Nicolene Lynette De Klerk
Summary
Language specialist and educator with 30 years of experience in language development and language acquisition Qualified as a speech therapist and audiologist with extensive experience as a lecturer, bringing a strong understanding of inclusive education and diverse learning needs. Currently leading the Academic Language and Literacy Development team, providing strategic oversight of curriculum development, learner support, assessment practices and academic literacy initiatives. Passionate about language education and committed to fostering engaging learning environments that empower learners to achieve their full potential.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Lecturer / Researcher Academic Literacy Coordinator
University of the Free State
Qwaqwa
08.2022 - Current
- Manage the coordination of academic literacy modules
- Deliver academic literacy modules through online and blended learning formats,
- Design appropriate formative and summative assessments within the Academic Literacy Programme
- Assess student performance and provide targeted feedback, fostering academic growth and improving literacy skills.
- Design learning and teaching materials for use by facilitators within the Academic Literacy Programme.
- Coordinate and manage academic facilitators within the Academic Literacy Programme (including meetings, performance management etc.).
- Organise and present training to assist facilitators in the academic literacy module on a continuous basis.
- Coordinate quality assurance within Academic Literacy Programme through facilitator evaluations and student feedback, ensuring effective teaching practices and curriculum relevance.
- Monitor student performance in literacy modules for the Education faculty and intervened when necessary in collaboration with Academic Literacy and Learning Development staff.
- Manage the implementation and student support of the M-Reader and iCAN extensive reading programmes for own cohort.
- Conduct research into students’ academic literacy needs.
- Use various communication platforms to communicate with students and facilitators.
- Oversee all administration related to the academic literacy modules, including (but not limited to) class attendance and student marks.
SASL CAPS national training team consultant (part-
Department of Basic Education
Pretoria
01.2016 - Current
- Developing the curriculum and training manuals for South African Sign Language (SASL) as a home language in schools for the Deaf
- Training of teachers responsible for South African Sign Language as Home Language in schools for the Deaf
Lecturer: South African Sign Language (part-time)
University of the Free State
Qwaqwa
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Lectured 3rd and 4th year education students in Sign Language Acquisition, Practical, Sign Language Linguistics and Deaf Studies, fostering understanding of key concepts and practices.
- Designed planned and taught lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams.
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Compiled study guides and set test and exam questionnaires, marked scripts and utilised Blackboard for effective course management.
- Mentored students to support achievement of target grades.
Academic Literacy Facilitator (part-time)
University of the Free State
Qwa Qwa
01.2020 - 07.2022
- Facilitated English academic literacy classes, enhancing students' writing and critical thinking skills.
- Ensured effective written and oral communication with students, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Planned contact sessions and developed educational materials in consultation with module coordinator.
- Assessed and mark subject content.
- Kept a time schedule and met deadlines.
Lecturer: South African Sign Language (part-time)
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein
04.2004 - 12.2018
- Lectured 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students in Sign Language Acquisition, Sign Language Linguistics & Deaf Studies.
- Presented research paper on the importance of Deaf culture and history in South African Sign Language curriculum at the Linguistics Society of Southern Africa conference, University of Stellenbosch, July 2013, contributing to broader understanding of cultural integration in language education.
- Presented findings on assessing additional langSign Language at combined the Linguistics Society of uage competence through a case study of South African Southern Africa and Southern African Applied Linguistics Association conference, University of the Western Cape, July 2016, promoting discourse on language assessment methods.
- Presented a poster presentation on The Productivity of SASL Devices used in SASL to Coin New Lexical Items at the Linguistics Society of Southern Africa conference held at the International Conference Centre Cape Town in July 2018.
- Developed study guides, designed test and exam questionnaires, and marked scripts using blackboard to enhance student learning outcomes.
General English Literacy Facilitator
University of the Free State
Qwaqwa
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Delivered GENL module, engaging students in critical literacy skills.
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Assessed student assignments, providing constructive feedback to enhance learning.
- Provided mentorship to students to support their academic goals
Consultant at the Write Site
University of the Free State
Qwa Qwa
08.2015 - 12.2016
- Guided students in developing academic writing skills to enhance clarity and coherence in their work.
Speech Therapy Private Practice
self employed
01.1998 - 12.2012
- Evaluated and remediated communication disorders in children, enhancing auditory perception, articulation, phonology, language, stuttering, apraxia, aphasia, and dysphonia.
- Presented to various organisations on language and auditory perceptual stimulation in pre-schoolers, promoting awareness of early intervention strategies.
- Lectured postgraduate students in Education at the University of the Free State on speech therapist's role in school environments, fostering understanding of therapeutic practices.
- Liaised with psychologists, remedial teachers, occupational therapists, doctors, neurologists and teachers.
- Wrote short articles on speech, language and auditory perception stimulation for schools.
- Managed administrative tasks including document organisation and scheduling
Senior Speech Therapist and Audiologist
Child Guidance Clinic
Bloemfontein
01.1994 - 12.1997
- Evaluated and remediated the following communication disorders in children: Auditory perception, Articulation, Phonology, Language, Stuttering.
- Presented practical demonstrations of language and auditory perception stimulation at pre-schools, improving early intervention strategies for children.
- Trained teachers from disadvantaged schools to identify communication disorders and provide stimulation guidelines.
- Co-presented workshop on auditory perception, enhancing knowledge of remedial teachers.
- Led Free State Speech Therapists and Audiologists as chairperson.
- Addressed the Association for Occupational Therapists in Private Practice on auditory perception.
- Addressed the Remedial Advisors of the Free State Education Department on auditory perception.
- Compiled 'Support Services Training Program' and 'Hulp Opleidingsprogram' manuals to support educators in addressing communication disorders.
Education
In service training - Simultaneous Conference interpreter specialising in Higher Education
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein01-2006
Masters Degree - Language Studies (Linguistics)
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein01-2004
Honours Degree - Speech Therapy and Audiology
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch01-1993
Grade 12 -
Convent of St. Agnes
Welkom01-1989
Skills
- Curriculum implementation
- Lesson planning
- Learner assessment
- Differentiated instruction
- Educational technology
- Facilitator coordination
- Reading and writing instruction
- Time management and organisation
- Public speaking
- Interpersonal communication
- Multilingual communication
Languages
- Afrikaans
- English
- German
- South African SignLanguage
Hobbies and interests
- Outside of work, I enjoy reading, spending time in nature, swimming, gardening, and creative pursuits, particularly making decorative cement crafts and adding creative touches to family celebrations.
Sport
- I enjoy swimming, walking and playing the odd game of social tennis
References
- Mrs Elani Boshoff
University of the Free State
BoshoffE@ufs.ac.za
082 661 2222
- Mrs A le Roux : Lecturer: South African Sign Language
University of the Free State
VanAsA1@ufs.ac.za
076 760 5355
- Prof C Tsotestsi : Campus Vice-Principal: Academic And Research.
University of the Free State Qwa Qwa Campus
TsotetsiCT@ufs.ac.za
058 718 5109
Timeline
Lecturer / Researcher Academic Literacy Coordinator
University of the Free State
08.2022 - Current
Academic Literacy Facilitator (part-time)
University of the Free State
01.2020 - 07.2022
Lecturer: South African Sign Language (part-time)
University of the Free State
01.2019 - 12.2023
SASL CAPS national training team consultant (part-
Department of Basic Education
01.2016 - Current
General English Literacy Facilitator
University of the Free State
01.2016 - 12.2016
Consultant at the Write Site
University of the Free State
08.2015 - 12.2016
Lecturer: South African Sign Language (part-time)
University of the Free State
04.2004 - 12.2018
Speech Therapy Private Practice
self employed
01.1998 - 12.2012
Senior Speech Therapist and Audiologist
Child Guidance Clinic
01.1994 - 12.1997
In service training - Simultaneous Conference interpreter specialising in Higher Education
University of the Free State
Masters Degree - Language Studies (Linguistics)
University of the Free State
Honours Degree - Speech Therapy and Audiology
University of Stellenbosch
Grade 12 -
Convent of St. Agnes