Workshop Series 6
Unpacking the New ECSA GAs
Workshop Series 6 explores the transformative potential of the new Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) Graduate Attributes (GAs) in shaping teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum design. Each session unpacks how the GAs can guide more intentional, integrated, and future-facing engineering education. Participants reflect on practical strategies to introduce, develop, and assess these attributes, with emphasis on authentic assessment, curriculum alignment, and holistic student development. The series also highlights the challenges—such as ambiguity, subjectivity, and institutional inconsistency—and presents forward-looking frameworks to embed GAs in ways that are meaningful and sustainable.
Episode 1: New Graduate Attributes (GAs), New Opportunities
Presenters: Prof. Teresa Hattingh, Dr. Bronwyn Swartz
7 August 2024
This session introduced the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) Graduate Attributes (GAs), offering participants the chance to explore their core intentions and the impact they can have on curriculum design. Discussions focused on ways to introduce, develop, and assess these attributes to foster students’ academic and professional growth.
Episode 2: Assessment Strategies to Integrate New GAs
Presenters: Prof. Teresa Hattingh, Dr. Reuben Govender, Ms. Alison Gwynn-Evans, Mr. Eudes Tshitshonu
28 August 2024
Given the importance of GAs for institutional accreditation, this session explored assessment as a primary tool to ensure students meet these standards. Facilitators guided participants in reconsidering assessment choices and aligning them with the GAs, addressing both practical applications and broader implications for curriculum assessment.
Episode 3: New Teaching Possibilities with the New GAs
Presenters: Dr. Randall Paton, Dr. Disaapele Magoshana
18 September 2024
Recognising that GAs influence not only assessment but also teaching approaches, this session examined how educators can introduce and cultivate these attributes in students. Facilitators encouraged reflection on adapting classroom practices to develop the specific skills, knowledge, and attitudes aligned with the new GAs.
Episode 4: New Curriculum Horizons with the New GAs
Presenters: Prof. Lelanie Smith, Dr. Nicky Wolmarans
9 October 2024
This final session tackled curriculum-level changes needed to align with the new GAs, prompting a critical rethinking of how module-level teaching, learning, and assessment activities support a cohesive curriculum. The discussion addressed holistic integration strategies to ensure curriculum alignment with the desired outcomes for graduates.