R56m NMMU centre opens

BEd Foundation Phase (Grade R to 3) students attend a lecture in the brand new education building at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s Missionvale Campus. Desks in each of the ultra-modern, airy lecture rooms can be arranged in groups or otherwise, modelling the ideal classroom.

Source: http://news.nmmu.ac.za/

The building has been designed around a new curriculum and teaching philosophy as part of NMMU's efforts to provide more teachers in this critical first phase of a child's schooling.

The university says its BEd foundation phase programme provides a benchmark approach in the field.

"We have deliberately chosen the Missionvale campus as the location for the recurriculated foundation phase programme, as it is situated close to a large number of primary schools in Zwide, Missionvale and New Brighton," faculty of education operations manager Dr Tulsi Morar said. "Its situation complements the foundation-phase programme's practice of partnering with schools that provide the challenges we need to address in South Africa if education and teacher education are to make a real difference."

The objective is for graduates to take up posts in schools in the surrounding areas where they are needed most and they can make the most difference.

The new R56-million building, which was completed in January, has been custom-designed to accommodate the new curriculum and the Reggio Emilia philosophy of child development behind it.

The philosophy draws on drama, music, art and languages to help teachers tap into the full potential of children they are teaching.

NMMU says the new building's versatile learning spaces with movable furniture can be used for lectures and meetings as well as for after-school programmes, such as literacy development. NMMU infrastructure construction manager Bill McLachlan said the building was designed to accommodate 400 students.

From this year, 200 third- and fourth-year students are attending lectures in the new building on Missionvale campus, but all foundation phase teaching students will move there in 2017.

Postgraduate facilities have been included to encourage more students to conduct research, with several masters and PhD students already enrolled.

To meet the needs of today's "digital generation", each lecture venue is equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and Wi-Fi, NMMU says.

The main lecture venue, seating 100 students, has a "hearing loop" to accommodate students who are hearing impaired.

The building also has its own resource centre, which includes 10 computer stations, with brightly coloured couches, a library and classroom resources, including educational games.

It also includes an exhibition space to showcase the work students have produced.

The building's upper level houses a 50-seater "discussion pit", enclosed by low walls covered in bright mosaics, where students can also share ideas, NMMU says.

The concrete and steel building is minimalistic for low maintenance.

"It is through good quality foundation phase teaching that we can have hope of developing the young to become critical problem solvers of the future," education dean Dr Muki Moeng said.

"Our foundation phase complex allows us to do just that," Moeng said.

Source: Herald via I-Net Bridge