Celebrating Excellence in Teaching at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences

Celebrating Excellence in Teaching at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences

A glittering awards dinner was hosted at Coastlands in Musgrave, Durban, by Professor Sinegugu Duma, Dean of Teaching and Learning at UKZN’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) to celebrate the dedication and achievements of exceptional educators within the College.

The event recognised three outstanding academics – Professor Alvin Munsamy and Professor Deshini Naidoo, and Dr Reina Abraham – who each received a prestigious Teaching Excellence Award.

The guest speaker was distinguished teacher Professor Fayth Ruffin, a former United States lawyer with a 30-year career covering law, business, government, the non-profit sector and academia.

Nominations for the awards were invited in four categories and the names of six nominees were received with three educators – standing out for their excellence in teaching – selected.

The CHS Teaching Excellence Award recognises contributions across four distinct categories:
(1) General Excellence in Teaching which celebrates significant contributions to teaching through innovations such as new classroom technologies, online materials, staff training, mentoring and academic development programs.
(2) Excellence in Clinical Teaching acknowledging those who have made an outstanding impact in the teaching of clinical skills, incorporating methods such as peer teaching, simulations and fair clinical assessment practices.
(3) Best Emerging Teacher award honouring newly-appointed lecturers who have demonstrated teaching excellence in either the classroom or clinical settings, even if they have not yet published research on teaching.
(4) Excellence in Community Engagement and Teaching award which highlights initiatives that address community needs and foster reciprocal benefits between the University and the communities it serves.

Munsamy, an Associate Professor of Optometry, received the Excellence in Teaching Award. He spoke on his teaching philosophy, sharing his metaphor of the “fisherman” to illustrate his approach. He explained: ‘I am not going to be able to provide you with sufficient “fish” to feed you for years in practice, so we will endeavour to become fishermen or fisherwomen.’

He said, ‘Topping-up students with information did not necessarily translate to knowledge or an education. Guiding a student to translate information into knowledge in an information-rich era, and teaching its application to solve problems, is my philosophy.’ Munsamy’s approach to teaching embodies the lifelong learning spirit he aims to instill in his students.

Naidoo, an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy (OT), was awarded the Distinguished Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award. She has played a pivotal role in designing clinical education modules for OT students. Her commitment to producing graduates who are “fit for purpose” is evident in her extensive work on curriculum design and clinical education rotations.

Naidoo was nominated by Dr Thavanesi Gurayah, a senior lecturer in OT, who praised her efforts in planning and implementing these clinical modules, adding that students consistently provide positive feedback on her case-based learning methods.

Abraham, head of Clinical Skills in the School of Clinical Medicine, also received the Distinguished Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award. A medical doctor by profession, Abraham’s passion for education has been shaped by her experiences in the Medical field. She noted: ‘Learning can and should challenge how and what we think, which in turn challenges who we become.’

Her focus on equipping Medical students with the clinical skills and knowledge needed for effective patient care has made her a highly respected educator within the School.

The three academics each received a R15 000 prize in recognition of their exceptional contributions to teaching and student success.

The awards dinner served not only as a celebration of individual achievement but also as a testament to the College’s commitment to fostering a culture of teaching excellence.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied