1. Introduction

Eskilz College is committed to providing high-quality education that aligns with South African legislation, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) requirements, and relevant professional bodies. This Teaching and Learning Policy outlines our approach to maintaining academic excellence through structured learning processes, assessments, and continuous improvement. It ensures compliance with accreditation requirements and promotes effective learning for both face-to-face and online delivery, including learnerships and skills programs.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework for ensuring effective and consistent teaching and learning practices at Eskilz College. The policy aims to:

• Ensure that teaching and learning are aligned with SETA and professional body standards.
• Provide clear guidelines for curriculum delivery, including face-to-face, online, and blended learning.
• Ensure that learnerships and skills programs are delivered in line with regulatory standards and employer needs.
• Promote continuous professional development for educators to maintain high standards of teaching.
• Facilitate an inclusive learning environment that supports students with diverse needs.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all teaching and learning activities at Eskilz College, covering:

• Learnerships and occupational qualifications accredited by SETA.
• Skills programs aligned with workplace requirements.
• Online courses, virtual classrooms, and learning platforms.
• Face-to-face classes delivered on-campus or at partner training sites.
• Blended learning combining online and in-person instruction.
• All academic staff, including permanent and part-time facilitators, assessors, and moderators.

4. Principles of Teaching and Learning

At Eskilz College, we are guided by the following principles:

• Learner-Centered Approach: Teaching methods are designed to place learners at the center of the learning experience, promoting active engagement and critical thinking.
• Outcome-Based Education: Learning outcomes are clearly defined, aligned with qualification requirements, and form the basis for assessment.
• Inclusivity: We provide an inclusive environment that accommodates the diverse needs of all learners, including those with disabilities and learning challenges.
• Flexibility: Our teaching practices support flexible learning pathways, allowing learners to choose between face-to-face, online, and blended learning modes.
• Continuous Improvement: Feedback from learners, industry, and regulatory bodies is regularly used to enhance teaching practices and course content.
• Compliance with Accreditation Standards: Teaching and learning processes are aligned with SETA, Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), and professional body standards.

5. Teaching and Learning Methods

• Face-to-Face Learning:
  • Structure: Classes are conducted in a traditional classroom environment, with learners engaging directly with facilitators. Small group activities, discussions, and practical sessions are used to reinforce theoretical concepts.
  • Resources: Learners have access to physical learning materials, such as textbooks and workbooks, and are encouraged to engage in real-time interaction with facilitators and peers.
  • Assessment: Formative and summative assessments are conducted in person, including written exams, presentations, and practical evaluations.
• Online Learning:
  • Learning Platforms: Eskilz College utilizes a Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver course content, assignments, and assessments. Virtual classrooms, video lectures, discussion forums, and multimedia resources are used to support learning.
  • Access: Students can access learning materials at any time, allowing for self-paced learning. Support is provided through online tutorials and real-time communication with facilitators via chat and video conferencing.
  • Assessment: Assessments are conducted online using assignments, quizzes, and proctored examinations. Regular feedback is provided to learners through the LMS.
• Blended Learning:
  • Combination of Online and Face-to-Face: Blended learning combines the flexibility of online learning with the interaction and hands-on experience of face-to-face instruction. This method ensures learners gain theoretical knowledge through online modules and practical skills during in-person sessions.
  • Scheduling: Blended learning is scheduled to allow learners to engage with online materials during flexible hours and attend practical workshops on-campus or at partner sites.
• Learnerships and Skills Programs:
  • Workplace-Based Learning: Learnerships combine formal education with on-the-job training, ensuring that learners gain practical experience aligned with industry standards. Theoretical components are delivered through classroom-based or online learning.
  • SETA Compliance: Learnership programs are structured according to the qualification requirements set by the relevant SETA, with emphasis on meeting occupational standards.
  • Employer Engagement: Employers are active partners in the delivery of learnerships, providing input on curriculum design, workplace mentorship, and practical assessments.

6. Curriculum Development and Review

• Alignment with SETA and Professional Bodies: All courses and learnerships are aligned with the outcomes set by the relevant SETA, QCTO, or professional body. Regular updates are made to ensure compliance with the latest standards.
• Industry Relevance: Curriculum is developed in consultation with industry experts to ensure learners are equipped with skills that meet current and future workplace needs.
• Review Cycle: The curriculum undergoes regular reviews every 2 years, or sooner if needed, to ensure it remains relevant and meets accreditation and quality standards.

7. Facilitator, Assessor, and Moderator Roles

• Facilitators:
  • Qualifications: All facilitators are required to have the appropriate qualifications and industry experience relevant to the subjects they teach. Facilitators are also registered with relevant SETAs and professional bodies where necessary.
  • Teaching Methods: Facilitators are encouraged to use interactive and innovative teaching methods, such as case studies, simulations, and group projects, to enhance learner engagement.
  • Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Facilitators are required to participate in CPD activities to stay up to date with new educational methodologies and industry trends.
• Assessors:
  • Accreditation: Assessors must be registered with the appropriate SETA and meet all regulatory requirements for conducting assessments.
  • Assessment Methods: Assessors use both formative and summative assessments to measure learner progress. Assessments are fair, reliable, and aligned with learning outcomes.
  • Feedback: Assessors provide timely and constructive feedback to learners to support their development and guide improvement.
• Moderators:
  • Role: Moderators ensure that assessments are conducted in accordance with the relevant SETA and QCTO standards. They verify the consistency and fairness of assessments across different learner groups.
  • Reporting: Moderators are required to submit regular reports on assessment practices, highlighting any areas for improvement or non-compliance.

8. Learner Support and Inclusivity

• Academic Support: Eskilz College provides ongoing academic support, including tutoring sessions, study groups, and access to online resources. Learners can seek additional help from facilitators as needed.
• Support for Learners with Disabilities: We ensure that learners with disabilities are accommodated with appropriate learning materials, assistive technology, and adjustments to learning and assessment methods.
• Counseling Services: We offer counseling services to learners who may need additional emotional or psychological support during their studies.

9. Assessment and Feedback

• Formative Assessments: Throughout the course, learners are assessed using formative assessments, such as quizzes, assignments, and presentations, to monitor their progress.
• Summative Assessments: At the end of each course or learning module, summative assessments are conducted to evaluate the learner’s achievement of the learning outcomes. This may include final exams, practical evaluations, and projects.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Regular feedback is provided to learners to promote improvement. Learners are also encouraged to provide feedback on the quality of the teaching and learning experience through surveys and evaluation forms.

10. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Internal Audits: Regular internal audits are conducted to ensure that teaching and learning practices comply with this policy and accreditation standards.
• Stakeholder Feedback: Feedback from learners, facilitators, assessors, employers, and professional bodies is gathered to improve teaching methods, curriculum design, and learner support services.
• Accreditation and Compliance: Eskilz College maintains its SETA, QCTO, and professional body accreditations by adhering to quality standards and participating in external audits.

11. Review of Policy

This Teaching and Learning Policy will be reviewed annually or as required to ensure it remains aligned with SETA and professional body requirements, as well as the evolving needs of the education sector.