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EMS research symposium: embracing Vision130

17 May 2024 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Sanchay Kalicharan

EMS research symposium 2024 — Pictured at the research symposium from left to right: Cornelle Scheltema-Van Wyk, Deputy Director at the Library and Information Services at UFS; Prof Lochner Marais, Professor at the Centre for Development Support at UFS; Prof Brownhilder Neneh, Vice-Dean: Research, Engagement and Internationalisation in the EMS faculty at UFS; Prof Nicolene Barkhuizen, Director of the Business School at UFS; Prof Betty Mubangizi, Professor from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal; and Prof Phillipe Burger, Dean of the EMS faculty at UFS.

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted a transformative research career development symposium on 24 April 2024 and 3 May 2024 at the UFS Business School, on the Bloemfontein Campus. Themed “Building the Next Generation of Researchers and Academics: developing a Body of Work within a Niche Area and Publishing in Quality Journals,” the symposium provided a pivotal platform for scholarly growth and strategic planning.

In his opening address, Prof Philippe Burger, the Dean of the EMS faculty, underscored the significance of the event, stating, “We need to be scholars who can be contacted from outside and be ambitious to be known for something; this symposium would give our staff that opportunity.”

Symposium highlights

Prof Brownhilder Neneh, Vice-Dean of Research, Engagement and Internationalisation in the EMS faculty, elucidated the symposium’s objectives, highlighting its role in fostering career development, equipping lecturers with practical insights, and fostering proactive career management. Distinguished guests from institutions nationwide graced the symposium with their expertise.

The first session, tailored for the School of Accountancy, featured luminaries in the accounting field such as Prof Elmar Venter from the University of Pretoria (UP) and Professor Belinda Le Clerq from the University of South Africa (UNISA). The subsequent session catered to lecturers and senior lecturers across the faculty, featuring presentations from esteemed academics like Prof Mercy Mpinganjira from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Prof Sebastian (Ian) Rothmann from the North-West University (NWU), and Prof Betty Mubangizi from the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN). Internal speakers, including Prof Burger, Prof Lochner Marais from the Centre for Development Support (CDS) at the UFS, and Prof Nicolene Barkhuizen, Director of the Business School at the UFS, also shared insights.

Symposium value and alignment with Vision 130

Prof Neneh stressed the symposium’s alignment with Vision130. She said, ‘’Hosting this symposium demonstrates the faculty’s commitment to nurturing a research-led faculty that not only addresses local and regional problems but aligns with international standards. Prof Neneh noted that the engagement offered an invaluable opportunity for academic staff to deepen their understanding of research niche areas, the significance of publishing in high-impact journals, and the cultivation of sustainable research networks.

Throughout the symposium, presenters covered a diverse array of topics, including identifying and refining niche research areas, best practices for conducting high-impact research, overcoming publishing challenges, and strategies for enhancing visibility and citation impact.

News Archive

Empowering teachers: Working with head, heart and hand

2011-06-14

Prof. JJE Messerschimdt (left) is the main supervisor and Dr KE Khabanyane the co-supervisor of this study within our Faculty of Education.

The implementation of Curriculum 2005 brought about new demands in the teaching and learning of languages. In teaching languages, it is expected of teachers to focus on the development of the basic language skills which are embedded in the first four outcomes, namely listening, speaking and reading which is coupled with viewing and writing.

Although the learning outcomes are developed as an integrated whole, each one needs special attention. According to the NCS, the third learning outcome namely "reading and viewing", is stated as follows: "The learner will be able to read and view for information and enjoyment, and respond critically to the aesthetic, cultural and emotional value in texts".

Julia Ramabenyane researches The facilitative role of Grade 1 teachers in the development of reading skills in Sesotho. Empowering teachers: Working with head, heart and hand, a workshop for Grade 1 teachers, was held on 27 and 28 May in the Winkie Direko Building on our Main Campus. The aim of the workshop was to create an opportunity for teachers to better understand their role as facilitators in the development of reading skills.

In addition to the facilitation of Mrs Ramabenyane, Prof. Hasina Ebrahim (lecturer at the School of Social Sciences and Language Education), grade 1 teachers from Lesedi and Karabelo Primary Schools, as well as the HOD of Foundation Phase and three grade 1 learners from Karabelo Primary School in Rocklands, participated in the activities.

This workshop, together with other reflective group sessions, formed part of the emancipatory action research of Julia Ramabenyane's Foundation Phase PhD studies. This PhD study is titled The facilitative role of grade 1 teachers in development of readings skills in Sesotho.

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