DZE participated in the recent Teaching & Learning Showcase in three presentations. Prof Shelley Edwards presented her update on the Ento-Preneurship course, which is aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship in undergraduate Entomology students. Ms Blossom Nhlangulela co-presented a review of the augmented programme at RU and the development of academic literacies in first-year courses. Ms Makgotso Mcwabeni was a panelist for a discussion on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning at Rhodes University, and discussed the results of her Masters degree research in the subject. Congratulations to Shelley, Blossom and Makgotso on giving engaging and thought-provoking presentations!
Ento-preneurship: Incorporating Business Principles into the Entomology Curriculum
Presenter(s): Shelley Edwards (Zoology & Entomology)
Topic: Culturally Responsive and Context-Driven Teaching
Proposal: In 2024, statistical analyses of South African unemployment rates indicated that the national average stands at 32.9%; however, the unemployment rate among young individuals (aged 15-34 years) was a whopping 45.5%. This number increased to 46.1% when reported in the first quarter of 2025. This means that we as a higher education institution should be preparing our graduates to not only be job-ready, but more than ever, confident to start their own businesses. The Entomology major offered by the Department of Zoology & Entomology aims to teach students job skills and knowledge pertinent to various sectors. Last year, I created a course that introduced Entomology students to business principles and entrepreneurial tools. This year, having taken on a PGDip in Enterprise Management (offered by the Rhodes University Business School), I have improved my own knowledge about business practices, and the course that I offered this year – Ento-Preneurship – has been greatly improved! In this talk, I will provide an update on the improvements and how such a course can be adapted across the various Science majors.
From Evidence to Impact: Reflecting on the Augmenting Programme at Rhodes University
Presenter: Tracy Kitchen (CHERTL), Paige Cox (Linguistics & Applied Language Studies), Zandile Dlongolo (Geography), Blossom Nhlangulela (Zoology & Entomology)
Topic: Evidence-Based Approaches to Learning Support, Culturally Responsive and Context-Driven Teaching
Proposal: This presentation reflects on the work of the augmenting programme at Rhodes University, focusing on the integration of content teaching and the development of academic literacies in six high-impact first-year courses. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the programme's evolution from 2019 to 2025, the augmenting lecturers share insights into the distinctive contribution that this supportive programme offers, and contemplate the success and challenges impacting it.
To inform our review, we draw on student results, attendance rates, course evaluations, student voices, and our own reflections, all of which shape our unique pedagogic strategies. We highlight specific instances where our approach has proven beneficial for student support and engagement and candidly address the challenges we have faced in our pedagogy. We aim to open a dialogue with our colleagues on how to improve and, crucially, scale this programme to benefit a wider range of students in the future.
Panel discussion
Navigating the AI Landscape: Voices from Rhodes University Students and Staff Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring researchers who are actively investigating, experiencing, and shaping the conversation around Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning at Rhodes University. This session will move beyond general discussions, offering concrete findings, practical advice, and forward-looking recommendations drawn directly from research and student-staff collaborations at Rhodes University. Meet the Panellists:
● Chikezie Uzuegbunam (School of Journalism & Media Studies): Bringing a broad institutional perspective, Chikezie will share insights from his involvement in a national research project investigating students' and lecturers' use of GenAI, providing a wider context for our local discussions.
● Makgotso Mcwabeni (CHERTL & Zoology): As a NESP scholar, Makgotso is currently conducting a Master's study focused on exploring Zoology students' perceptions and usage of GenAI. She will present her preliminary findings, offering a fascinating look into a specific disciplinary context.
● Yanela Ndabula (CHERTL): Yanela works directly with the student body, coordinating the mentorship program for academic representatives and mentors. She is a researcher involved in a Students as Partners (SaP) project in CHERTL, where student insights are being used to revise the university's AI guidelines. Yanela will discuss the crucial role of student voice in policy development.
The panellists will synthesise their experiences and research to offer actionable takeaways on the following key areas:
● Research Findings: Key preliminary findings regarding how Rhodes University students and staff are currently engaging with and thinking about GenAI.
● Advice for Staff: Practical tips for integrating AI ethically and pedagogically into course design, assessment, and feedback.
● Recommendations for Students: Guidance on responsible use of GenAI tools for learning, studying, and research integrity.
● Suggestions for the Institution: Policy and strategic recommendations to foster an informed, equitable, and innovative approach to AI at Rhodes University.