Zimbabwean visit: Experiences beyond the usual framework, for both guests and hosts
Sibonginkosi Moyo
Lives in: Harare, Zimbabwe
Home university: University of Zimbabwe
Occupation: Medical doctor working at Parirenyatwa Hospital (Harare, Zimbabwe) and teacher at the University of Zimbabwe. Teaches Physiology to preclinical medical students.
"The stay in Lund has been amazing, although the weather was somewhat cold. I got the chance to take part in the lectures for preclinical students as well as biomedical students.
It was interesting to learn that the university uses PBL* and TBL** as study methods; teaching strategies I found very effective in enforcing understanding amongst students.
I intend to implement these methods at my home university and share them with my colleagues as well.
I also got the opportunity to share with the students about how medical school and medical practice in Zimbabwe is and encouraged them to consider exchange programs in Africa so as to experience the differences in clinical practice there compared to their local hospitals.
I particularly enjoyed visiting the different parts of Skåne. I found the landscape very beautiful and refreshing. The people in Lund were very welcoming and friendly, which made my stay very comfortable and enjoyable."
*PBL: Project-based learning
**TBL: Task-based learning
Michelle Chipo Muzanenhamo
Lives in: Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
Home university: University of Zimbabwe
Title: Lecturer
"I joined the exchange in order to experience global teaching and learning techniques and to have an understanding of different cultural settings and the impact on medical education.
At our university learning is more in mass lectures, while Lund uses the PBL and TBL teaching methods. These methods seem effective and encourage students to be proactive and actively involved in acquiring medical knowledge. It builds confidence.
I have really enjoyed the hospitality here, offered by both students and staff. Unmatched. Everyone was keen to receive us and engage in mind stimulating conversations which were beneficial to both parties.
My best memories from Lund: the eagerness amongst the students as we made a presentation on the UZ medical school and Zimbabwe health system. The dinner at Proffesor Fredrick’s house. A wonderful evening filled with both educative conversations and laughter. Exploring Sweden.
My best take-aways: effective learning is mostly through student initiated activities. Teaching isn't giving students all the facts but stimulating student minds to acquire and apply knowledge effectively. Impact of PBL and TBL on effective learning. How to conduct TBL and PBL."
"This kind of interaction enriches our educational environment"
It is Fredrik Bengtssons firm belief that international exchanges are a good thing. In March the Faculty welcomed three persons from University of Zimbabwe (UZ). Two teachers for almost two weeks and one student for two months. So, how has it been, so far?
"Great! I have been visiting UZ regularly since 2018, and now we finally have the opportunity to reciprocate the generous hospitality that I have experienced there", says Fredrik Bengtsson.
“It inspires staff and students to think beyond their usual frameworks. In the long term, it strengthens our global outlook and helps cultivate a more inclusive and adaptable academic culture and practice.
In this exchange, we have a master student, Mishael Mutenga from UZ, who is conducting a practical project at CRC in Malmö, in Malin Wennström’s lab and two teachers from the pre-clinical semesters at UZ. The teachers have actively participated in teaching activities, engaged with Faculty members, and visited the hospital. So, it has has been a busy two weeks for them.
We have had a long standing collaboration with UZ. What is new and exciting about this particular exchange is that it focused on the pre-clinical stages of medical education. For the first time, we had the opportunity to host both students and faculty members from the pre-clinical semesters at UZ."
Why do we have exchanges?
"To learn from each other! The focus for this exchange is learning how we approach the pedagogical practice in our medical educations respectively and also to highlight questions on sustainable development and global health. You learn so much by sharing your experiences and best practices. Also, as a side effect to this kind of professional exchange is that there is a cultural exchange that is invaluable.
The visiting teachers have actively contributed to teaching in semesters two and three of the Medical program, engaging closely with both students and Faculty. Through this involvement, they have shared not only their pedagogical perspectives but also their clinical expertise, offering insights based in different healthcare contexts, culture and socioeconomic conditions. This kind of interaction enriches our educational environment by encouraging reflection on our own teaching methods and clinical approaches. It creates a space for dialogue around the medical education and cross-cultural understanding."