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A Durban teacher’s innovative instruction methods have secured her a R30 000 reward

A Durban teacher’s innovative instruction methods have secured her a R30 000 reward

Sherlien Prithepaul, a lecturer in the department of biomedical and clinical technology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), was one of the five South African recipients of the National Excellence in Teaching and Learning Awards.

The annual award is presented by the Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa and the Higher Education Quality Committee.
Prithepaul, who lectures in immunology and microbiology, received her award and prize money last week at a special ceremony in Durban. The 44-year-old mother of two said she had not always planned to teach.

“Ive always been interested in science but did not see myself as a lecturer. I studied medical technology at the then ML Sultan Technikon. I became a lecturer only in 2000. I teach the same subjects I studied and now it seems like I was born to teach. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and look forward to it.”
Prithepaul said her teaching methods encouraged students to “make a noise”.

“I dont follow the traditional method of teaching, where the lecturer stands in front of the class dictating notes while the silent students copy down every word. I expect my students to argue with me and to participate in the teaching.”

She said she and her students should learn from the teaching process. “I hate assignments where students are expected to write reams off notes that can be found in any textbook. I expect them to reason things out, explore situations and look at the subject through different eyes.”

Prithepauls prize money will be put into a research fund at DUT. She is also allowed to use the funds to attend conferences and purchase equipment .
“Since I received the award, I have felt motivated and encouraged to continue with my method of teaching,” she said.

“Students come here with so many expectations and fears and hopes that it is easy for them to be led down the wrong path.

“We have to capture their interest right at the beginning, support them and nurture their eagerness to learn before it is lost.”

-Times Live

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