The learner as a client

Institutions of higher learning such as universities and Technikon's are primarily dedicated to learning and the furtherance of understanding. These institutions have as their client, a community of learners (students). A community of learners therefore refers to the way in which education, research, human relations, curriculum development, academic support services programmes, administration and development attended to and managed within a framework of learning and the willingness to learn. Academic staff, students, administrative and professional staff and management all play their part in enhancing the learning community. The behaviour of such a community is based on principles and guidelines determined by productive learning. Examples include: respect for another's view, candour and expectancy of candour, careful listing, postponing judgement, open-mindedness, flexibility and persistence. Learner diversity thus is addressed from an academic viewpoint, implying that this phenomenon (learners diversity) can be accommodated through participative, purposeful and proactive cultivation of a community of learners.