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National Language Resources Audit

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2022–2023
Project leader

In 2021 SADiLaR was tasked with conducting a comprehensive national audit of language resources across South Africa’s public universities, aimed at supporting the successful implementation of the new language policy framework. With a background in applied linguistics, language for specific purposes, and language testing and assessment, I was seconded by NWU to lead the project, drawing on expertise well suited to the role. My experience in language planning and policy implementation supported efforts to understand existing resources, identify gaps, and suggest strategies for development. I also engaged with maturity models to inform the project’s comprehensive approach.

Between July 2022 and July 2023, the audit was successfully carried out at 24 of the country’s 26 public higher education institutions. The findings were compiled in the following report:

Van Dyk, T., Wilken, I., Ravyse, N., Du Plessis, D., Khumalo, L. & Steyn, J. 2023. National Language Resources Audit. Potchefstroom: SADiLaR. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12185/667

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Medics on the Move 

Communication for Professionals: Medics on the Move

Date: 2012–2015
Role: Project partner

This project focused on the development and implementation of a range of innovative tools for e-learning and on-the-job communication specifically developed for trained medical professionals, doctors in particular. The project involved seven international partners with backgrounds in medicine, academia, and education and training.

The project resulted in the design and implementation of a blended teaching and learning package in the South African context (Stellenbosch University), the successful completion of a PhD study in which I was involved, and the publication of resources.

Nursing on the Move 

Nursing-on_the_Move_international meeting
International meeting in Antwerpen
Nursing on the Move

The focus of this international project, partially funded by the EU, is on the implementation of a range of innovative tools for e-learning and on-the-job communication specifically developed for nursing (pre-professionals). Its development involved eight international partners with backgrounds in medicine, academia, and education and training. This project resulted in an online Moodle-based language course, Nursing on the Move.

I was the co-supervisor for the completion of a master’s study, which played an important role in the theoretical justification of the project:

 Pretorius, M. 2015. The theoretical justification for the design of a communicative course for nurses: Nurses on the Move, Master’s dissertation, cum laude, University of the Free State.

The above study also contributed to insights into a related project:

 Van de Poel, K.; Van Dyk, T.J.; Gasiorek, J. & Blockmans, I. 2015. A needs analysis for communication by pharmacists in a multilingual setting: First steps towards syllabus and materials design. SPIL Plus, 44:189-212.