UFS101:

UFS101 is a compulsory, 16 credit-bearing module at the University of the Free State. Since 2011, the UFS101 module has grown and developed to become the established first-year experience presented at the UFS. UFS101 makes use of the flipped classroom approach to learning.

The flipped classroom approach to learning encompasses multiple perspectives that move away from the traditional classroom setup of authoritarian lecturers and passive students. Instead, within this model of learning, discussions and problem-solving are key concepts that are applied throughout each class.

This mode of learning encourages preparation before each discussion class (30-40 students each) so that lectures are in the form of group discussions (5-8 students each). The preparation consists of material specific for each unit in the module. Before each discussion class, students have to complete a multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ). To consolidate the learning that took place at the end of each unit, large class learning experiences (200-1 200 students each) are presented to students in the Callie Human Centre.

Since 2016, three South African Sign Language (SASL) learning experiences were introduced to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing students on the UFS campuses. The first semester of UFS101 aims at teaching students academic skills, which assist with their transition from high school to university. The second semester of UFS101, running alongside the common intellectual experience, encourages students to engage with problems from multidisciplinary perspectives in order to apply critical thinking.

PASS:

In an effort to increase the student throughput rate at the University of the Free State, and to address the differences in student capabilities, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) launched a Transition Programme in 2016.   A wide variety of transition programmes exist that focus on different years of post-secondary education, such as first-year, sophomore or senior students; different student cohorts such as underprepared, academically at-risk, or transfer students; and address specific needs, gaps, or skills in academic and/or social support (Gardner, 1999; Heier, 2012; Tobolowsky, 2008; Vaughn and Parry 2008; United States. Department of Education. Nd.).   This transition programme will expand on the current success of the Programme for Academic Student Success (PASS), which has a proven positive correlation between workshop attendance and academic performance.  For 2016, the transition programme will be known as PASS, in order to build on a foundation and a name that is already recognised on campus.

Target population

The student cohort to be targeted by this programme in 2016 are the UPP graduates and the extended degree programme students on the Bloemfontein Campus who are known to be at risk due to their lower entrance scores (AP score < 30).  The PASS workshops are also piloted to mainstream students in 2016 via the Residence Initiatives. In 2017, the aim is to also include mainstream students from the Bloemfontein Campus.  The programme is structured according to year of registration, and the different cohorts will attend different workshops for each year.

Programme content

The aim of the programme is to create an opportunity for students to learn the skills and capabilities that would enable them to be more successful in their academic careers.  This learning takes place through structured workshops that are themed according to the five units of the transition programme.  These units are academic skills, academic and career advising, financial management, leadership skills, and health and wellness.  

In 2015, at the PASS Motivation Session, students were given a needs analysis to complete in order to determine which skills they reported they need more information on, and which of these skills they would attend workshops for.  It is clear from the results that the themes identified to be included in the Transition programme is aligned with the needs of the students.  The top ten themes were the link between studies, skills, and work; work experience opportunities; internships; financial investments; planning for the future (financially); graduate attributes; campus jobs; setting up a budget and sticking to it; bursary application; and planning for graduation.  

Health and wellness-related issues comprise four of the ten lowest rated themes – this may be due to social desirability factors.  To ensure attendance at these workshops, the themes are marketed via SMS and social media platforms such as Facebook.

The workshop content is developed by incorporating the expertise of diverse stakeholders in the campus community.  These units are presented in seven workshops distributed over seven months throughout the year.  The workshops are two hours long and are presented on Fridays to accommodate students’ academic schedules.  Each of the seven workshops are repeated during the specific month to ensure student accessibility and to improve student attendance.

After all workshops, the PASS team are available to debrief the students on any questions or uncertainties they might have as well as to assist the students should they need to make appointments for further advising or need information with regards to referrals.
 
A brief description of the content in each unit ensues.

Academic skills unit

Within the unit for academic skills, students learn about the core academic skills and habits needed to become a successful student.  The content of these workshops focus on how learning works, critical thinking, study reading, note-taking, summarising work, preparation for class, and how to answer test questions.  

Academic and career advising unit

The academic and career advising unit focuses on a) academic advising, which revolves around credit load, major selection, education planning, goal setting, and good academic habits and b) career advising such as work experience, internships, graduate attributes, and responsible citizenship.  Finally, the aim is to ensure that students are ready for the world of work and know how to apply for work after graduation.

Financial management unit
In the financial management unit, students are provided with information about and advice on bursary applications and budgeting, as well as managing income, investments, taxes, and pension funds for the third- and fourth-year students.
 
Leadership skills unit
In the leadership skills unit, students are exposed to motivational speakers ranging from successful graduates to successful business leaders; they also learn about effective team work and communication skills.  Furthermore, the purpose of this unit is to motivate students to excel in their academics and careers and to develop as leaders in their own fields.

Health and wellness unit
During this unit, students learn about stress management, resilience, relationships and being assertive, responsible sexual behaviour, and what wellness constitutes.  These workshops also include an active section on physical fitness, such as Zumba and kickboxing.  Unlike the other content, this unit is not of a progressive nature where workshops are pitched at first-year students or final-year students.  As it is difficult to map what students will need when, students can choose which workshop to attend.

CONTACT DETAILS

Facebook

Follow the link below to access the UFS101 Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Ufs101Official/

Follow the link below to access the PASS Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/UFSPASS/

 

Email address
Pass@ufs.ac.za
UFS101@ufs.ac.za

Blackboard
PASS students can follow the Blackboard link in order to access workshop content in the PASS Blackboard Organisation.
https://learn.ufs.ac.za/