Lecturer is an academic rank within many universities, though the meaning of the term varies somewhat from country to country. It generally denotes an academic expert who is hired to teach on a full- or part-time basis.
What Does A Lecturer Do?
Lecturers teach and carry out research in universities and higher education establishments. They teach academic and vocational subjects at undergraduate and postgraduate level to students over the age of 18. Lecturers also contribute to their department’s research activities and publish their work in journals and books.
What Qualifications Do I Need?
The minimum requirements for entry into lecturing are a bachelor degree and a postgraduate qualification (often a PhD) that are relevant to the subject you want to teach. Many lecturers are mature candidates who have also gained several years’ professional or industrial work experience.
You may be able to gain experience by taking on teaching duties while studying. Or there may be opportunities with some universities to work as a graduate teaching assistant.
What Subjects Do I Need?
Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:
None
Where Can I Study?
North-West University
Bachelor of Education
www.nwu.ac.za
University of Pretoria
Bachelor of Education
www.up.ac.za
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Bachelor of Education
www.nmmu.ac.za
University of the Western Cape
Postgraduate Certificate in Education; Bachelor of Education
www.uwc.ac.za
Lecturer skills
Lecturers need a wide range of abilities to excel in their positions as leaders in higher education:
Oral communication: A lecturer delivers spoken instruction using rhetorical tools, such as clearly organized ideas, vocal tone and nonverbal cues. They also give feedback to students during a lecture or in one-on-one conferences.
Written communication: Lecturers also communicate in writing for a variety of reasons, including research publications, curriculum, presentations and leading online discussion boards.
Research abilities: Lecturers spend time researching subjects to write academic articles and papers for publication. They work to advance knowledge in their field using research techniques to find and cite different sources of information.
Instruction: Delivering instruction in their area of expertise is a primary function for lecturers. This can include large seminar-style courses, smaller classes of higher-level students or even other faculty at an academic campus.
Lesson planning: Before instructing, lecturers need to prepare lessons that include learning concepts, activities and assessments.
Tips for growing your career as a lecturer
Here are some ways you can continue to improve your career prospects once you become a lecturer:
Write for academic publications
Publishing a research article in a scholarly journal can set you apart as a leader in your field and establish your expertise in a particular subject matter.
Higher education institutions often recognize the research projects of lecturers and may invite them to present their findings for colleagues. Other academic facilities may also request you to speak for their faculty or students once you publish a piece or gain recognition within your field.
Secure a tenured position
Tenure is a guarantee of employment for a certain academic institution. As a tenured lecturer, you may receive more time for research and writing along with other supervisory positions over students and faculty.
Below is How to Become A Lecturer In South Africa
Teaching in higher education requires advanced academic expertise in a given subject matter. Consider the following steps to become a lecturer:
Pursue an area of expertise
Before you can even consider pursuing a career as an educator, you first need to find passion in a subject and spend time learning more in that discipline. Once you decide where you will focus your education, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree that suits your chosen discipline. Explore a range of related studies as you complete your undergraduate education.
Earn a postgraduate degree
A master’s or doctoral degree in your field is expected before you begin teaching others at the college level. These studies will prepare you for advanced research methods and continue to add depth to your subject knowledge.
Many academic institutions require you to pass an examination before you enter grad school. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) are two of the most common entrance assessments for advanced degree programs.
Gain relevant experience
During your graduate studies, you may find opportunities to teach lower-division courses in your subject matter or work with a professor as a graduate assistant. Some programs also offer opportunities to participate in research studies with a faculty member.
Seek out an adjunct position as a lecturer
Once you’ve gained all the necessary education and are ready to work full time as a lecturer, it’s time to look for work opportunities. Search local community colleges and four-year institutions in need of adjunct professors. Adjuncts are hired for specific sections that tenured professors aren’t available to fill.
What qualifications do I need to become a lecturer In South Africa?
You’ll need a good degree pass, for example first class or upper second class, relevant to the subject you want to teach. You’ll also need to have completed a postgraduate master’s or PhD qualification, or be working towards one. It’s common to have had academic work published.
How many years does it take to become a lecturer In South Africa?
Ans. It may take 6-8 years for you to become a college professor. Completing graduation, post-graduation and gaining prior work experience counts up to the time for getting job as a professor.
Can you be a lecturer without a PhD In South Africa?
It will almost be impossible to become a lecturer without a Ph. D., even if you have degree, masters, and qualifications. If you want to become a lecturer but haven’t got any teaching or a relevant degree, there are courses you can complete but you will most likely to have to pay for them.
Is it hard to get a job as a lecturer In South Africa?
Competition is fierce, and even if they are highly talented with plenty of experience, finding a permanent university job can be difficult. Lecturers might have to take on temporary contracts, reducing long-term job security and increasing the likelihood of frequent relocation.
Can I become lecturer without South Africa?
Yes, it’s mandatory and compulsory if you want to be an Assistant Professor/Lecturer across South Africa. According to the UGC rule, only UGC NET exam is the gateway or entry for becoming Assistant Professor. PHD candidates are not exempted from appearing in UGC NET.
What are the duties and responsibilities of a lecturer In South Africa?
Typical responsibilities of the job include:
interviewing course applicants.
lecture planning, preparation and research.
contact and teaching time with students.
checking and assessing students’ work.
encouraging personal development via tutorial or pastoral work.
invigilating examinations.
attending staff meetings.
What are the questions asked in an interview for lecturer?
The following examples are basic questions the interviewer is likely to ask:
What can you tell me about yourself?
What interests you about this position?
What qualities make you an effective lecturer?
What interests do you have outside your work?
What is one skill you’re currently improving?
Is a lecturer a manager In South Africa?
Understanding of planning, organizing, influencing and controlling will assist in carrying it out appropriately. As lecturers perform these inter-related functions as managers they will achieve their organizational objectives.
What are the qualities of a good lecturer In South Africa?
Some say that to become a good lecturer you need to be ORGANIC: Outspoken, Rambunctious, Garrulous, Animated, Natural, Intense and Cerebral. Some say you need to be CHEEKY: Charismatic, Honest, Engaging, Energetic, Knowledgeable and Yielding.
Why should we hire you as a lecturer?
Because I’m equipped to help the school achieve its educational goals. I have a thorough understanding of the school’s mission and I believe that my personality and skills put me in the right position to help create a stimulating learning environment.