Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Award – MOST PROMISING YOUNG TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Faculty of Science – Department of Mathematics & Applied Mathematics
When a student describes the teacher of a generally unpopular and difficult subject as “the epitome of a great lecturer”, we must wonder what special dynamic is at play in his classroom and investigate further to see whether other students feel the same. It does not take long to find unanimous praise for Dr Thulane Paepae, who teaches Engineering Mathematics to first-year Science students. They are unanimous in their enthusiasm and appreciation, describing him as “passionate and inspiring”, “professional and humane”, and as the GOAT, which means “the greatest of all time”! One student summarises the general sentiment: “I am just so grateful.”
His brilliantly reconceptualised study guides reveal that he has a highly nuanced understanding of the learning needs of 21st-century students in the South African context. He also knows exactly what students will be required to do in the workplace, which means that he is able to make crucial links between this and what is learned at the University. He recognises and validates his students’ life experiences and acknowledges the importance of embedding their learning in what they already know and using this as the starting point to build new knowledge. He tells us that he expects his students to be “adaptable, innovative and socially reflective, independent learners” and, very importantly, demonstrates through his approach to teaching what this means and how to achieve it. His philosophy aligns with UJ’s learning-to-be and the ECSA expectations as he inducts his students into the world of engineering mathematics through practical application and student-centred, interactive teaching.
Congratulations, Dr Paepae, on this well-deserved award – you have received astonishing responses from your students and peers. This student’s appreciative comment reflects our thoughts this evening: “I have had such a good journey with him.” That is true for all your students, and we, in turn, look forward to following this journey as it unfolds.
