities where students began to think about their individual research topics, lecturers motivated and suggested sources of data and data gathering methods to them. Then they each gave a short presentation to get inputs from their groups and their facilitators. They however still have to consult the literature on their research topics. They were also guided on how to phrase their titles, how to present their introduction, the background to their study, how to come up with a research problem, -questions and -objectives.

Group 2 was trained on theoretical and conceptual frameworks and methodology. The work of those who had already decided on and had written their frameworks and methodology chapters was used as for discussions and to help others develop theirs. The library session on Day 2 and Day 3 was a hands-on session in the computer lab.

The lecturer’s impressions were that students were very much interested in and had benefited from the workshop. They indicated this in the half hour reflection session on the morning of Day 2 and Day 3. They were also actively involved and asked many questions.

Mrs Hajrah Younus

At the age of 38, Mrs Hajrah Younus is enrolled for a BEd qualification through Unisa. It has been a lifelong dream of hers to become a teacher. She did really well in the October-November 2012 exams when she passed all six of her modules, four of them with distinction. She says: “My thirst for knowledge and sheer determination has prompted me to realize that I have the potential to take on more modules in the next semester.” So she enrolled for seven modules – Health Education, two first year Psychology modules, English and Zulu as well as two of her teaching practical modules.

Loving her studies and very motivated to be an educator, she has started working at a private Islamic school in Stanger as an Afrikaans, Life Orientation and Natural Science teacher. Currently she is enjoying the work she does with Grade 7 to 9 students. They are split into classes of boys or girls in groups of on average twenty-five children per class. Her days are long and full because they only go home after 16h00 each day. She studies in the evenings and weekends and is determined to reach her goal of gaining a BEd degree. She thanks Prof Cecelia Jansen for the inspiration she gave her after a tutorial contact session in Richardsbay.

Prof MS Makhanya congratulating Mrs Stoltz on her fine achievement

Mrs Jacqueline Stoltz achieved something very special this year. Despite really difficult circumstances she chose to study hard to obtain her honours qualification. The odds were stacked against her as her husband was in hospital. He was seriously ill for two months so the responsibility for her five-year-old son rested on her shoulders. To add to her challenges her sister was hospitalised while in a coma. This happened during the time Jacqui was preparing for and writing her exams.

The reward was sweet when on 6 December Mrs Stoltz received the Senate Gold Award for top achievement in her studies at the College of Education. She had chosen to persevere and work hard, and it certainly paid off when she won this award with a bursary attached. She will be using it to study further through Unisa and plans to register for a full thesis in December in Inclusive Education, using her prize money to pay for a research proposal module. Her mentor, Prof Cheryl le Roux, said: “Isn’t it wonderful that through the grace of God, a little encouragement, and much perseverance, she was still able to achieve such results.”

Jacqui and Chris Stoltz

Jacqui lives in Amanzimtoti on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast where she teaches the LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) class at Amanzimtoti Primary School. Her motivation to study further was to have a better understanding of education, how learners learn and how best to help them. When she saw a newly published text book on the history of education, she was delighted as she wanted to know exactly what problems were experienced in the past, how they were perceived and dealt with.  With amazement she discovered  that the current issues in education, such as language policy, school fees, the huge economic divide between rural and urban areas, inclusion an so forth, were similar, if not the same, in the past. She found it rewarding to learn how to conduct an oral history interview and to document another person’s account of a time in their lives.  She learnt how to analyse data and documents critically and found a new respect for cartoonists and the vital role they play in interpreting current events. 

The module, HBEDECS (South African Education in Context), took her on an amazing journey where she ultimately learnt that education is a powerful tool that can be used to either empower or oppress people. The debate about language in education was particularly interesting to her and she was surprised to learn just how long this topic has been debated in education and how much of an issue it was and still is today. She feels so grateful that South Africa’s Constitution has made basic education a human right and feels proud to be an educator in this country.

Mrs J Stoltz and Prof CS le Roux

The drive to work hard at her studies comes from her conviction that it is only through hard work and dedication that great things can be achieved. She states that people can give support but ultimately, it is up to you as in life you get out what you put in: “If I expect my learners to give of their best, then surely I need to set the example.” The motivation to give her best also came from being eager to learn as much as she could so as to improve her own teaching.

She described her experience at Unisa as follows:  “I would like to inform you of the excellent service I received from the lecturers who offer the HBEDECS module offered by the College of Education, Prof CS le Roux in particular. I went through a very rough patch personally and was not going to write my exams. However, Prof le Roux encouraged me to give of my best and inspired me to just do what I could.  I was very despondent but listened to the advice.  I wrote all of my exams and am pleased to tell you that I managed to graduate cum laude.  I am so grateful to have had a mentor like Prof le Roux.  Without her support and encouragement I would not have written any of my exams.  She has been an absolute light and pillar of strength to me. After my graduation ceremony in May, I was eager to study further, but did not have the finances to do so.  I was given the opportunity of a bursary through another University in SA, but the topic I had to research was not in my area of interest and I was not entirely happy with all the criteria I had to meet to be a part of this particular research project.  I was feeling rather despondent, but knew if it was the will of God I would find a way to study further.  Several weeks later I received notification that I was being awarded the Senate Gold Award, with a bursary.  As you can imagine, I was elated and felt a huge sense of relief that I could now go ahead with my Master Degree.  I am so grateful that I have this opportunity, but also that I get to research a topic that I am passionate about.  I have applied to register for my Master degree and am eagerly awaiting good news.  Without the bursary this would not have been possible!  ”

Ms NP Ceza

Studying with Unisa has been quite an adventure for me. As an adult learner I had to juggle between my many life roles - while at the same time being mindful not to cause any suffering to others because of my studies. It was also always a challenge to meet the submission deadlines amidst work and family demands. I had to learn to stop complaining that the day is only twenty-four hours long and to be thankful that it is not twenty hours. I thank God for my caring supervisor who kept on telling me that studying is “a process, not a race”. He encouraged me to be thorough in every step. My hours of studying happened in the evenings, often until the early morning hours and time for my family happened during the weekends. The subject that I enjoyed the most was: “Personality development and behavioural problems”. I enjoyed it so much that I got a distinction in it and my second best was “Adult learning facilitation” even though I got my lowest mark in it – 61%. I developed much interest in e-learning as I was researching on it. My research topic was on: ”Challenges faced by staff members in ICT training at a public university in the Eastern Cape.”

It was a big relief when I finally submitted the last chapter of my dissertation for assessment. Unfortunately, that was when tragedy struck. I was informed that my supervisor had suffered a fatal heart attack. This was a devastating blow for me. Many people told me that my new supervisor was likely to make me start my research from scratch. Thank goodness I found myself in the capable hands of another very good supervisor. I did not have to start afresh, but I did have to provide explanations for every step of the chapters I had already completed. Where my explanations were not satisfactory, I had to reformulate, re-write and resubmit. It was a strenuous, almost draining task, but it helped me to sharpen my research understanding.

My gratitude goes to both Unisa and to my supervisors.
Ms Nqops Ceza

Parks Leshaba informing others during a presentation

Parks Leshaba, one of our students at the College of Education, inspires others with his passion for the environment. In his daily work at the Zoo in Pretoria, he educates the public on Invasive Alien Plants. One of his zoo club students entered the Science Week Competition and won Gold for Gauteng. He then competed at national level and won Bronze. Parks’ lecturer Prof Cheryl le Roux says “he instills such enthusiasm in others – he’s an absolutely a unique individual. I am so proud of him.”

Poster used by Parks to teach young people about Invasive Alien Plants (IAP)

Parks Leshaba’s passion, Invasive Alien Plants

“In 2006 I embarked on an exciting journey when I enrolled for my BEd in Early Childhood Development. I regard my qualification as a platform from which to undertake the successful pursuance of my professional career. The knowledge I gained through this experience proved to be of immense help in the classroom, where I teach children with special needs. I was also able to use this valuable knowledge to stimulate my two-year-old nephew, thereby proving that the knowledge gained in completing this degree stretches beyond the limits of the classroom.

Whilst studying, I had to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my studies. My hard work was rewarded, however, when in 2011 I obtained my degree with distinction. With the support of my parents and my husband and thanks to the efficient assistance of my lecturers, these past six years have been filled with hard work and the pleasure of gaining knowledge. And although I have now reached the end of one era, it is definitely the beginning of another, as I am planning to enrol for my honours degree. Since Unisa is internationally recognised, many windows of opportunity are open to its graduates, both in South Africa and abroad.”

CEDU looks forward to accompanying Ilze further on her journey of intellectual discovery.

From left: Prof Oupa Lebeloane (black jacket), Dr Peta Blake, Prof Kofi Quan-Baffour, Dr MM Dichaba and Mrs Deborah Mampuru surrounded by the ABET students.

No one can doubt the impact that ABET has had on the lives of many adult learners since its inception under the leadership of Prof Veronica McKay. The ABET institute was first established in 1994 and enrolled its first students in January 1995. Today, the department still remains relevant and valuable to many adult learners who continue to learn and benefit from the courses on offer.

These sentiments were shared by Prof Oupa Lebeloane, Director: School of Education Studies, College of Education, in his address to a group of ABET students. This group is being funded by the Gauteng Department of Education to enable them to study at Unisa. On 12 July this year, they visited the Muckleneuk campus to interact with lecturers. This project was first launched in 2011, and about 300 students have since been funded to study for a Higher Diploma in Adult Basic Education in order to become qualified ABET facilitators.

The following qualifications are offered by the Department ABET and Youth Development:
• the Higher Certificate in Adult Basic Education and Training
• the Higher Diploma in Adult Basic Education
• the Diploma in Youth Development
• an Honours in Education with Specialisation in Adult Basic Education and Training
• an MA in Education with Specialisation in Adult Education (research only)
• a PhD in Education with Specialisation in Adult Education (research only)

Article submitted by Achieve Ubisi

Mrs Miriam Thiart

Miriam Thiart, aged 50, was awarded an Hon BEd (specialisation: School Management) degree in June during a Unisa Graduation ceremony held at the His People Church in Cape Town. Mrs Thiart commented that it was a well organised event.  Her husband and parents were also in attendance, and were equally impressed.

Ms Thiart matriculated at the High School Tygerberg and completed the three-year Primary Diploma at the Paarl Teachers College. Subsequently she obtained her Higher Diploma in Pre-primary at the Barkley House College, Claremont, and began teaching in 1985 at the Parow Preparatory School.  For many years now,  she has been teaching at the Koos Sadie Primary School in Goodwood.  As newly appointed Head of Department in the Foundation Phase, she emphasised that her Unisa studies prepared her for this challenge.  She was also one of the lead teachers who trained others for the new CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements), implemented this year.

A mother of four, she knows that teaching takes up a great deal of one’s time.  According to her, teaching and studying require discipline and courage.  It is only with a good home-base support system (and a husband that can cook) that one can achieve more in life and go the extra mile for your school.

“Any student who studies through Unisa can be proud and is privileged to be receiving education of a high quality, as well as the gift of amazing help and support from very able lectures,” Mrs Thiart added. She said that students should cherish all the lecturers, as they devote many hours of support to the students.  She also expressed her warmest gratitude to Prof Hettie van der Merwe, who supported her during a difficult time.  She thanked all lecturers involved and stated that the Department of Educational Management and Leadership at the College of Education really cares for its students and has their interests at heart.

Over 50 students across all Unisa regions participated in the Youth unemployment discussion

During youth month the Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) with the Youth Development Department hosted their very own first Youth Development student seminar on 25 June 2012 at the Unisa Sunnyside campus. The theme of the day was Youth Unemployment and Other Challenges Facing Youth Development Students. The Youth Development students began the event with a presentation highlighting the different causes of and solutions to youth unemployment. They argued that poor education, lack of qualifications, low salaries, nepotism and corruption were some of the contributing factors. More than 40 students attended the event whilst different regional centres including Umtata, Durban, Johannesburg and Daveyton, participated in a satellite broadcast discussion.

The aim of the event was to provide a platform for students to express their views, pose questions and explore solutions to youth unemployment. Students were also informed about potential job opportunities available to them after completion of their studies. During a discussion session, prestigious stakeholders and experts from different organisations provided students with mentorship and guidance along with knowledge about the working world. They also discussed some of the issues affecting the youth of today. “We need vibrant youth despite the circumstances of youth unemployment. Youth shouldn’t just sit; you should grab the opportunity with both hands!” said Nobulumko Nkondlo from the Department of Public Enterprises. In addition, she challenged the youth to take charge of their lives. “It is time to do business in a different, unusual way. Take the initiative!” she said.

Audience listens attentively at youth event

Thulani Thefuta from the South African Youth Council (SAYC) stated that one issue that contributes to youth unemployment is that of tenders. “Most jobs that are supposed to be for the youth are locked up in tenders. And ultimately jobs are not created as a result,” he said. He advised youth to explore entrepreneurship as a potential solution and stated, “Entrepreneurship can be taught, it is not genetically acquired. It can be learnt.” The students concluded that the current youth unemployment crisis could only be dealt with by young people joining forces with government, business and other youth organisations. 

Audience at youth event

Article submitted by Busi Mabaso