Innovation is at the core of optimising student learning at the University of Pretoria. Through strategic leadership, change management for curriculums, teaching, learning, and assessment innovation, and continuing opportunities for teaching development, the university’s Department for Education Innovation builds capacity to implement an inquiry-based approach.
Teaching & Learning Model
The University of Pretoria follows a teaching and learning model, called the Student Success Model, which consists of three phases:
Prepare |
Engage |
Consolidate |
This teaching model places the university in the perfect position to develop the skills that students need to function effectively in the modern workplace. By encouraging students to prepare independently for each class and engage and critically discuss issues in class, they can develop the following essential skills:
| Adaptability | Career navigation | Self-directed learning | Lifelong learning |
| The ability to solve complex problems with a multi-disciplinary approach | |||
| Critical thinking | Innovation and creativity | Teamwork and collaboration | Environmental awareness |
| A productive work ethic | Ethical reasoning | Intercultural awareness | Digital fluency |
e-Education training
At the e-Education Unit, the university provides support and training opportunities for staff development, with a focus on implementing a hybrid approach. Both subject-specific teaching innovation and pedagogical innovation are promoted and supported to enhance student learning.
A team of dedicated instructional designers and educational consultants are also available to support lecturers. Educational consultants can provide advice regarding:
- Learning design
- Didactically sound hybrid teaching and learning
- Assessments
- The curriculum
- Professional development
- Applying open educational resources
Instructional designers are also available as a support structure, who can advise on:
- e-Learning
- Hybrid learning
- clickUP
- Assessment technology
- Computer-based testing
- In-video assessment
We Teach, Learn, Innovate, Impact and Live
Embracing Technology
The UP is focused on promoting and facilitating simulation-based teaching for all our students in a dynamic and controlled teaching space, using cutting-edge technology.
Work Readiness
To prepare students for the dynamics of a fast-paced work environment, the UP provides career advice and planning regarding employability and careers skills needed to find that dream job.
Community Engagement
UP defines community engagement as the planned, purposeful application of resources and expertise in teaching, learning, and research in the university's interaction with external communities to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes aligned with the institution's vision and mission.
Transdisciplinary Teaching
To break down traditional academic silos, foster collaboration across disciplines, and equip students with the ability to address complex real-world challenges, transdisciplinary teaching guidelines have been developed.
Curriculum Transformation
The university’s curriculum transformation efforts are aligned with its broader Transformation Plan for 2023–2027. With an emphasis on the need for a holistic approach to transformation, the plan focuses on the inclusivity and diversity of curricula.