Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
What is it? As an academic support centre, the overarching role of CTL is to support learning and teaching at the UFS. We promote quality learning and teaching through innovative interventions that support student engagement and success. This quality is also achieved through our support of academic staff to create a unique learning experience for students at the UFS. CTL takes an evidence-based approach to create contextualised initiatives through data analytics and technology. We also collaborate with national and international stakeholders to promote knowledge generation and excellent learning and teaching practices.
Why is it important? Preparing students for a fast-changing and technology-enhanced future requires continuous innovation in learning and teaching. It also requires universities to support students in finishing their degrees in minimum time, while they develop key graduate attributes that make them highly employable. The support provided by CTL impacts the success of thousands of students and is achieved through close collaboration between CTL, faculties, and other student support services. Annually, CTL supports 30 000 undergraduates and 1500 academics to create globally benchmarked, quality learning and teaching practices.
How is it implemented? CTL’s support eco-system is comprised of six focus areas. Our student support focus areas are scaled, high-impact practices such as first-year transition programmes, academic literacies development, academic advising, and tutorials. These student-focused initiatives empower students to succeed. Our bouquet of academic staff support initiatives consists of academic leadership programmes, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) initiatives, and a curriculum renewal programme, which provide leading professional development opportunities. Our academic staff support remit also includes learning design and specialised assessment support.
