Learning to swim in academia: A reflective practice

Abstract

I viewed teaching and learning in academia like swimming in an ocean; as in consideration of the tactics required to survive in the ocean, these were absent in my role before enrolling in the diploma in higher education. This portfolio is a reflection of my journey in academia on executing my role as a lecturer until when I came upon reflective practice, a practice that could bring changes in teaching and learning environments. It broadens my understanding of most aspects that I came across as I learnt to critically analyse and reflect. The journey that led to this portfolio started in 2016, I took studies in PGDHE because of the opportunity that was available. I took it with high expectations and eagerness because I have been swimming in the deep sea without the personal protective equipments. However, I came across theories and concepts that broadened my understanding and helped me improve in my role of teaching and learning. Having being to the Science discipline where I can prove facts through experiments, I found myself lost in the wild land on the first days of attending the PGDHE. As the time pass by, the courses became interesting when topics came closer to what I do in my practice. I learnt that life in academia is about a change that could be realised through reflective practice. In line with what I acquired from the programme, I have written five chapters in line with modules given during the course in which I have reflected on what I do with my students as well as with colleagues. My chapters are structured as follows: Chapter 1 - Context of higher education and perspectives, Chapter 2 - Principles of adult learning, Chapter 3 - Curriculum design and development, Chapter 4 - Teaching and learning in higher education and Chapter 5 - Assessment and evaluation of student learning. I have realised that what takes place in higher education institutions is a process and when I was coming up with this portfolio, it is evident that it is impossible to talk about one topic without touching on the other topic.