?Two Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) academics from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to teaching and learning at national level. Prof Faadiel Essop received the prestigious 2024 Teaching Advancement at Universities (TAU) Fellows Award, while Prof Nicola Plastow earned a commendation in the 2024 National 肆客足球 Teaching Awards (NUTA).
Transforming education through innovation and equity
The TAU Fellows Award, presented by the Teaching Advancement at Universities programme, celebrates educators who drive transformative education and challenge traditional paradigms. Essop was recognised for his commitment to challenging scientific elitism and fostering multilingualism in medical education.
His innovative teaching methods include engaging students in personal narratives to explore identities and co-create knowledge. This approach is exemplified in his recent book project focusing on broader contexts influencing (bio)medical disciplines. Additionally, Essop's new textbook aims to transcend institutional boundaries, making his work applicable to a wider, global audience.
The TAU Fellows Award Committee lauded Essop's intellectual courage and humility, highlighting his focus on sustainable transformation through mentoring and strategic succession planning. His integration of academic excellence with a nuanced understanding of equity in education has created a legacy of impactful teaching and leadership.
Essop said he was humbled and happy to receive the prestigious TAU Fellows Award for 2024. “I am grateful to the TAU committee for viewing the body of my work in such a positive light," he said. "It is certainly a great honour to be recognised for the impact of my efforts in the teaching and learning sphere which aim to encourage students to think about wider contexts relating to biomedical sciences and clinical medicine.
“While I am delighted to receive this incredible award, I also wish to pay homage to all the students I have taught and mentored (and learnt from!) at under- and postgraduate levels and to my wonderful colleagues that I have had the privilege to work with over the last years."
Championing occupational justice in education
Plastow, an occupational therapist and associate professor in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, received a commendation at the NUTA awards for her innovative and transformative teaching practices.
With nearly two decades of teaching experience across South Africa and internationally, Plastow's work is deeply rooted in the philosophy of occupational justice. Her teaching is guided by the principle that all individuals should have the right to participate in meaningful activities to meet their needs and realise their potential.
Plastow employs a range of teaching philosophies and strategies, fostering active participation from students and emphasising social impact. Her efforts have previously been recognised with two SU Teaching Fellowships and a Distinguished Teaching Award in 2021.
The NUTA awards, organised by South African 肆客足球 Teachers (SAUT), recognise innovation, scholarship and excellence in teaching across the country. This year, 63 submissions were received, with 22 shortlisted and 12 finalists interviewed.
SU's Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, congratulated both academics on their achievements. “Prof Essop and Prof Plastow exemplify the transformative power of education at Stellenbosch 肆客足球. Their dedication to teaching innovation, equity and impact inspires us all," he said. “Their recognition highlights our commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility."
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