UKZN’s College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science (CAES) hosted a team from the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) on a benchmarking visit.
The event provided an excellent opportunity for both institutions to share knowledge, collaborate and enhance their academic and operational practices. The visitors were warmly welcomed by College Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Naven Chetty, who thanked all involved for the valuable collaboration which offered a platform for the SMU team to engage with various CAES staff members.
The interaction, chaired by Dr Boby Varghese, Head of the Centre for Academic Success in Science and Engineering (CASSE), aimed to provide insights into the processes and best practices implemented at UKZN.
Several presentations covering a range of topics were delivered by CAES staff members, including discussions on Mathematics and Chemistry qualifications at the college, showcasing an overview of the curriculum, pedagogical approaches, and learning outcomes for these core science disciplines. Academic Leader of Mathematics Professor Gareth Amery and Academic Leader of Teaching and Learning in Chemistry Dr Desigan Reddy provided an overview of the content, objectives and assessment criteria for various modules offered at UKZN in their respective schools.
Dr Michele Stears of the Quality Promotion and Assurance Office presented insights into the methods and criteria used in student course evaluations while Mrs Nozipho Hlalukane provided an overview of the systems in place for tracking student progress, identifying at-risk students, and offering timely support, with Ms Ayanda Nongogo discussing how UKZN leverages data to inform decisions that enhance both student learning experiences and institutional efficiency.
SMU team members, Ms Thandokazi Ikedinobi and Ms Mbalenhle Dlamini, thanked the CAES staff for their willingness to share their expertise and insights, noting that the visit had provided them with new perspectives that would be of great benefit to teaching and learning operations at their institution.
Organiser of the event, Dr Nirisha Haricharan, said the visit was an important step in fostering a collaborative relationship between the two universities, with the aim of mutually benefiting from shared expertise and experiences.
UKZN looks forward to future collaborations that will continue to enhance the quality of learning, teaching and research across both institutions.
Words: Nirisha Haricharan
Photograph: Supplied
