Teaching Beyond the Curriculum
Abstract
In today’s evolving education landscape, teaching beyond the curriculum is critical for preparing students to excel in dynamic industries. This paper explores this concept using real-world examples from the University of Johannesburg’s third-year Interior Design program in South Africa, investigating the profound impact of industry engagement on student learning and professional development. Traditional education often emphasises standardised curricula but frequently fails to provide practical experiences and essential soft skills. To address this shortfall, educators increasingly adopt industry engagement to offer authentic learning opportunities. Industry engagement entails partnerships with businesses, organisations, and professionals to create meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond textbooks and design studios. Such engagement includes internships, guest lectures, and collaborative projects. Through these initiatives, students gain exposure to industry practices, problem-solving, critical thinking skills and networking opportunities. Additionally, industry engagement fosters the cultivation of crucial soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, and cultural competence, vital in today’s diverse workforce. It also motivates students by demonstrating the direct applicability of their education to future careers, often leading to internships and job opportunities, smoothing their transition from academia to the professional world. Multiple case studies presented in this exploration illustrate how the Interior Design program leverages industry partnerships to empower students for successful careers. These cases underscore the diverse benefits of industry engagement in enhancing learning outcomes and nurturing student success. Teaching beyond the curriculum through industry engagement effectively bridges the education-employment gap, enabling educators to better equip the next generation for success in an ever-changing workforce landscape.
With over a decade of industry experience, Sadiyah Geyer excels in turnkey interior architecture and design. She’s driven by a passion for creating sustainable, user-centric spaces that benefit society and minimise environmental impact. As an educator and researcher at the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture, she draws on seven years of teaching experience. Simultaneously pursuing a PhD, her research focuses on sustainable urban regeneration, urban interiority, adaptive reuse, and placemaking through interior design.