Port Shepstone-born academic attends Cambridge University Press teaching webinars

Dr Andrisha Beharry-Ramraj, a Port Shepstone-born mother of two sons and an academic at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, recently attended a series of online workshops hosted by Cambridge University Press amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The topics ranged from future learners need learning strategies; making sense of how we develop life competencies through English language teaching; planning for learning or writing lesson plans – what is the difference?; digital tools for improving speaking skills and the practical approach to learning-oriented assessment and oracy: Definition, rationale and skills.

Academics from every continent were present and were selected from about 16 000 applications worldwide.

Dr Beharry-Ramraj said she strongly believes a teacher’s passion is intensely seen in times of crisis and turmoil. “Covid -19 has presented many challenges and caused much confusion worldwide. As academics, we chose to soldier on despite all odds.

As we continue to rise above the current situation Covid-19 presents, we continuously require preparation to ensure we achieve desired outcomes and are seen as victorious, she said.

She added that uncertainties and challenges are present for both pupils and teachers, therefore it is pivotal to gain added knowledge.

“This allows us in South Africa to be in a stronger position as academics at universities, lecturers at TVET colleges, and teachers at schools to administer powerful online teaching and learning during this pandemic.”

She said that online learning is proving to be very effective and as the country enters lockdown level 2, the transitioning process begins.

However, many parents are afraid to send their children back to school. “We are in trying times and understanding the repercussions of contracting the virus is becoming increasingly known. Teaching students how to learn is far more important than teaching students what to learn. Future learners need learning strategies,” she said.

Dr Beharry-Ramraj said creating lifelong learning is imperative and comes naturally in such times where many students have to grapple with content themselves as they continue to stay home in quarantine.

Covid-19 has, she said, created opportunities for self-learning where students across the world have had to rely heavily on online material and short interactive Zoom lessons. “We must adapt and adjust according to student needs. Stronger students are less demanding and more self-sufficient while weaker students require more assistance and a lesser load. Amid the challenges of Covid-19 our students are dealing with a lot, be mindful and pragmatic.”

She said formative assessments must continue as these aid in the learning process, adding that effective feedback and real time response must be guaranteed.

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