Prof Mandla Makhanya shaking Prof Elbie van den Berg’s hand and Prof Rita Mare
Prof Elbie van den Berg, Chairperson of the Higher Degrees Committee, received an award for Excellence in Tuition . These awards are subject to stringent criteria and all nominations are evaluated internally and externally. The awards recognise excellent tuition efforts within the university, focusing not only on study packages but on the entire teaching process and practice.
Prof van den Berg teaches philosophy in the Department of Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology, School of Arts. She was very excited to receive the award and stated, “I feel very proud to be a recipient of the Excellence in Tuition Award. I was chosen for the award because the Critical Reasoning module that I developed over many years is considered as an example of commitment to excellence in tuition. I also wish to acknowledge the encouragement I received from Prof Andrew Phillips, Director of the School of Humanities.”She added, “Teaching at an ODL institution such as Unisa, with a regard of learner’s life-worlds and broader community networks, is of vital importance in developing curricula and innovative learner support. The Excellence in Tuition Award encourages lecturers to strive for excellence in tuition and service to our students,” she said.
She encourages young and junior lecturers to develop modules based on the principles of excellence in tuition. “It is a great honour to receive the Excellence in Tuition Award and worth every hour spent on compiling a voluminous portfolio,” said Prof van der Berg.
Thulile Shandu, David Proctor, and Vivian Hlatshwayo from the English Studies Department were the proud recipients of the award for their ENG 1504 module.
By Kgaugelo Pule
