Origin and Purpose

The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) was established in 2012 and is the result of a merger between the Centre for Higher Education Studies and Development (CHESD) and the sub-directorate of DIRAP: Student Development and Success (SDS), at the University of the Free State (UFS).

The CTL works in collaboration with faculties to develop interventions that benefit departments, individual staff, and students, to advance academic excellence in the core function of teaching and learning.

Mission statement

The scholarship-driven advancement and leadership of innovation and excellence in teaching and learning.

Strategic objectives

• To become a leading research centre in the area of teaching and learning, focusing on scholarship of teaching and learning, and student engagement.
• To provide contextualised professional development for current and next generation academics and academic leaders.
• To facilitate and promote curriculum delivery, innovation, and assessment.
• To research, plan, implement, and evaluate high-impact teaching and learning practices to improve student engagement and success (HIP).
• To further access with success by leading innovation and support in language development.
• To advocate the importance of teaching and learning and develop faculty-specific approaches to teaching and learning.
• To further an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning that promotes transformation and success for students and staff.

Management Team
The CTL is managed by Prof Francois Strydom (Director). From the left: Mr Frederick Mudavanhu (Qwaqwa), Mrs Gugu Tiroyabone, Mrs Tiana van der Merwe; Mrs Lauren Oosthuizen, Dr Annette de Wet and Mrs Evodia Mohoanyane