In line with the vision of Unisa’s Engaged Scholarship and Outreach Policy, the department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies (CIS) is firmly set within its vision of being an African university in the service of humanity. The Department of CIS is committed to giving back to the communities we operate in through teaching and research. We endeavour to address challenges, and find ways of uplifting the communities we work in.
Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies (CIS) Engaged Scholarship (ES) projects:
|
Project |
What we do in the community |
Project team |
|
Postgraduate Research Support Programme (PRSP)
|
The purpose of the Postgraduate Research Support Programme (PRSP) is to strengthen postgraduate success at the University of South Africa (UNISA) by reducing preventable attrition and improving students’ capacity to complete their degrees on time. In a higher education context where dropout rates have remained a persistent concern and are shaped by financial pressures, academic under-preparedness, work–study conflict, and psychosocial challenges such as isolation, self-doubt, and stress (DHET, 2013; DHET, 2021), PRSP provides structured, supplementary support that helps students navigate the demands of postgraduate study. The programme therefore focuses on equipping Master’s and doctoral students with practical research competencies such as proposal and problem statement development, methodological decision-making, academic writing, literature reviewing, research ethics, and research communication, while also building the life skills and academic habits that sustain persistence, including time management, stress management, supervisor–student relationship management and funding readiness Delivered through accessible one-hour online workshops/webinars offered after hours (Thursdays 18h00-19:00) PRSP’s purpose is also to widen access to high-quality research training for students who cannot attend daytime sessions and for those studying at a distance. Through drawing on presenters from different disciplines and institutions and by sustaining engagement through a dedicated communication database, the programme creates a supportive, inclusive learning ecosystem that complements existing university-based research training and promotes confidence, competence and continuity across the postgraduate lifecycle from early proposal development through to dissertation or thesis completion |
Project Leader: Prof MC Maphalala Members: Dr N Nkosi (Secretariat / Convenor) Dr M Mnguni Dr M Moleko Prof NP Khumalo Prof D Mncube Prof MC Dube Dr N Gcabashe Dr S Cele Dr B Nhlumayo Dr N Sibisi Dr T Maphumulo Dr A Seherrie
|
|
Towards the integration of ICT into teaching and learning at the high school level through e-portfolios Women in Research (WIR) (2023-2025) NRF Thuthuka (2024-2025)
|
We promote integrative learning by helping learners connect diverse experiences and build meaning through student-centered e-portfolios that foster reflection, self-discovery, and ownership of learning. This approach strengthens self-directed learning and 21st-century skills while empowering both teachers and students through thoughtful, technology-enhanced educational practice. ▫ We started with only two schools but have now adopted three more. ▫ We have facilitated the donation of 86 used laptops and 300 computers to five high schools and one preschool. ▫ Two of the high schools did not offer any technology subjects, and since they received these computers, the principals have since requested DBE approval to introduce technology subjects at their schools. ▫ We developed an OER—a teaching manual for a micro course on e-portfolios ▫ Co-publishing with some participants evidencing shared knowledge production and empowerment |
Project Leader: Prof MP Modise Members: Ms Moipone Masalesa Mrs Dolly Mathabatha Dr Bakang Tshite Mrs Serra Kılıçaslan-Takva
|
|
Teaching Commercial Subjects for Learning and Better Results CN7200 (Flagship) |
The project is geared towards capacity building for Principals and Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) teachers. |
Project Leader: Dr MX Majola Members: Mr Wynne Flanagan Dr Ndumiso Gcabashe Dr Ramahudu Moto |
|
Developing strategies to increase learner performance in NSCE CN7200 [Part of Flagship] |
A case of Mathematics and Physical Science in Limpopo schools |
Project Leader: Prof MW Lumadi Members: Prof VA Nkonyane Prof LDM Lebeloane. |
|
Teaching for robust understanding of mathematics in the intermediate phase Project code: CN7200 (flagship) |
We aim to provide development for intermediate phase mathematics teachers and to engage the Teaching for Robust Mathematics (TRU) framework as a developmental, formative teacher professional development (PD) by addressing the current resources and context of the school. The envisaged project is collaborative and responds to self-identified needs of project partners. |
Project Leader: Prof P Biccard Members: Ms T Maphumulo Dr S Sepeng Ms Z Kubheka |
|
Teaching and assessing in multi-grade classroom Project code: CN5200 |
The project aims to improve teaching in multi-grade classes and provide more significant support mechanisms and staff development programs for assessment in a Multi-grade teaching context. The project is anticipated to highlight the need to develop a comprehensive assessment programme for multi-grade teachers. |
Leader: Prof MJ Taole Members:
|
|
Teaching for robust understanding of mathematics in the intermediate phase Project code: CN6600 |
We aim to provide development for intermediate phase mathematics teachers and to engage the Teaching for Robust Mathematics (TRU) framework as a developmental, formative teacher professional development (PD) by addressing the current resources and context of the school. The envisaged project is collaborative and responds to self-identified needs of project partners. |
Leader: Prof P Biccard Members:
|
|
Africanising mathematics teaching: Using ethnomathematical games in the Intermediate Phase Project code: 2023_238900_2022_379_707 |
We work with 10 Intermediate Phase Mathematics teachers from schools in rural and semi-rural areas. The overall aim of this project is to improve mathematics teaching and learning in Grades 4 to 6 through ethnomathematical games that bring learners’ everyday experiences into the classroom in a concrete way. It allows for activity-based learning which is learner-centred as learners interact with games and each other through the process of learning mathematics. |
Leader: Dr S Meeran Members:
|
|
Classroom interaction pedagogy in teaching English First Additional Language Project code: CN5300 |
Partnership with the teacher-community to introduce CIP in teaching of EFAL in the intermediate phase |
Leader: Prof MM Maja Members:
|
|
School management teams as instructional leaders in curriculum delivery. Project code: CN5600 |
This Engaged Scholarship Project focuses on school management teams’ instructional leadership in curriculum delivery in primary and secondary schools in South Africa. |
Leader: Prof AS Mawela Members:
|
Last modified: Fri Feb 13 12:10:16 SAST 2026