INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES IN LEARNING AND TEACHING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
This sub-theme emphasises the importance of inter- or multi-disciplinary collaboration and integration in addressing complex challenges in higher education and in society. This sub-theme asks the question: How do higher education institutions address learning and teaching complexities and opportunities in collaborative ways? It encourages conversations that explore innovative ways to work across disciplines or across institutions to enhance learning, teaching and scholarship.
EMPOWERING HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
This sub-theme focuses on the responsibility of higher education institutions to provide opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute to sustainable development in Southern Africa and beyond. This sub-theme asks the question: How do higher education institutions empower students for sustainable futures? It invites discussions on how curriculum design, pedagogical approaches, and institutional policies and practices can promote sustainability, social responsibility and fostering of graduate attributes.
FOSTERING INCLUSIVENESS, EQUITY AND DIVERSITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
This sub-theme highlights the importance of creating inclusive and diverse learning environments. This sub-theme asks the question: How do higher education institutions recognise and value the unique contributions of all stakeholders involved in higher education? It encourages dialogue on strategies to address systemic barriers and ongoing approaches to decolonise the curriculum, knowledge practices and the institution itself. This includes approaches to promote social justice and celebrate diversity in our higher education context.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION
This sub-theme explores the integration of digital technologies in learning, teaching, and scholarship in higher education. As an example, the advent of Generative Artificial Intelligence asks us to (re)consider the purpose of higher education. This sub-theme asks the question: How are higher education institutions approaching digital transformation? It invites discussions on innovative practices, emerging trends, and the challenges and opportunities the digital age presents.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF STUDENTS AND HIGHER EDUCATION PRACTITIONERS
This sub-theme focuses on promoting health and well-being among students, academic staff, and professional staff in higher education institutions. Mental and physical health as well as workloads affect learning and teaching. This sub-theme asks the question: How can higher education institutions foster guiding and healthy learning and teaching environments? It invites contributions on holistic initiatives for students/staff and stakeholders that go beyond a focus on traditional success measures (such as pass and throughput rates).
