Project Description
UNIZULU 101 was a strategic initiative designed to address the transitional challenges faced by first-year students at the University of Zululand. It sought to enhance their capacity to thrive academically and socially through a transdisciplinary core module. In the initial multimodal pilot delivered in 2020, a transdisciplinary cohort of 1200 students was enroled across the four faculties of the university, with eight degree programmes represented.
In the project, my role as an Academic Coordinator—also functioning as an Instructional and Learning Experience Designer—involved architecting a transformative learning module for first-year students. This role breakdown details the various components of my position, which combined strategic pedagogy, curriculum innovation, content development, and comprehensive mentoring, all aimed at fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and personal growth among first-year students.
Pedagogic Strategy
As the Academic Coordinator, I reimagined the educational approach for UNIZULU 101 by instituting a humanizing pedagogy that diverged from traditional lecture methods. My focus was on creating an environment ripe for dialogue, where critical thinking and reflective practices were the norm, empowering students to weave their diverse life experiences into their academic journey. The module was constructed around themes like Ubuntu, Democracy, Diversity, Identity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, each encapsulating a learning cycle of two weeks.
Curriculum Development
Once the curriculum and pedagogical framework was in place, I then took on the role of Curriculum Developer. My task was to weave a curriculum that not only conveyed academic rigor but also mirrored the multicultural tapestry of our student body. This endeavor involved curating content and learning experiences that would resonate with the students' diverse backgrounds and inspire them to engage proactively with the societal challenges they face.
Content Design
My remit extended to Content Design, where I was tasked with the development of engaging and thought-provoking course materials. These resources were crafted not only to promote critical and creative thinking among students but also to instill a robust sense of integrity and ethical awareness that is crucial in today's world.
UZUL100 Moodle Page Walkthrough
Facilitation and Mentorship
Facilitation and mentorship were pivotal components of my role, where I provided guidance and support to a cadre of 40 postgraduate facilitators (Graduate Academic Assistants). These facilitators were instrumental in stimulating active learning and dialogue among students, thereby nurturing a collaborative learning environment that was anchored in peer-to-peer engagement and support.
UZUL100 Facilitators after an in-person session.
Assessment Framework
The construction of an equitable assessment framework was among my chief responsibilities. This framework was carefully designed to strike a balance between participation and coursework, as well as individual and collaboration driven activities. This was to ensure assessments accurately reflected each student's comprehension and engagement with the thematic learning objectives of UNIZULU 101.
Research and Evaluation
An ongoing commitment to research and evaluation underpinned my role, facilitating a deeper understanding of the effectiveness of our educational interventions. This rigorous analysis was key to iterating on our strategies and ensuring the UNIZULU 101 module remained aligned with the university’s overarching academic aims and objectives. Within the pilot, this process included the administration of periodic surveys to both students and facilitators, detailed notes of my observations during the course of delivery, as well as the continuous monitoring of Moodle learning analytics. This culminated in the development of an instituionally tabled UZUL100 Pilot Report.
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A day in the office.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my tenure as an Academic Coordinator and Instructional and Learning Experience Designer for the UNIZULU 101 project was a comprehensive exercise in educational innovation. By integrating a humanizing pedagogy and developing an inclusive curriculum, I aimed to address the complex needs of first-year students, preparing them to navigate and excel in the multifaceted realm of higher education. The synthesis of content design, mentorship, and facilitation ensured a robust, engaging learning environment that empowered both learners and educators. The deployment of a balanced assessment framework, coupled with a commitment to continual research and evaluation, underscored the module's success in fostering academic excellence and personal development. This role was a testament to the transformative power of education when it is approached with creativity, dedication, and an unwavering focus on student success.
