Ensuring postgrad performance during Covid-19

The theme “Advancing Postgraduate Student Support during and beyond Covid-19”, inspired the 10th Annual Postgraduate Students’ Conference hosted from 29 September to 1 October 2021 in a collaboration between the College of Graduate Studies (CGS) and Unisa’s North-Eastern Region.

The conference served as a platform for postgraduate students to gain confidence in presenting their research studies to their peers and established scholars.  In return, they received critical feedback from a panel of academics, with the objective of incorporating suggested changes into their research work.t

Prof. Moloko Sepota, Regional Director, Unisa North-Eastern Region

In his opening remarks, the Regional Director, Professor Moloko Sepota, described the conference as a platform for intellectuals to meet.  He noted that the region has dedicated itself to support postgraduate students over the past nine years, something that now finds expression in the Vice-Chancellor’s priority list.  He also acknowledged that the eight conferences held prior to Covid-19 were limited to only a few students from the North-Eastern Region in a face-to-face format at the Polokwane Hub. Last year, however, the region realised that a comfort zone is not always the best location, as it sometimes stops students from discovering new horizons. Because of the disruptions of Covid-19, the region is now offering support virtually, enabling it to reach as many students as possible.  

Sepota also acknowledged the support the region has been receiving from academics such as Professor Patrick Ngulube, Acting Executive Dean of CGS, and Professor Mishack Gumbo from the College of Education, both of whom have been part of the panel since the conference started ten years ago. He thanked them and the other academics for their continued support over the years.

Prof Patrick Ngulube, Acting Executive Dean, College of Graduate Studies at Unisa

Prof. Mishack Gumbo, College of Education

The conference was hosted over three days, with a keynote address and students’ presentations on each day.  On the first day, Ngulube gave a presentation on using the “two-eyed seeing” approach to master conceptual frameworks and research designs. His presentation introduced attendees to conceptualising research that incorporates indigenous ways of knowing by using “two-eyed seeing” principles which focus on bringing together indigenous ways of knowing and Western scientific knowledge to provide a holistic picture that is contextually relevant.

On day two, Professor Mpine Makoe, incumbent of the Commonwealth of Learning Chair in Open Education Practices/Resources (OER/OEP), gave the keynote address. She compared conducting research to building a house.  Like the builder, a researcher must consider certain things.  She compared the proposal stage to the plan of a house, as it is based on the problem statement.  She compared literature review to building material, as one needs to ensure that all required material is available before building can commence and, as such, advised students to collect and read as much literature as possible before embarking on the writing process.  She covered all steps of conducting research using the analogy of building a house.

Prof. Mpine Makoe, incumbent of the Commonwealth of Learning Chair in Open Education Practices/Resources (OER/OEP)

On day three, Gumbo addressed the conference on the expectations of examiners for passing a dissertation or thesis. His presentation covered the requirements of candidates at different postgraduate levels as per Department of Higher Education and Training guidelines.  He went on to share guidelines for examiners as issued by the university.

Lastly, he mentioned the common traits of a failing dissertation or thesis and gave advice on what to do to get a pass. Tonny Matjila, Research Training and Development officer from CGS, shared the perspective of the college on the incorporation of 4IR in postgraduate student support services.

Over the three days, honours, master’s and doctoral students showcased skills acquired through research-related workshops and programmes facilitated by CGS.   A panel of academics gave critical feedback to the students, with the objective of incorporating suggested changes to improve their research work.

* By Hanli Wolhuter, Communication & Marketing Specialist, College of Graduate Studies & Bafana Mavimbela, Office of the Deputy Director, Unisa North-Eastern Region