Erasmus Days at UKZN
Cecile Gerwel Proches, Angela James, and Macdonald Kanyangale from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in Durban, South Africa, presented virtually during the #ErasmusDays event, held from October 14-19, 2024. The #ErasmusDays is an international celebration of the Erasmus+ programme, aimed at showcasing the projects and opportunities it supports.
The UKZN team presented their work on the DECART Erasmus+ project, an international cooperation partnership. This partnership includes institutions from various countries:
- France: IMT Atlantique
- Germany: RWTH Aachen
- Iceland: Reykjavik University
- Lithuania: Vilnius University
- Indonesia: Del Institute of Technology
- South Africa: UKZN
The primary objective of the DECART project is to enhance the quality and relevance of curriculum activities at partner institutions. It aims to increase the capacity of these organizations to operate jointly at a transnational level, thereby boosting the internationalization of their activities. The project also focuses on developing and sharing innovative practices and methods, particularly in curriculum design, resilience, and transformation.
During the presentation, the UKZN team highlighted their efforts in curriculum transformation, emphasizing the complexities involved and the diverse perspectives held by various stakeholders. Key insights shared include:
- Understanding Curriculum Transformation: The UKZN team explored how participants perceive and understand the concept of curriculum transformation, noting the varying viewpoints and interpretations.
- Challenges: The team discussed the obstacles to realizing curriculum transformation, acknowledging the difficulties in aligning diverse perspectives.
- Role of Leadership: They emphasized the crucial role of leadership in facilitating and driving effective curriculum transformation processes.
This presentation contributed to the broader discourse on international education, collaboration, and the ongoing efforts to adapt academic curricula to meet contemporary needs.