Prof Graig Mahoney, a global Leader in Education, Performance Psychology and Innovation, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube, and Dr Helena Lim, a higher Education Thought Leader and academic and Institutional Data Researcher

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube hosted renowned higher education experts in a series of discussions at the Bloemfontein Campus to stimulate conversations on current topics in the sector.

The two experts, Prof Mahoney, a global Leader in Education, Performance Psychology, and Innovation, and Dr Helena Lim, a higher Education Thought Leader and academic and Institutional Data Researcher, co-presented a public lecture on the Global Challenges in higher education. The lecture was held at Japie Van Lil Auditorium. 

During the lecture, they led the discussions on how universities could drive breakthroughs across various fields to contribute to the UN's sustainable goals and the importance of higher education in preparing for an uncertain future and achieving sustainable development goals. The lecture also included an opportunity for audience participation, in question-and-answer session as well as networking.

The lecture delved into the most crucial global challenges in higher education, such as the digital divide, funding, and student health.  It also underscored the significance of international collaboration and local impact, including sharing best practices to benefit local communities in areas such as public health and climate challenges. 

The lecture also touched on the increasing demands for international students in the UK, the innovation resulting from the Covid pandemic, and the shift toward more real-world solutions through partnership and innovation hubs, such as the improvement in additive manufacturing.

In her remarks, Prof Dube said she had the privilege of working with Prof Mahoney for many years.,  

“Our professional relationship, which began during my time at UWC, has been marked by our shared commitment to addressing issues of interest, particularly equitable access and success for students regardless of their backgrounds. 

The lecture also covered blended learning, which involves the combination of online and face-to-face learning to increase flexibility and accessibility, as well as technology-assisted instruction, including virtual labs, simulations, and adaptive learning software to personalize education and cater to diverse learning styles.

Uploaded: 02 June 2024