Massification : preparing faculty for open learning systems

Abstract

With the advent of the National Qualifications Framework and the general educational transformation, access to higher education has opened doors to many learners. Many critics applaud the recent higher education policy endeavours to massify South African higher education, as the exclusionary system of the past is gradually being replaced by attempts to expose learners to open learning systems and this in accordance with the initiatives to globalise education. Massification has the potential of playing an immense role in redressing past imbalances as it accommodates historically disadvantaged learners. Currently in South Africa, education has a role to play in the creation of a democratic society based on the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. There are, however, many others who maintain that massification brings with it tensions and demands that would need immediate attention. The expansion of enrolments will have a bearing on standards, conditions as well as resources. This article we examines how universities can restructure their programmes by empowering faculty, thus enabling them to cope with the challenges made possible by the open learning systems. Furthermore, the discussion focuses on how faculty could prepare themselves to be able to enhance learning and teaching as they deal with the realities, opportunities and challenges brought about by massification in higher education.