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ODL practice in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology
The College of Science, Engineering and Technology recently held its second ODL Practice in CSET seminar. The main aim of the seminar series is to share best practices and showcase best ODL practice in the College.
This second seminar, entitled "ODL Science: using the results of Physics Education and Cognitive Science research", was held on 30 July 2009 and was presented by Prof Ilsa Basson, Chair of the Department of Physics.
In introducing Prof Basson, Prof Setati, Executive Dean of the College, described her as the most underrated academic in the College. She indicated that Prof Basson’s excellence in tuition needs to be recognised and shared more within the College. She emphasised that while Prof Basson’s demands may be high, her main focus is always on quality tuition, and that is something to be admired and emulated by all academics.
Prof Basson presented data on the lack of effectiveness of traditional science teaching both at university and at school level. She presented an overview of the results of Physics Education research and, more recently, Cognitive Science research, and discussed possible implications for ODL teaching and learning. Prof Basson also shared her views on what kind of study materials and textbooks are useful for learning, especially for students in an ODL environment.
The seminar was attended by academics from within CSET, the DCLD, other Colleges and CSET students. It was encouraging to see students interacting very actively with Prof Basson, reflecting on their learning in CSET and drawing on Prof Basson’s presentation to think about how best they can be supported. One of the students went to the extent of inviting Prof Basson to come and present Physics lessons in Atteridgeville.
Prof Setati commented that "this is the kind of environment and rigorous interaction between academics and students that we in CSET value. We take tuition seriously; hence we create these opportunities for academics and students to talk about how we can improve the quality of teaching and learning in CSET."
Prof Ilsa Basson is currently the chairperson of the Department of Physics. She started her career as an Experimental Solid State Physicist. Teaching Physics has always been a passion of hers. For the past 15 years, she has devoted most of her research time to finding ways to improve the teaching and learning of Physics, specifically in distance education. | 
