Monash South Africa - Support for International Education

International education is a well-supported and a vitally important concept for all staff on the Monash South Africa (MSA) campus. This was shown by the large contingent of both academic and support staff who recently went to Malaysia to attend an International Education Conference – “A Matter of Heart”.

Academic staff from the Schools of Information Technology, Arts, the Academic Development Program, as well as a member of MSA's administrative staff, were all there to share and participate in this "conference-with-a difference". Dr Kaya Prpic, the convener and organiser of the conference, is a member of the IT Faculty at Clayton. The commendable effort, the tireless energy, and the dedication demonstrated by her and her small support team, were all clearly evident throughout the conference.

The passion shown by Kaya and the relentless enthusiasm and determination to get this conference off the ground, enabled educationalists from around the world to come together and share in their international experiences. With internationalism growing, this is certainly a conference that will benefit all educationalists on an annual basis.

MSA's pro-Vice Chancellor, Tyrone Pretorius presented one of the opening keynote speeches. His uncanny ability to instill the atmosphere of a distinguished African story-teller was an excellent example of successful communication skills between all cultures and all generations. A flavour that prevailed throughout the four days!

Eight MSA papers were dynamically presented, all reflecting alternative methods of delivery. The talented MSA staff certainly left their mark on the rest of the world!

Irene Maitland and Lynne Manson, a mother and daughter research team, submitted two papers, both of which elicited much interest from the lecturers at the Sunway Academy, Kuala Lumpur. Both Lynne and Irene have sent their presentations to, and been in contact with, one of the Math lecturers at the Academy, who is currently communicating shared-experiences with them.

Lynne Manson's “Can you speak Maths? The effects of Language Diversity in the Learning of Mathematics" also created an avid interest by the Malaysian media, who interviewed her, asking for more information on her research to be forwarded to them.

Irene Maitland's presentation, entitled, "Help! Someone help! The critical need for a peer mentoring support system for pre-undergraduate students”, was introduced in a lively manner, through drama, and incorporated animation, music and story-telling.

Judy Backhouse and Sheelagh Walton's presentation, entitled "Hello? Is anyone there? Connecting colleagues across continents to realize the vision of international education”, was entirely delivered through dramatisation, emphasising the frustrations and pleasures of communicating across campuses. The deputy pro-vice Chancellor of the Malaysian campus, Dr Walter Wong, was a member of the audience, and agreed that these issues were also relevant to the Monash Malaysian campus. He was an active participant in virtually all the presentations and contributed a wealth of Malaysian comparisons.

Debbie Lees, whose paper entitled "The development of professional identity of University Lecturers", investigated the type of learning that is involved in the development of professional identity of university lecturers.  It also aims to identify ways of optimising the type of learning involved for lecturer development purposes.

The research team, comprising Marilyn Lucas, Maria Damianova, Sue Burney and Maria Ponto, an international team in its own right.  Marilyn presented their paper entitled “Globalization and Cultural Specificity in Stress and Coping among Female and Male Students studying in South Africa and Australia”. Perhaps one of the more quantitatively-oriented presentations of the conference, provided an overview of the similarities and differences in levels of stress and coping skills amongst students. Nevertheless, it reached the heart of the audience, which enhanced the meaning of the conference, "A Matter of Heart".

Maria Damianova presented a paper, entitled “Cross-Cultural Adaptability and Openness to Experience in Multicultural Societies: A South African Perspective”, which she authored together with Marilyn Lucas and Debra Cairns. This paper explored gender variations and culture/language-bound similarities and differences in these two individual constructs, relating them to the common, yet unique social, political and cultural history of the particular communities in South Africa.

Braam van der Vyver, whose paper, entitled "A Critical Analysis of the Role of Monash South Africa in the International Drive of Monash University", was presented in his usual relaxed manner, creating an environment which stimulated extensive interest and discussion. His natural ability as an award-winning playwright allowed his audience to be drawn into making whole-hearted contributions.  

Peter Goddard, the only non-academic member of the team, showed his passion for the importance of education at all levels in an academic institution. It reflected his concern for the welfare of the MSA support-staff. He presented his paper, entitled “Education outside the Classroom. Identifying and implementing the educational needs of ‘shadow employees’ in an international educational institution", through the use of video, sound and drama. Wearing the appropriate African dress, he captured the spirit of what Tyrone Pretorius introduced in the first hours of the conference.

We, from South Africa would all like to thank Kaya for giving us the opportunity to meet both our Monash Malaysian colleagues, as well as our colleagues from other parts of Africa, Asia, Iran, Sweden, America, and Australia. The wealth of knowledge shared was brought home with us and will enable us to improve and enhance the teaching and learning experiences that our already fast-growing international African campus affords us. Of this, we are all very proud.

Thank you Kaya and thank you Monash South Africa for your support and assistance in affording us this enriching experience! This international exposure included meeting the wonderfully friendly and warm local Malaysian people, who never tired to be of service to us all, ensuring a memorable stay.