2016 Annual Report

The year 2016 will be remembered in South African history as the year in which higher education changed irrevocably due to the #FeesMustFall student campaigns across the country. This turbulence certainly brought about many challenges and uncertainty – as is reflected in the drop in numbers of visiting international scholars to the Centre when compared to other years – but this kairos year also brought about new opportunities. One such opportunity was related to rethinking our teaching and learning practices. In December 2016, the CAAC‐team received international recognition when we were named the winners of the prestigious Reimagine Education 2016 Wharton Regional Awards for Africa for our innovative teaching and learning practice. Our project “Enhancing Post‐Graduate Student Achievement: From Honours to PhD” was applauded for the hybrid model which it follows, built on the 5 A’s framework. This framework proposes that all education needs to be available, accessible, adaptable, acceptable and affordable to the learner. Availability is achieved by focusing on face‐to‐face and online learning opportunities, as well as on engagement platforms and resources that we created and now use with our students to ensure a sustained community of inquiry. The accessibility of learning facilitators and mentors who act as co‐constructors of new meaning and as collaborative problem solvers with our students enables deeper learning. Adaptability is provided through asynchronous learning opportunities that were created by a hybrid learning approach (such as online discussions) and that allow our students to participate when feasible for them, even after hours, without compromising on joint engagement. Acceptability of real‐life, contextually grounded learning material, such as case studies supported by video material, ensures that our students have the necessary skills set to address local problems whilst remaining internationally relevant. Finally, affordability is prioritised as the flexibility of the hybrid learning model allows students the opportunity to grow professionally through postgraduate study while still working full time. In 2016 we graduated 40 postgraduate students.