KovsieJournals - University of the Free State (UFS)
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Embodied and hybrid pedagogies:: Ecumenical tours as a case in point
Get PDFThis article aims to explore ecumenical tours as one example of glocal learning and as a case in point. Making use of the central concepts of embodied and hybrid pedagogies as hermeneutical lenses, the main research question is: Does the exposure of students through ecumenical tours, as part of the Master of Divinity programme, foster embodied and hybrid pedagogies, and if so, in what ways? Factors at play in ecumenical exposure include the content of theprogramme, the diversity of the student population, as well as the reflective and participatory practices of teaching, learning, and assessing in lived faith contexts. The article especially emphasises a one-day pilgrimage among the lived faith practices
A travel journal by a preacher during the annual Pentecost prayer meetings in the Dutch Reformed Church:: An autoethnographic reflection
Get PDFA travel journal by a preacher during the annual Pentecost prayer meetings in the Dutch Reformed Church is an autoethnographic description of, and reflection on historical, geographical, theological, as well as intimate and personal topics. Of prime importance is an auto-ethnographic description of two experiences by the researcher, namely two series of Pentecost prayer meetings which he conducted in May 2024 in two congregations of the Dutch ReformedChurch. These two experiences have, as background, the researcher’s personal and collegial relationship with the receiver of the Festschrift, that conveys the academic research they did together over the past few years. Throughout the course of this article, these descriptions are linked to perspectives arising from a collegial relationship with the work of the receiver of the Festschrift. Arising from these reflections, perspectives are provided for the ministry of Pentecost prayer meetings in the Dutch Reformed Church
Book review: Christian mission in a diverse British urban context: Crossing the racial barrier to reach communities
Get PDFA book review of "Christian mission in a diverse British urban context: Crossing the racial barrier to reach communities" by Afrane-Twum, J.A. (Langham Publishing, 2024), 213 pages, ISBN: 978-1-83973-875-3
Between the Pandemic, the War and the Value Conflict: Polish Ecumenism at Crossroads
Get PDFPoland is still an exception on the European map of Christianity, although this exceptional position is increasingly fading away. Churches in Poland are facing the challenges known elsewhere in Europe. This matters when asking about Polish ecumenism. However, it is merely part of the picture. Global trends influence ecumenical and interconfessional relationships; nevertheless, some have a specific feature in Poland. This article attempts to map Polish ecumenism, with an emphasis on the most significant achievements and severe threats to interconfessional relationships. It also aims to bring to light what churches in Poland have in common and how they differ in their answers to the current problems
Work-integrated learning at the interface of the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory study at a university of technology in South Africa
Get PDFConfronted by the disruption of work-integrated learning (WIL) placements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology experienced multiple academic and mental health challenges. This study highlights the impact the pandemic had on students from the Departments of Homeopathy, Radiography, Emergency Medical Care, Biomedical, and Chiropractic. Using a qualitative approach, 15 students were purposively sampled to participate in the study. The paper describes their challenges with regards to securing patients, dealing with patients who were COVID-19 positive, and the need for greater academic and psychological support during their WIL placements
Beyond assumptions: Rethinking intercultural competence development in North-South virtual exchanges
Get PDFIn today’s globalized higher education landscape, intercultural competence (ICC) is essential, particularly for graduates engaging in virtual exchange programmes like Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). This paper challenges the assumption that such exchanges inherently foster ICC development, especially in North-South contexts. Critically assessing the limitations of prevalent self-assessment methods and Eurocentric frameworks, the paper argues for a nuanced understanding of ICC before assuming its occurrence in COIL projects. To address these gaps, alternative research approaches, including narrative research and art-based research (ABR), are proposed. These methods aim to redefine ICC within North-South relationships, moving beyond Eurocentric perspectives. By utilizing narrative research and ABR, researchers can explore students’ experiences in a more collaborative and empathetic manner, fostering dialogue and mitigating stereotypes. The paper contends that such alternative approaches are crucial for a more equitable understanding of ICC within North-South COIL projects, providing valuable insights into ICC development and assessment in a globalized educational landscape
Spatial development, power dynamics and social tensions: Insights from Dwesa-Cwebe, Wild Coast Region, South Africa
Get PDFSpatial development remains a priority in South Africa and is central to the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA), the Spatial Development Framework (SDF), and broader National Development Plans (NDPs). However, there has been limited focus in literature on the need to address power imbalances in development processes, which not only hinder progress, but also encourage social tensions. This is evident in Dwesa-Cwebe on the Wild Coast, South Africa, which, due to the legacies of apartheid policies, remains marginalised and subjected to external control over development. Without a consensus on the inherent power imbalances and the resulting social conflicts in this community, implementing SPLUMA, SDFs, and NDPs will remain challenging, as has been the case since the advent of democracy in South Africa. This study explores the interaction of power dynamics and their impact on spatial development in Dwesa-Cwebe. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected from 101 participants through focus group discussions (FGDs) and interviews with government representatives, ward councillors, traditional authorities, and community members. The research revealed significant power imbalances in the implementation of spatial development initiatives, with the government dominating the process while marginalising input from other stakeholders. These imbalances were found to be a key driver of social tensions and delays in the execution of SPLUMA, SDFs, NDPs, and other regional development policies. The study recommends interdisciplinary, gender-inclusive policies that incorporate monitoring and feedback mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement
From the guest editors
Get PDFThis special issue of SACPLAN features contributions from international academics, scientists, and practitioners, focusing on a range of planning, land, and traditional leadership issues across the African continent. The articles broadly explore challenges related to peri-urban areas and the roles of chiefs or local communities. They examine the inequalities perpetuated by legislative and policy frameworks, the insufficient or absent state interventions in these regions, and propose innovative approaches to addressing these issues
Frameworks for institutional audits for quality in South African higher education
Get PDFThis paper attempts to establish che most suitable a system for institutional audits of higher education institutions in South Africa. It focuses on four areas: theory, philosophy, categories and practice. The paper argues chat self-evaluation is fundamental to the audit portfolio and the insricutional audits (theory). An approach is suggested where the focus is on procedures and mechanisms for quality instead of on quality per Je (philosophy). The author suggests eight categories for institutional audits: quality, policy implementation, evaluating mechanisms, teaching and learning, strategic management, student satisfaction, cost-effectiveness and external influences on the quality of the institutions
\u27Relevansie\u27 in die sielkunde in Suid-Afrika
Get PDFIn hierdie artikel word \u27n oorsig gebied oor die relevansiedebar in die sielkunde in Suid-Afrika. Die blyk dat die sielkundeprofessie as belangrike rolspeler in die sosiopolicieke konteks van die land gevestig moet word ten einde \u27n bydrae tot \u27n vreedsame en demokratiese samelewing re lewer. Om doelrreffende kruiskulturele dienste re kan !ewer, moec die universele beginsels van die sielkunde behou word. Dir is egcer ewe belangrik dat kulturele diversiteit erken en Afrosenrriese beginsels in die sielkunde geakkommodeer word. Aandag behoort geskenk re word aan die tekort aan sielkundiges uit nie-Westerse bevolkingsgroepe, terwyl samewerking met tradisionele genesers bevorder moet word. Daarby moet sielkundige dienste na die bree bevolking uitgebrei en sodanige dienste meer toeganklik gemaak en beter bemark word. Die voorafgaande het noodwendig implikasie vir die opleiding van sielkundiges