A Revisiting of Educational Priorities in South Africa in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Conference: The European Conference on Education (ECE2022)
Title: A Revisiting of Educational Priorities in South Africa in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Stream: Curriculum Design & Development
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Authors:
Rhoda Abiolu, Durban University of Technology, South Africa
Nthuna Juliet Ramohai, Durban University of Technology, South Africa
Linda Zikhona Linganiso, Durban University of Technology, South Africa

Abstract:

This chapter focuses on this important aspect of online learning and teaching, with a specific interest on the conversation on strengthening curriculum practices and making them more responsive to the educational needs of students in South Africa in the Covid-19 world normal. Owing to this, we base our investigations on two broad categories: student views and the use of educational assessment tools in narrating human interpretations in the light of Covid-19. We seek to examine current arguments around the kinds of engagement occurring within the South African higher education landscape and how this shape the course of education during a pandemic outbreak. We also scrutinise the practicality of online reflective writing as an instrument to critically understand student experiences concerning online curriculum adjustment within South Africa. We use the Durban University of Technology’s Cornerstone reflective writing assessment tool, as a model to explore the views of students around online learning. By establishing these perceptions, we recommend a practicable framework for reformatting educational priorities in curriculum development thereby showcasing a more inclusive approach to attending to the gaps and educational requirements of students. We present a series of propositions that will be helpful to enhance future discussions and initiate dialogues on guidelines and practices that will shape the South African educational landscape in efforts to adapt and cope with future pandemics and educational priorities.

---

Conference Comments & Feedback

Place a comment using your LinkedIn profile


Share this Presentation