Student Support at TEEC
Study by Extension
Extension study means that the student is living, working and learning in a specific local context where they are also involved in their local church community, however they are engaged with studies that are administered from a central venue.
Do I need to visit the College or attend lectures?
No, you don’t. As a distance-mode institution the College is set up to work with students remotely, and that also applies to students who happen to live a little closer to our offices. In this way all students can equally access the resources and channels that the College provides in support of all its students.
Your course content will lead you through the study process – whether with study materials delivered to you or through an online platform. Your course material is where your primary learning will happen, and then you will be asked to express what you have learned in some practical way in your local context.
Reflecting on your learning, and on what you experience in the set tasks, is an important part of the journey of preparation for ministry. Most courses will require you to keep a personal journal – that is a good discipline that will serve you through your years of study.
Your marker
For each course you sign up for on an accredited programme you will be linked to a specific person who will be your marker on that course. Their contact details are provided on your Confirmation of Registration Letter for the year of study.
Markers are working or retired people who contract with the College in each academic year to assess students on particular courses. Contact your marker for assistance or guidance as you prepare for your assignment tasks. Your programme Study Aid explains in more detail how the relationship between student and marker works best.
Your minister and local community
TEEC students study in context. While you do the same course work as other students across the country, you are implementing and reflecting on your studies within your own church or local context. Some tasks need to be carried out in the your local context or congregation.
You need to be in conversation with your minister or local church leaders about your studies. Especially where this may involve practical work. These are people who are also able to be supportive of you on your study and ministry journey.
Identify those in your local congregation who are mature in their faith or involved in various forms of ministry or leadership – such people are a wealth of wisdom, encouragement and support. Introduce yourself, explain what you are studying, and ask if you can engage with them from time to time in conversation and prayer – don’t impose yourself, but do benefit and learn from their experience and insights.
Connecting with other students
Traditionally students have gathered together in regions for face-to-face conversations, meetings and tutorials. You are welcome to request a student list for your region where there are students doing the same course that you are.
Do note that we can only share student contact information where students have indicated on their application that they are willing for their contact information to be shared.
Students on online courses are working and studying on a platform where the technology better facilitates engagement between those involved with the course.
We are working with our developer to build further channels where students on the same course (but using printed study materials) can engage with each other – but this will be right across the student body and not limited to a region. This approach also needs to be cognizant of POPIA requirements and student consent. We expect to roll this out by Easter 2024, and will inform students once the facility is ready.
Student support from your denomination
Churches will often organise events and meetings for those involved in studies, or who are preparing for particular categories of ministry. Check with your own church leaders if they are aware of such events. Also contact your denomination office to find out what they are doing for students and ask whether you can participate.
Even if you are the lone TEEC student in such a gathering, it is still an important place for fellowship and mutual support, for prayer and wisdom in shared conversation. If events like retreats or quiet-days are available, make use of them – preparation for ministry is not simply about books and assignments.
Participating in denominational groups will also help keep you accountable, and will give you the push you need when you feel that things are too tough, and you’re thinking of giving up!
Student testimony
Be encouraged by the testimony of a graduating student
Study resources
Course or programme related resources will be included with your course materials.
Resources here are of a general nature, and might also be the electronic version of a resource originally issued in hardcopy.
Study Aids
A Study Aid relevant to your programme was issued with your original registration or made available at the start of your online studies. The documents linked here are the most up-to-date electronic versions of the same documents.
Study Aids also give guidance for the formats to be used in answering assignment tasks. The assignment question will direct you concerning the formats to be used. This includes guidance on how to write an essay.
Study Aids also explore the various forms of student support available to students as they work on assignments and work through course content.
Exegesis booklet
Courses requiring work with biblical texts will require you to use the Exegesis booklet. This is issued the first time for such a course. It is not reissued on subsequent courses, so continue to use the booklet originally issued.
Should you lose that booklet it is easier to download the electronic version here than to have another copy reissued.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
We have a page dedicated to answering the questions that inquirers and students ask quite often. Use the link below to go there directly.