
Filmed Tutorials to Help Pupils in Poorer Schools
In a bid to help prepare high school pupils for their final examinations and meet the University’s academic entrance requirements, the Teaching and Learning Unit of the College of Law and Management Studies is to supply tutorial DVDs to Grade 11 and Grade 12 pupils from disadvantaged schools in KwaZulu-Natal.
The DVDs, based on filmed tutorials conducted at the College’s Winter School programme held earlier this year, contain additional tuition in Mathematics, English and Accounting which can be used as revision tools.
The initiative is part of a proactive approach adopted by the Unit to curb high university dropout rates by ensuring that new university students are adequately prepared to handle the curriculum and that they graduate within the specified time.
College Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Kriben Pillay said the idea behind the DVDs came from UKZN’s Council Chair Phumla Mnganga who, together with her husband, supports a number of learners from Umbumbulu.
Dr Angela James, then Acting Unit Head, saw the educational potential of the idea and organised for the lessons to be videotaped to accompany the lecture notes. Mnganga's company Vulindlela Holdings contributed substantially to the making of the DVDs.
The DVDs will be posted to schools in a number of districts, among which are Amajuba, Zululand, Obonjeni and Vryheid.
- Thandiwe Jumo