Co Authors Writing Retreat in July 2024

In July 2024, the co-authors gathered for a writing retreat in Johannesburg. This would be the first gathering of the year – one that many had been looking forward to. The programme kicked off with a feedback session from Dr Hlolo Malatjie presenting his project titled Enhancing students’ experiences in Macro Practice Course through an Authentic E Learning framework followed by a website orientation session and then a session looking at possible conferences, articles and journals that could be of interest to the project team and considered for potential publication and/ presentation.

On day two, Dr Nokulunga Ndlovu of the Wits University School of Education gave an insightful and thought-provoking presentation on “Practising care in online learning-Post Pandemic” where the challenges of teaching both during and post the COVVID 19 pandemic were considered by all.  The day ended with some podcast interviews with co authors and leads conducted by Kristan Bernstien from Voice of Wits with the assistance of the projects research assistant, Spha Mathebula. Day three was a little less formal and ended with a much needed focus group that would assist in chartering the way forward with the project.

While the retreat was a time to reflect on the project and plan for the future, it was also a time to unwind, catch up and get our creative juices flowing with a fun drumming class from Drum Busters. Collaborative work can be challenging, but it is the time spent together (no matter how short) that fuels the spirit and the mind and reaffirms one’s collective goal.

Pictures by: Balitiye Monareng