The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment in collaboration with the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) successfully hosted the Engineering and the Built Environment Critical Dialogue engagement on the Mainstreaming of the Philosophy of Higher Education. The workshop was held at Sea Cottage, Greyville Convention Centre, and online via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, 6 March 2025. The event brought together lecturers to explore implementation strategies to realise the Philosophy of Education.
Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE) at DUT, delivered an engaging welcome address, emphasising the need to develop new teaching strategies. He mentioned the importance of developing adaptive graduates ready to make a meaningful impact on society.
“Our goal is to prepare students for work industry and shape them into individuals who drive positive change,” he stated. He further urged lecturers to embrace innovative teaching methods, keeping pace with the ever-evolving educational landscape. “Adaptive graduates need adaptive lecturers. We must be creative and find new ways to engage students in learning,” he added.
The workshop was held under the theme of Critical Dialogue Engagement on DUT’s Philosophy of Education. “Our Creativity and Innovation Shape Adaptive Graduates Who Transform Society.”
The faculty engaged in a dialogue to assess whether the principles of higher education philosophy are adequately addressed within the Engineering and Built Environment disciplines. If gaps exist, the discussion was explored along with potential strategies for effectively integrating these principles into EBE education.
DUT’s Dr Baphiwe Daweti highlighted the significance of DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, emphasising its focus on transforming students’ lives and preparing them for a rapidly changing world. “By 2030, we aim to produce adaptive and creative graduates who will drive societal transformation,” he explained.
He reiterated the faculty’s commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of this vision, stating that creativity and innovation are key to shaping graduates who can thrive in the modern workforce.
Dr Shoba Rathilal, Acting Director of CELT at DUT facilitated the workshop with enthusiasm, keeping participants engaged through interactive activities. Attendees were divided into groups to analyse existing teaching strategies, identify gaps, and propose improvements. The collaborative discussions led to insightful ideas on refining current teaching practices. Attendees actively participated, sharing fresh perspectives and engaging in thought-provoking discussions.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Prof Rathilal, who expressed his appreciation for the valuable conversations that took place.
“This workshop was an important dialogue, and I hope it has provided you with new ideas and strategies for teaching in 2025,” he said.
He assured participants that this would not be the last of such workshops, as ongoing collaboration and knowledge-sharing are important for continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
Pictured: Attendees at the Engineering and the Built Environment Critical Dialogue.
Sinamile Sithole
