Academic & Life Management

MODULE OUTCOMES

Cope effectively with the academic demands of tertiary education.

Successfully interact with others in the tertiary environment.

Function effectively on an intra-personal level.

Make effective choices regarding future career options.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF HOW WE WORK

Teaching and assessing of students via class-based academic activities, using a blended learning model with a strong emphasis on reflective learning. Provide further academic coaching support via mentoring, workshops, referrals and various initiatives for students in collaboration with other clusters and faculties to bring in an inter-disciplinary approach. From first year level, the development of graduate attributes is key and students are encouraged to incorporate Mandela University values into their behaviour.

The Academic and Learning Management Modules (ALM) form part of the curriculum for both first- and second- year extended programme students across various degrees and diplomas. In addition, the Academic and Professional Skills module is offered to mainstream students registered for diplomas in Analytical Chemistry, Polymer Technology and Chemical Process Technology. As the transition from school to university can be challenging for a student, these modules through the process of reflective practice, enable adjustment to the tertiary environment, insight into expectations at University and empower the student to meet their challenges, while learning to thrive in the new environment. The modules facilitate the development of critical reflection and awareness of one’s development as essential academic and career competencies. The modules have a strong academic focus, with learning content assessed on a regular basis.

FOCUS

FIRST YEAR

The focus in the first year is on helping students to adjust to the demands and challenges of their new role of being a tertiary student, as well to their new environment, while developing academic and self-management skills. Topics such as time-management, goal setting, learning strategies, stress management, problem-solving and exam preparation, amongst others, are explored.

SECOND YEAR

The focus in the second year is on the development of intra-personal, interpersonal and career skills. Examples of some of the topics covered are emotional intelligence; communication skills; conflict resolution, assertiveness and career development. Students also undertake a Social Responsibility Project which gives them an opportunity to apply these skills.

Staff

Ms Samantha Greeff

Position: Associate Lecturer
Department: Learning Development
Room: 111, R-Block
Location: North Campus
Phone: 041 504 9908
Email: Samantha.Greeff@mandela.ac.za
Qualifications: BA (Psychology and Sociology), BA Hons (Psychology), MEd
Responsibilities: Teaching of Academic and Life Skills and Academic and Professional Skills modules to first and second year students. Provision of holistic academic support to students, empowering them to overcome learning barriers and reach full potential.

Ms Ghauderen Coetzee-de Vos

Position: Associate Lecturer
Department: Learning Development
Room: 017, Admin Building
Location: Missionvale Campus
Phone: 041 504 1390 / 041 504 3653
Email: Ghauderen.CoetzeedeVos@mandela.ac.za
Qualifications: BA (UPE), HDE (UPE), BEd (Hons) (Potchefstroom University), MEd (Nelson Mandela University)
Responsibilities: Teaching of Academic and Life Skills and Academic and Professional Skills modules to 1st and 2nd-year students. Provision of holistic academic support to students, empowering them to overcome learning barriers and reach full potential.

Mrs Mandy Brophy

Position: Associate Lecturer
Department: Learning Development
Room: -0111, Lower Ground, Music Building (10)
Location: South Campus
Phone: 041 504 1136
Email: Mandy.Brophy@mandela.ac.za
Qualifications: MSW
Responsibilities: Lecturing and mentoring of students in extended programmes. Teaching of Academic and Life Skills and Academic and Professional Skills modules to 1st and 2nd-year students. Provision of holistic academic support to students, empowering them to overcome learning barriers and reach full potential.

Mr Sibusiso Moripe

Position: Associate Lecturer
Department: Learning Development
Room: 0020, Research Building
Location: George Campus
Phone: 044 801 5135
Email: Sibusiso.Moripe@mandela.ac.za
Qualifications: BEd, BEd Hons, MEd (UP)
Responsibilities: Lecturing and mentoring of students in extended programmes. Teaching of Academic and Life Skills and Academic and Professional Skills modules to 1st and 2nd-year students. Provision of holistic academic support to students, empowering them to overcome learning barriers and reach full potential.