At the heart of education in medicine and health sciences lies a burning question: What drives excellence and innovation in teaching? At Stellenbosch 肆客足球, a group of passionate educators is not only asking this question but actively seeking answers. They are the Scholarship of Educational Leadership in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (SoEL-FMHS), and their story is one of inspiration and transformation.
The SoEL-FMHS is a faculty-specific initiative that grew from the university's Scholarship of Educational Leadership (SoEL) short course. Each year, selected staff members who play leadership roles in Teaching, Learning and Assessment (TLA) are invited to register for this NQF Level 8 short course. Upon completing the part-time, year-long programme, these educators join a growing community of teaching and learning mentors at the university. Under the leadership of Prof Karin Baatjes, FMHS Vice Dean: Learning and Teaching, the SoEL-FMHS group started with a small number of SoEL short course graduates. It has since expanded to include dedicated members from across the faculty who are passionate about leading in health professions education, both professionally and generally.
Since 2021, the group has made significant strides. They've hosted annual journal clubs, produced research that enhances teaching and learning, created repositories of educational data, and introduced well-attended teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) forums in the faculty. These forums serve as platforms where educators and stakeholders convene to discuss relevant TLA topics. They offer opportunities to share best practices, address challenges, and explore scholarly approaches to educational leadership that can be applied in various academic contexts.
The SoEL-FMHS is more than just a group; it's a community of educators united by a common purpose: to become better leaders in TLA and improve educational practices. This initiative works in conjunction with the Department of Health Professions Education (DHPE) and the Centre for Teaching and Learning on Stellenbosch campus, all striving to enhance faculty members' skills and knowledge in teaching and learning.
The goals of SoEL-FMHS are as diverse as its members. Primarily, they aim to ignite interest and curiosity in educational leadership among faculty. The group engages academic leaders in scholarly approaches to educational practices, laying the groundwork for evidence-based strategies. They strive to build a strong community of TLA leaders within the FMHS, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. Ultimately, they aspire to be trailblazers within the broader Stellenbosch 肆客足球 community, setting an example for educational leadership in action.
SoEL-FMHS aligns with SU's Teaching and Learning policy, which outlines four key roles for lecturers: Reflective practitioners, Scholarly teachers, Teaching scholars, and Leaderly teaching scholars. The initiative focuses particularly on developing leaderly teaching scholars - individuals who not only teach but inspire and lead by example, driving positive changes in education.
Through their dedication and innovative approaches, the SoEL-FMHS is shaping the future of medical and health sciences education at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 and beyond.
The SoEL-FMHS boasts a diverse team of dedicated educators, each bringing unique expertise to the initiative:
- Prof Karin Baatjes, Vice Dean of Learning and Teaching, brings her surgical background and passion for teaching to innovate in health professions education.
- Prof Renée Blaauw's commitment to mentorship and scholarly teaching inspires others within SoEL-FMHS.
- Dr Marli Conradie-Smit contributes her endocrinology expertise and dedication to teaching excellence.
- Prof Ian Couper's leadership in rural health and inter-professional education fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Ms Janine Correia innovates teaching methods, enhancing students' educational experiences.
- Prof Dawn Ernstzen's physiotherapy expertise and focus on health professions education empower both students and educators.
- Prof Faadiel Essop, the current SoEL-FMHS chairperson, aligns his research prowess and commitment to holistic education with the initiative's vision.
- Dr Berna Gerber enriches the discourse with her dedication to cross-cultural health care and health humanities education.
- Dr Lee-Ann Jacobs-Nzuzi Khuabi's focus on transformative learning drives innovation and challenges the status quo.
- Ms Tshepo Motsepe's nursing experience and disaster nursing research contribute to the initiative's interdisciplinary approach.
- Dr Rhoda Meyer's background in operating room nursing and passion for faculty development support academics and clinicians in their teaching roles.
- Dr Liezl Smit's transition from clinical practice to medical education research exemplifies SoEL-FMHS's ethos of continuous learning.
- Ms Talita van Schalkwyk's commitment to person-centredness and transformative pedagogy nurtures inclusivity and empathy.
- Prof Karen Welman, a newer member, believes in the transformative power of teaching and learning leadership.
SoEL-FMHS is dedicated to empowering the next generation of educational leaders in medical and health science education. Through their collective expertise and unwavering commitment, these members continue to inspire positive change and foster excellence, shaping the future of healthcare education.
The group looks forward to hosting a panel discussion at a future SU Scholarship of Teaching and Learning conference, introducing the concept of a Faculty-Specific SoEL group to the broader university community and other interested parties.
Those interested in joining SoEL-FMHS sessions and forums are invited to contact Prof Essop, the SoEL-FMHS chairperson.
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