Her name is Dr Although Dr Toni has become attached to issues of Noluthando Toni. transformation, race and racism in higher education, she is She joined the passionate about the advancement of teaching and learning in Teaching and higher education, particularly the transformation of curriculum for Learning Centre epistemological access for all students. Her views on academic (TLC) a t t he staff support and development are premised on conceiving

teaching as a scholarly act. She asserts that crafting teaching b e g i n n i n g o f and learning as a scholarly act should encompass utilising February 2012. approaches that are applied in other areas of knowledge She joins the production; constant reflection on teaching approaches and university of Fort technologies, assessment tools and methods, etc.; sharing Hare (UFH) from teaching practices with others; applying recent and relevant t h e N e l s o n literature in particular disciplines; and publishing the 'best' M a n d e l a practices under the banner of Scholarship of Teaching and Metropolitan University (NMMU). At NMMU Dr Toni was the Learning (SoTL).Director of School for Initial Teacher Education in the Faculty of

Education. Before rising to the then position of Director of School, As corollary to the above, Dr Toni's research interests include, but Dr Toni was the Head of Department for the Foundation Phase are not exclusive to, transformation in higher education, issues of Studies Department. Hence leadership at the highest levels in race and racism, identity formation and educational issues in higher education contexts is within her blood! Noluthando, as she general. Dr Toni has presented a number of papers at national and passionately prefers to be referred to, played an instrumental role international conferences where she delves into realities of as the Head of Department in the re-accreditation of the Bachelor teaching and learning in South African institutions of higher of Education degree (B.Ed) Programme by the Higher Education learning. During her tenure as director, Dr Noluthando Toni has Quality Council (HEQC) at the NMMU in 2007. But alas! before declared research within the TLC a priority area, and more so, with finishing her three year tenure as the HoD she was then asked to, heightened attention. With the support of all of us, she will achieve and assented to act as the Director in 2009.her cherished academic goals. Dr Toni replaces another female academic Prof Christine Woods, who resigned in mid 2011. We In 2010 she was appointed the substantive Director of the school welcome Dr Toni to the TLC family and the UFH community.on a three year period. As fate would have it, and true to a

trademark leader genius, Noluthando was identified, courted and Compiled by Dr. Alfred H. Makura whisked once again....albeit, untimely, vacating her last NMMU

position to take up her current strategic position at the UFH. Snr. Consultant: TLC

THE TLC GETS A NEW DIRECTOR

T L Chala olwazi, humisa! Editor: Dr AH Makura

Dr Noluthando Toni

TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTRE NEWSLETTER

June 2012 Edition

University of Fort HareTogether in Excellence

CONTACT US:

Private Bag x1314 / Alice / 5700 / Tel: 040 602 2240 / 2704

Alice Campus Henderson Hall

/ East London / 5200 / Tel: 043 704 7026 / 7031 Website: www.ufh.ac.za/centres/tlcletters to the editor can be sent to:

East London CampusPrivate Bag x 9083

passalice@ufh.ac.za

THE 2012 VC'S EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD RECIPIENT

Dr Dianne Shober

Thala Lolwazi, Chumisa! TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTRE NEWSLETTER June 2012 Edition 2.

Compiled by Dr. AH MakuraSnr. Consultant: TLC

The 2012 VC's Excellence in Teaching Award in the Exper ienced Teacher The TLC Manager, Dr. Vuyisile “Prof VJ” Nkonki was recently Category, was conferred on honoured to deliver an incisive speech at a Graduation Celebration the 2011 nominee, Dr

and Thanksgiving ceremony for a successful UFH graduand. His Dianne Shober, who is

words of advice were apt and directed particularly to those aspiring to Deputy Head in the English

complete a degree. Below, we capture snippets that aspiring graduands Department on the 15 May

should take heed of:U F H G r a d u a t i o n

1. Academic success is symbolised by certificates, gowns and Ceremony in East London. hoods. These materials are merely representations (yimifuziselo) As a result of her infectious used to recognise mental and moral prowess demonstrated by the passion and commitment to graduand. We do not celebrate symbols. Academic success is a

teaching and learning, celebration of the triumph of the human spirit, in the navigation of

Dianne has inspired others its way in the dark forests and deeper seas of information and in the Department of ideas, in the quest for wisdom.English to excel in their teaching, and to strive to

2. Staying: Many venture into Degree studies, but fall along by the enhance students' critical way side. Those that succeeded stayed on course, and stayed engagement in the learning process.the course of their degree studies. They jumped the hurdles, tilted and overcame the odds. Education, career, and life is a She established the thriving voluntary reading group for students of all course (route, path) - yindlela. We celebrate stayers and finishers faculties, whose intention is that of creating a reading and critical thinking of the course! It is only by staying on course that one is guaranteed culture that is reviving the core founding values of the university. In order to stay and finish the course or the race.

to aid students' academic development, Dianne has written and published two textbooks which now form part of the students' set work and compulsory reading at the University of Fort Hare, and other 3. Academic Journey: An academic career starts with a Degree. An

undergraduate study ( a 'learners' licence') gives one knowledge, institutions nationwide. The two books by Dr Shober, Writing English with understanding and the know-how that helps one to function in a Style and Communicating with a Vision have received recognition and chosen career. Celebrating and sitting back at this stage is high acclaim by prolific authors such as Dr Sindiwe Magona and Dr celebrating mediocrity. Mediocrity signifies lack of ambition. An Hermann Wittenberg. The TLC Manager Dr Vuyisile Nkonki asked Dr academic journey should continue through registering for Shober for her thoughts on the award. Below are excerpts from the Postgraduate studies, Honours, the Masters, and then a discussion.Doctorate. You then become a scholar.

TLC: What does the award mean to you?4. Scholarly life and career life can be likened to a pilgrimage, a faith DS: I cannot begin to express my gratitude for receiving this award. This

journey to a holy place, e.g. Islam (Mecca), Judah (Jerusalem), award is an affirmation not only to myself but to all academics that the ZCC (Moria), Catholic (Vatican). One scholar wrote: “True University recognizes the fact that our primary work here is to teach pilgrimage is not the destination, but wandering in pursuit.” It students. This award magnifies the importance of teaching excellence means never getting enough or being satisfied. Career life and that the focus of academics should be providing innovative systems requires that we view ourselves as never complete but as work in of teaching combined with bold enthusiasm for communicating ideas and progress. There is no cul de sac or end of the road. A pilgrim and a increasing wisdom while applying knowledge. scholar both have an ambition to aspire to succeed in their goal. Scholars need the faith of a pilgrim who sees no end to the journey, TLC: What are your experiences with the processes leading to the but forges ahead, roving in pursuit.award?

DS: After being informed that I was nominated for this award, the process 5. Hence to succeed academically takes:leading to the award was challenging and required substantial soul

5.1 Sacrifice: forgoing or losing friends, time, money, companysearching and re-evaluation of personal efforts and professional etc.paradigms. 5.2 Discipline: mental, moral and behavioural training. Thistraining aims at forging your body to obey the mind. (umzimbaTLC: How will you use the award to further and advance teaching? ululamele okanye uthobele ingqondo).DS: It is hoped that through the receipt of this award and the university's 5.3 Focus: being single minded in the pursuit of a particular goal. Itacknowledgement of the importance that they place on teaching means blindfolding yourself from other things that have nothing toexcellence, that other academics are motivated and inspired to enhance do with the accomplishment of this mission.their teaching practices. Within the scope of my department I will certainly

encourage my fellow colleagues to work towards this award which is not only a personal affirmation but one which will benefit students, and will also encourage staff to re-access their own teaching practices.

By Dr Vuyisile JJ Nkonki

The previous recipients of the award are Noreen Burton from Education (2007), Jacques Mahler from Law (2008), Marinda du Plessis from the GIS department (2009), Actor Katurura from Law (2010), and Vusumzi Duma from Sociology (2011).

Manager: Teaching and Learning Centre, Alice Campus

ACADEMIC SUCCESS TIPS

BLACKBOARD EXPLODES

3.

The popularity of Blackboard, the LMS (Learning Management evaluation mechanismsSystem) that is available in the institution is well documented with · communication with students the usage expected to continue to grow. According to our TeL (Technology Enhanced Learning) statistics there are 178 courses Students benefit by having the ability to: enrolled on Blackboard for the year 2012, up from 93 in 2011. The · communicate with lecturers and other students in the use of Blackboard has increased from 4355 student users enrolled online environment in the last quarter of 2111 to 6 274 student users enrolled in the · collaborate with other students during and between year 2012. This is a substantial increase and the motivational scheduled tutorial activities factors behind this include: · submit assignments electronically and save cost of

· departments/faculties trying to manage large classes paper and printing more efficiently · access secure, up to date course information online,

· lecturers who want to be more visible to their students rather than pay for printed and bound study guides beyond the classroom · view resources multiple times, for example, scroll

· lecturers who want to accommodate their part-time forward and back through audio and video resourcesstudents · study at times and in places that suit them

· lecturers who want to track and monitor their students' · keep track of their academic progress onlinelearning and participation

· lecturers who see and learn from their peers who are Academics who are interested or would like to make use of using Blackboard Blackboard can contact:

· students who are using Blackboard for other courses Renee Coetzee putting pressure on other lecturers to make use of Luvuyo Mkonqo Blackboard. Siyanda Ntlabathi

or Alanna Riley . There are many benefits of using Blackboard for both staff and lecturers. Lecturers benefit through increased flexibility and Students are advised to use this email:control over: for their Blackboard queries.

· time, place and pace of teaching and learningBy Luvuyo Mkonqo· content organisation and distribution

· management of student records, assessment and

(rcoetzee@ufh.ac.za), (lmkonqo@ufh.ac.za),

(sntlabathi@ufh.ac.za),(ariley@ufh.ac.za)

blackboard@ufh.ac.za

Consultant: TLC

SECOND CYCLE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE (REVIEW) – 2013/14 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF FORT HARE?

The Council on Higher Education (CHE) issued a discussion · Module Evaluations/reviews

document in February 2011 sketching a framework for the next · Minimum required qualification for your level

round of quality assurance. The articulated goal for the second (lecturer/senior lecturer) · Routinely, faculties are expected to do an analysis of the cycle is the improvement of the quality of teaching and learning at

semester and annual examination pass rates. It is undergraduate level (CHE 2012:14). In reviewing the list of important to show how this information is used to improve objectives highlighted by the CHE, it is important to note that the quality of teaching and learning. An analysis of these emphasis will not be put only on programme design and in the broader context of factors that enhance or impede

implementation thereof, but institutions will have to demonstrate the quality of teaching and learning is critical. Liaising

their commitment to, among other aspects, professionalism and with the Planning and Quality Management and pedagogical versatility of the teaching staff, support for Assurance office in this regard is imperative.epistemological access and student success, as well as overall · As an institution we need to begin to reflect on how we improvement in the retention and progression of students. provide our students with a comprehensive educational Institutions of higher learning including UFH, still await final experience that goes beyond the formal classroom

interaction.guidelines for the upcoming review process. However, early

preparations are to begin regardless of what the contents of the · Academic development activities that demonstrate how final guidelines stipulate. Below is an abridged list of what we adhere to and implement national and institutional

policies on teaching, learning and assessment. academic staff members can start looking into. For further inputs

and assistance from the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), Dr N Toniplease feel free to arrange sessions with relevant TLC Consultants

and Campus Managers. with inputs from

· Portfolio development: Every academic is expected to Ms K Marala

have a Teaching Portfolio

Director: Teaching and Learning Centre

Thala Lolwazi, Chumisa! TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTRE NEWSLETTER June 2012 Edition

Thala Lolwazi, Chumisa! TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTRE NEWSLETTER June 2012 Edition 4.

THE KEY TO SUCCESS: A TLC STRATEGY

Professor Grandgrin teaches a very difficult course. Every year, choose a difficult programme? Another voice, gentler and less half of the students in his class fail, dropout, or withdraw. There is powerful than the first one says, But you can do it Themba. All you nothing that can be done, he thinks. These students are hopeless. have to do is talk to Professor Grandgrin. Find out his secret. Each time he goes to class, he has to start with a stern reminder. Themba feels as if he is standing at the vortex of a tornado, his 'You people must be serious. Write comprehensible notes. You mind going round'n round'n round. Can I drop this course? No, you must read! Study! Go to the library and study! Otherwise you will can't. Can I drop this course? No, you can't. He keeps walking, one fail.' To him, all students are just the same. Number one, they don't foot after the other, not sure of where he is going. He regrets read. Number two, they don't listen. Number three, they take ages everything. He condemns himself. He feels useless. Why did I to understand simple concepts. choose this programme in the first place? I should have listened to Upon hearing Professor Grandgrin's warnings, students get really my brother. agitated. How do we become serious? How do we study? Some

While Themba is still shrouded in these thoughts, he bumps into begin to lose interest in the course. Others begin to hate the course Professor Grandgrin who is getting out of his office.and the Professor too. The rest are simply confused. They don't 'Oh! Themba, how are you?'know what to do. University life is hell on earth. They begin to 'I am fine Sir, but I was actually coming to see you.' Themba's voice regret and accuse themselves. Others wish they could change the is faint and tremulous. He is very nervous. He cannot believe his programme altogether, but this is not possible. The semester is own voice which pops out of his throat almost without his drawing to an end and exams are looming. It is too late. permission. 'Okay, let me quickly attend to you.' Professor Grandgrin says, Themba is one of the students in Professor Grandgrin's class. He turning back into his office. He looks calm today, Themba remarks is deeply worried because he likes Professor Grandgrin's course. to himself. He doesn't seem to be in a hurry as usual.Moreover the course is a major one and cannot be dropped.

Should I drop the programme altogether and choose a new one. 'Alright' Professor Grandgrin says as he slumps into his chair. But what will I say to my parents? I must see Professor Grandgrin 'What can I do for you, Themba?' about this, he ponders. Themba is on the crossroads of his career. 'Mmmmm….Prof, I am very worried. I know I am an average Day and night, he thinks about the hell that is Prof Grandgrin's student and your course is very difficult but is there anything I can course. Yes, I must talk to Professor Grandgrin about this, he do to pass it? All my friends have already withdrawn and I am finally decides. He is a bit nervous though because Professor afraid I might have to follow suit.' Themba feels that his voice is Grandgrin is a very serious man. If you went to his office for rather louder than usual. Maybe I shouldn't have come here after anything, you could better be very clear what you wanted. all. I am simply making a fool of myself. Tears begin to accumulate Otherwise he would tell you to go back and sort your mind first. You in his eyelids.couldn't afford to walk into his office just like that. Themba is hesitant but he has to do this. Professor Grandgrin looks at him, clears his throat and adjusts his

spectacles. He does all these motions unconsciously as matter of 'Let me make this clear,' Professor Grandgrin would often say to habit. Themba is still sitting there like a statue of Budha. For a his class, 'if you are coming to my office for consultations, make moment, Professor Grandgrin looks confounded. But sure you have clear questions. You don't come to my office to immediately, he regains his composure and positions himself to practice your grammar, okay.' All these threats flash through respond. Themba's mind as he contemplates going to Professor 'You see' he says, gesticulating with his wrinkled arms. Themba Grandgrin's office. Themba does not only want to do the right fixes his eyes on him blankly like a tired cow, anxious to access the things, but also to do the right things right. His major shortcoming is key to his academic success. This man passed this course. He that he is not articulate and cannot express his mind, especially in knows exactly what I must do, he reasons to himself. But before English. Each time he wants to make a contribution in class, he Professor Grandgrin could say a word, there is a loud knock at the must first of all rehearse his thoughts in vernacular and translate door. Themba nearly jumps out of his seat. The Professor blankly them to English before raising his hand. He does not want to stares into space like a cornered animal.embarrass himself in front of his colleagues. To make matters Taking a deep breath, Professor Grandgrin shouts, 'Come in worse, Professor Grandgrin is Irish and does not understand please.' A young woman dressed in a blue t-shirt and a cap walks Themba's language. in. The letters SI are loudly imprinted on the front part of her t-shirt.

Her eyes are clear, penetrating and authoritative. Her whole Maybe I should just drop this course? Themba ponders in his person seems to radiate with confidence. heart. His feet are walking towards Professor Grandgrin's office 'Eh! What can I do for you young lady.' That is Professor Grandgrin, but his thoughts are elsewhere. No, I must talk to Professor getting out of his seat to extend a handshake. Grandgrin. Maybe he can help. As he walks in the corridor towards his Professor's office, Themba feels as if he is losing his mind. A small voice whispers at the back of his mind: You are very stubborn Themba. You know you are an average student. Why did you

5.

'Good afternoon, Professor Grandgrin. I am very sorry to disturb set the agenda for the sessions, so we are in a position to deal with you, I know you are very busy, but may you please spare me just the very areas that students find to be difficult. We go through five minutes of your time.' Professor Grandgrin is more relaxed lecture notes, review lectures and revise modeled-exam now than he was with Themba. Something has been loosened questions. Most importantly, SI leaders work hand in hand with somewhere. Themba is amused by the young lady's confidence. lecturers; they are Peer facilitators and not mini-Professors. I No doubt, Professor Grandgrin has been equally disarmed. actually attend all the lectures for the course I facilitate. I should 'Okay, you can go ahead,' the Professor says exposing a faint say, by way of conclusion, that SI is a social platform. It integrates smile. students into the culture of the university and it has benefits: 'My name is Shalom, an SI leader from the TLC. As you may know, number one, students who attend SI are likely to persist with their SI stands for Supplemental Instruction and I am here to talk to you courses; they are less likely to withdraw or drop out. Moreover, briefly about our programme. Basically SI is an academic support research has established that those students who attend SI get program that targets historically difficult courses for example, better marks and are likely to finish their courses and graduate. Accounts, Maths, English, Chemstry etc. SI leaders are students Thanks for your time Prof; I hope I didn't exceed my five minutes.'who have excelled in these difficult courses and their duty is to 'Oh, my pleasure,' Professor Grandgrin says with a start. He looks help students get the skills for understanding difficult content. SI at the young woman and then at Themba. This lady is a handful, he leaders are role models in the sense that they have passed the says to himself. Themba is tongue-tied. This is what I have been course and they can share their experiences with other students looking for, he thinks.doing the same course. I facilitate an Accounts course that I

By Dr. Rodwell Makombepassed, and because I have passed it I know the challenges that students are likely to face. I hold SI sessions 3 times a week. These are open to all students who want to attend. The students

Consultant: TLC (Alice Campus)

THE POWER OF TEAM IMPACT

effective teams can form personal bonds which are “No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it”. H.E good for individual and workplace morale. In the Luccockuniversity setting, students on teams may form bonds A team is a small number of people with complementary skills which extend beyond the classroom. Adapted from who are committed to a common purpose, performance goals,

and approach for which they are mutually accountable." (Katzenbach and Smith, 1993). Teams represent a set of values that encourage behaviours such as listening and constructively responding to points of view expressed by In addition to preparing for their future careers, student also others, giving others the benefit of the doubt, providing support benefit from teamwork in the following ways:to those who need it and recognizing the interests and i) Exposure to different points of view - As studentsachievements of others. Teams consist of a diverse group of are exposed to methods and ideas that other studentspeople, united by trust, and by a challenge, that calls for their have, they learn different ways of approaching abest. A strong team is also united by trust, and TRUST is being problem.Transparent, Responsible, use Caring, Sincere and ii) Communication Skills - A team relies onTrustworthy. communication among members. Through teamwork

training and practice, students can learn to:

Teams are found in many workplace environments, including a) Actively and effectively listen to their team members corporate, government and education, because they allow the to understand their ideas and concerns.organization to:

b) Effectively articulate their ideas or their concerns to i) Accomplish projects an individual cannot do - others. Many projects in the workplace are too large or too

complex for one individual to complete alone. Imagine c) Provide genuinely constructive feedback to team trying to build the Nelson Mandela Stadium all by members. yourself!

iii) Critical Thinking and Evaluation Skills - Students ii) Brainstorm More Solution Options - Different must use these skills to evaluate the complex issues people looking at the same problem will find different of team project goals and formulate appropriate solutions. A team can review ideas and put together a solutions and plans.final solution which incorporates the best individual

iv) Conflict Resolution Skills - Yes, teams haveideas.conflicts, but, with the right support and training iniii) Detect Flaws in Solutions - A team looking at communication skills, students can learn the skills todifferent proposed solutions may also find pitfalls that facilitate solutions to conflicts so that the teaman individual might miss. The final solution is that remains functional.much stronger.

iv) Build a Workplace Community - Members of

What other benefits do students get from teamwork?

What benefits does the workplace reap from teams?

http://tlt.its.psu.edu/suggestions/teams/about/benefits.html

Thala Lolwazi, Chumisa! TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTRE NEWSLETTER June 2012 Edition

NEW TLC STAFF

v) Students may do more academic work - Some students may accomplish more in order to keep up with the rest of the team. This can be a combination of now wanting to let the team down or not wanting to look unprepared. One French writing course did seean increase in student writing once collaborative assignments were introduced.

Adapted from

By Martha Chigovanyika

http://tlt.its.psu.edu/suggestions/teams/about/benefits.html

Consultant: TLC (Alice)

Cindy-Leigh Martinson

Dr Rodwell Makombe joined Attaining this PhD is the TLC family in May 2012 certainly not an end in itself but the beginning of a much more as Consultant on the East demanding phase of my academic career. I must read. I must London campus....the same write. I must work. I must make substantial contribution to month he received his knowledge. I hear the sound of Andrew Marvel's “time-winged Doctoral degree from the chariot” droning on the rail of high thought. I must join this chariot. University of Fort Hare. An Time is racing by and I must bear the cross of this PhD with English language specialist perseverance. For me, this PhD is a springboard, maybe an by profession, Rodwell had academic license too, and we know that licenses are not medals to this to say on the enviable be hung on the wall --- with this cap, I launch myself into the world coincidence upon his arrival of knowledge production. Incidentally, it has come at the right time. to the TLC family...“Coming I have just joined the Teaching and Learning Centre, a department from a background that which I consider to be one of the most vibrant and result-oriented those of us who grew up in within the University. My desire, henceforth, is to see more and the ghetto are so familiar more research being done. Armed with this new cap, I hope to join

with, I must say I am very excited about this achievement. In fact, I hands with the existing TLC team in developing, upgrading and am overwhelmed because not many have the privilege, not only to refurbishing teaching and learning in the Higher Education obtain such a high qualification, but also to obtain it at a reasonably context.” young age. I am really flattered by this, but I am also aware that this is a huge responsibility that has been thrust on my shoulders. Compiled by Dr Alfred H Makura

entrusted, even more will be demanded”.

Luke 12: 48 says “much will be required; and from one to whom much has been

From everyone to whom much has been given, Snr. Consultant: TLC

Dr Rodwell Makombe

As the TLC was groaning over the her academic career with a Bachelor of Arts and finished with

loss of Esrina, the new TLC Director, Honours in Psychology degree, cum laude. Her research focused

Dr Noluthando Toni moved in swiftly on student confidence in authorship. Asked to explain how she

to ensure continuity and confidence cultivated an interest in education matters, Cindy explains “My

in the TLC by recruiting an equally interest in Child Psychology led me to complete a Post Graduate

competent officer in the person of Certificate in Education. Complimentary to this is my Certificate in

Cindy-Leigh Martinson. She is no the Facilitation of Learning which I completed as an undergraduate

stranger to the TLC family and while working for the Teaching and Learning Centre”. Currently

processes. Cindy started off as a Cindy is planning to pursue a Masters degree in Education. Her

Supplemental Instruction Leader interests lie in researching the many 'literacies' with which students

(SIL) for Psychology in 2009. A year enter university: specifically the University of Fort Hare as it has a

later she joined the Language and very diverse student population. In the future Cindy looks forward

Writing Advancement Programme to completing a second Masters degree in Psychology. Her

(LWAP) as a Language and Writing secret? “I find I am most at home amongst fellow academics and

Consultant (LWC). She served with commitment for two years. No students”. We welcome Cindy to the TLC and UFH family.

wonder that the TLC was quick to identify her academic talents and

recruited her fulltime in May 2012. Cindy-Leigh Martinson began

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6.Thala Lolwazi, Chumisa! TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTRE NEWSLETTER

Thala Lolwazi, Chumisa! TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTRE NEWSLETTER 7.

During the course of Esrina's duty she often encountered large classes, especially during writing workshop presentations. Group work worked well in these instances; one-on-one consultations with the Language and Writing Consultants (LWCs or Peer Facilitators) after workshops also worked well and the facility of submitting work online also helped to deal with this challenge. From the beginning of 2012, Esrina also offered the Nature of Learning module of the Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education and Training (PGDHET) with great passion and enthusiasm. She is of the opinion that every official engaged in TLC work should be engaged in one or two modules of the diploma, if not the full diploma. Esrina's advice regarding

Esrina Madamombe, the PASS Consultant of the Teaching and academic literacy acquisition is that it should be integrated into Learning Centre (TLC), married Michael Magaisa, a State teaching and must be seen as an end product and not a pre-Veterinarian from Maclear, over the 2011 Christmas holidays. requisite.With Michael being based so far away, many realised that it was only a matter of time before she would opt to be at his side! Peer facilitators need to realise that they contribute to the image of

the TLC and that no one will make as big a contribution to the Before joining the TLC, Esrina was a Masters student and worked quality of their work as the TLC staff members who train and part-time in the UFH English Department from February 2006 to coordinate them. Getting along in an amicable and professional April 2008, focusing on English for Specific Purposes (ESP) manner helps a great deal. The same applies to TLC colleagues course. In May she joined the TLC on the Alice campus as Peer who work with academic staff in faculties – the respect and Assisted Student Services (PASS) Consultant. In her role, she willingness to work cooperatively needs to be mutual. To the assisted students with their academic writing and also presented student body of UFH, Esrina leaves these wise words:countless writing workshops. When Tracey King vacated the East "Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing London position in early 2011, Esrina moved across and an exact man." (Francis Bacon). In the near but not so distant continued assisting both students and staff alike. future Esrina hopes to secure another job and register for a PhD.

We thank her for her positive contribution to the UFH community When asked how she perceived the TLC's new flattened structure, and wish her well in her future endeavours. We know she will Esrina said she liked it because it allowed her to work in both make an impression wherever she goes!student and staff development. Working across pivots was one of

By Linda Schecklethe strengths of the flat structure. A weakness she noticed was poor distribution of work-load across all staff members, but she was sure that the new Director would address this soon.

Consultant: TLC

DEPARTURE: FAREWELL TO THE BLUSHING BRIDE...

Office environments typically require us to work in fairly close Keep your voice at a reasonable level. Other people, quarters. So, a little consideration and cooperation can make day- trying to work, may be distracted by your voice, even if to-day life a lot easier! The following guidelines might help you to what you are saying is work-related. If you have avoid behaving in distracting (or potentially obnoxious) ways. something personal or otherwise sensitive to discuss, · Respect people's privacy consider doing it in a private office or conference room.

Show respect for each other's workspace. Knock before Speak clearly without shouting as loud people can be entering one's office, if necessary. Because you're most both distracting and irritating.likely in an open office area, you invariably and inevitably · Fix, or attempt to fix, what you breakwill overhear snippets of conversations other people are How many times have you gone to the photocopier to find having. Think carefully before joining that conversation. that it was 'out of order' either out of toner, out of paper, or Keep your interruptions of others to a minimum and experiencing a paper jam? The problem was still around always apologise if your intrusion is an interruption of a when you arrived because the previous person did discussion, someone's concentration, or other activity. nothing about it and simply left the copier in its problem Don't hover around while waiting for a co-worker to get off condition. Don't be that person. If you can clear the paper the phone. Leave a note for them to call you or return jam safely and according to procedure, try to do so. Most later. photocopiers have diagrams to show you how to address

· Watch the volume of your voice technical faults.

TOP 5 OFFICE ETIQUETTE TIPS

Esrina Madamombe

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as conservative as the official business requires you to signed, dated note describing the issue and what you are be. Personal hygiene is a matter of professional doing to fix it or have it fixed particularly contacting Xerox

courtesy: everyone is entitled to an office environment to fix it. Those actions could be a call to the maintenance

free from offensive smells and sights. Constantly monitor vendor or to an administrative department. Your co-your own hygiene and behaviour. Try to see yourself from workers will appreciate your efforts, and signing your others' perspectives and make sure you take pride in name to the note demonstrates your willingness to take your appearance. Be sure to shower regularly and use a ownership.

· Keep the communal areas clean suitable deodorant and never cough or sneeze in Make sure that you respect the communal areas in the anyone's direction. The essence of good manners and office such as 'break' rooms and staff kitchens. etiquette is to be respectful and courteous at all times and Refrigerators and microwaves should be wiped clean with everybody in the office. Therefore, treat your co-after you use them and if you do spill something in either

workers, cleaners, maintenance people and others with place, clean it up. Make sure that old food that you have

the respect they deserve. sorted in the kitchen is thrown out if you do not use it. Don't leave it for someone else. NEVER take food from

Adapted from a ICAS: Online Health and Wellness Programme the fridge if it is not yours. This may seem insignificant to you at the time, but it is theft, and can be dealt with as

By Ms. Joni van Heerden such.· Maintain a good level of personal hygiene

Wear appropriate office attire and be as neat, clean, and

If you can't fix the jam or any other problem, leave a

Consultant: TLC

It is another time of the year when the hullabaloo of obstacles, Simthembile Ngcuka and Onele Gcilitshana are among the hardships, sweat, confusion, discouragement, hours of reading, graduates that have made it through to graduation while in the months of polishing up and producing a standard dissertation or LWAP programme. On the same note Grace and Mthokozisi thesis bears its fruits. This is an experience that most graduates at have now embarked on the prestigious and highly regarded PhD Fort Hare would have gone through and it actually encourages and programme, to benefit the University and South Africa. Such reinvigorates the strength and hope of those who are prospective academics are essentially required to inform social, economic and graduates and looking forward to finishing in that fashion. This political policies that confront present day global and national article simply recognises and highlights those achievements of the challenges among other things. Last but not least another peer 2012 PASS, LWAP Consultants who have managed to graduate facilitator Tendai Chimucheka is restless when it comes to putting with the University of Fort Hare. The TLC is very excited and proud the University on the map, through publications. Inarguably these of these hardworking men and women who have stood bold to the are highly commendable achievements that make the University challenge with a strong tenacity towards academic enterprise as and the TLC proud as they contribute to the development of new excellent students strongly upholding the motto of UFH, 'Together thinking needed in higher education.in Excellence'. Grace Ngorora (Masters), Mthokozisi Mpofu

Tatenda Manomano(Masters) (B.Ed Honours) By, Mgdaline Tangwe , Fortunate Mandipaka (BCom Honours), Ngubelanga Coceka, Ayabulela Gwarube, Avela Yokwe (All BA Communication), Rachel Moyo,

Language and Writing Consultant: Alice

GRADUATION 2012

Professor Isaiah Iguna Chabaari Wakindiki (Left)and Dr. Mamphweli Sampson (Right)for winning the UFH Vice Chancellor's Senior Researcher award medal for 2012and Emerging Researcher award 2012 respectively.

Professor Isaiah Iguna Chabaari Wakindiki

8.

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

Thala Lolwazi, Chumisa! TEACHING AND LEARNING CENTRE NEWSLETTER

Dr. Mamphweli Sampson

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