Science Teaching and Learning Unit (STLU)
The STLU supports staff and students in the Faculty of Science
Student support
The Science Student Success Team, based in the Science Student Success Centre in the TW Kambule Mathematical Sciences Building, supports students throughout their university journey. Through individual consultations, group engagements, workshops, and targeted developmental initiatives, the team assists students in navigating academic challenges, strengthening their learning strategies, and achieving their academic goals.
Working collaboratively with students, staff, and peer mentors, the team promotes student success, engagement, and belonging within the Faculty of Science.
Staff support
The staff-focused arm of the STLU provides a variety of professional development opportunities for staff to enhance teaching and learning (T&L) on an ongoing basis. This is achieved through the provision of theoretically informed workshops and courses on teaching, learning and assessment in the sciences, one-on-one consultations with lecturers to address T&L challenges, and collaborative evaluation of contact, blended and online courses.
We also support the development of the scholarship of teaching and learning in science through seminars and forums for staff interested in researching various aspects of teaching and learning in higher education.
Academic Advising
Academic advising provides students with personalised guidance and support to help them make informed academic decisions and successfully navigate university life. Through a developmental and student-centred approach, academic advisors partner with students to:
- Clarify academic, personal, and career-related goals
- Develop realistic and achievable academic plans
- Monitor academic progress and identify strategies for success
- Strengthen self-directed learning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
- Participate in peer support and mentoring initiatives that foster belonging and academic success
- Assist students in identifying and overcoming barriers to effective learning
Academic Skills Development
Science Writing Centre:
- Develop academic reading, writing, note-taking, and critical questioning skills
- Understand and apply academic writing conventions
- Improve, revise and refine writing assignments
- Create logical and coherent academic arguments
- Assist students in becoming academic writers
STLU staff
- Prof. Kershree Padayachee, Head of STLU
- Phiwokuhle Dlamini, Learning Experience Designer
- Dr Ashwini Jadhav, Senior Lecturer/ Academic Advisor
- Nompumelelo Schmitz, Academic Advisor
- Dr Akulina Chihobo, Academic Skills Coordinator