Lecturer/ Researcher (Academic Literacy Coordinator) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities: 

• Teach an Education academic literacy module (including online and/or blended learning
• format).
• Design appropriate formative and summative assessments within the Academic Literacy Programme / module.
• Mark assessments and provide feedback to students.
• Design learning and teaching materials for use by facilitators within the Academic Literacy Programme.
• Use various communication platforms to communicate with students and facilitators.
• Manage the implementation and student support of the M-Reader and iCAN extensive reading programmes for own cohort.
• Present academic writing workshops and consultations for students and consultation sessions in the writing centre (online and/or face-to-face)
• Coordinate and ensure quality within the Academic Literacy Programme through facilitator evaluation and moderation, as well as student module evaluation.
• Conduct research into students’ academic literacy needs
• Research and analyse global trends in English for academic purposes as they relate to key strategic imperatives.
• Produce 1 (one) research output per year in the form of conference paper and/or article publication.
• Create and nurture a culture of inquiry, research, and evidence-based practice within the ALLD.
• Coordinate day-to-day administrative activities/operations of two English Academic Literacy
• courses.
• Provide strategic advice to the ALLD head to help enhance the programme.
• Manage class allocations and student groups (on a continuous basis). Co-plan, coordinate and compile facilitator training content, material and guidelines with the Unit Coordinator.
• Ensure the development and identifying support needed by facilitators.
• Provide teaching and learning training for learning facilitators on a continuous basis.
• Curriculum development of two English Academic Literacy courses.
• Ensure quality assurance by facilitator evaluation and moderation.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to facilitators.
• Present workshops and train facilitators.
• Evaluate learning facilitation (class visits) and provide facilitators with feedback.
• Maintain contact with Bloemfontein coordinators and ALLD head.
• Design learning and teaching materials for use by facilitators and ensure the quality of those materials.
• Facilitate the administration of yearly pre and post-test.
• Handle student enquiries.
• Attend to facilitator queries.
• Communicate with students on Blackboard.
• Identify and report timetable issues to ALLD head.
• Manage facilitator’s recruitment, selection testing and contract appointments.

Inherent Job Requirements:

Lecturer

• A PhD in English, Applied Linguistics, Education, OR a related discipline on NQF Level 10 (for
• a permanent appointment)
• OR
• A master’s degree in English, Applied Linguistics, Education OR a related discipline on NQF Level 9 (contract appointment: five years during which a PhD on NQF Level 10 MUST be obtained to be converted to a permanent position).
• Proven experience in the delivery of poster or oral presentations at conferences or equivalent activities.
• Evidence of manuscripts produced that have the potential to be converted or submitted for publication in accredited journals.
• A good academic record.
• Proven experience in teaching in the field of academic literacy OR English language in the higher education sector.

Recommendations:

• Proven coordination of teaching and learning activities in Higher Education
• A minimum of three years’ experience in the field of academic literacy OR English language in the higher education sector.
• Proven experience in curriculum design, materials writing and assessment of student learning.
• Experience in consulting in a university writing centre.
• Experience in desktop and field research.
• Qualification in TEFL, TESOL or related course.
• Experience in the use of Learning Management Systems e.g. Blackboard / Moodle / Sakai / Canvas.

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:  

Results oriented:

• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
• The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
• Strategic thinking:
• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building coalitions:

• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration, and working with close supervision.