Enhancing higher education quality in South Africa
The professionalisation of academics as university teachers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20853/40-5-8521Keywords:
higher education, quality education, university teachers, quality teaching, professionalisationAbstract
Academics, as university teachers, are crucial role players in quality higher education provision. This article firstly argues that, as shown in higher education literature, many of them enter the academy as subject-matter experts without being equipped with the necessary pedagogical competencies, which has implication for the quality of education provision. Secondly, drawing on findings of a qualitative study that explored the role of academics in higher education as a public good at two universities in South Africa, it argues that, in the ongoing competition for resources and recognition between the research and teaching roles of academics, the teaching role is largely disadvantaged, which has adverse implication for the quality of education provision. Lastly, it argues for professionalisation of academics as university teachers to address the quality concerns it raises, thus advocating for the implementing the imperatives for action outlined in the national framework for enhancing academics as university teachers.
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