Date & Time 

27 August 2024 (Tuesday), 10:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. (HKT)

*All the materials below are available to CUHK staff only and shared through OneDrive.

Speaker: Prof. Jiaxiu CAI, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Topic: Pedagogic Research as a Methodology to Integrate Design Education and Design Research

Abstract: The presentation will firstly give a brief introduction of the TDLEG project entitled Design Methodologies as Teaching Strategies for the International Collaborative Design Studios in the Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay Area. Then one of the courses is used to explain how to integrate design education and research, how design research can challenge the conventional design education, and how students can play a role in the design research.

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Speaker: Dr. Alex KOON, Senior Lecturer, School of Life Sciences; Assistant Director, Cell and Molecular Biology Programme (CMB), The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Topic: Let the Smile Be the Enhancing Factor: A Systematised Humour Pedagogical Approach

Abstract: Humour is a common trait of many successful teachers. However, not every teacher is humorous, and not every humour used in the classroom is beneficial to learning. To overcome these challenges, we developed a “Planned Humour Incorporation System for Teaching and Learning Enhancement” (PHISTLE). The system standardised the types of humour, modes of incorporation and frequency of humourous contents in lecture PowerPoints to ensure positive outcomes that are both predictable and replicable. We evaluated the effect of this planned humour approach on student learning in five major universities in Hong Kong across three disciplines (life sciences, language and corporate communication) using retrospective pre-post questionnaires. We found a positive correlation between the students’ identification with the teachers’ teaching style (ITS) and the students’ changes in competence, personal attributes and future behaviours. Further investigation using semi-structured interviews revealed our planned humour to be a key factor in the ITS, which assisted in the students’ understanding and memorization of the topics taught. Our results indicate that our planned humour pedagogical approach can consistently improve student learning in a cross-disciplinary manner.

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Speaker: Dr. Kendrew MAK, Principal Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Topic: Innovative Approaches to Addressing Student Learning Needs in a Diverse, Ever-Changing Environment: A Teaching Development Perspective

Abstract: Funding from TDLEG and similar sources provides essential resources and valuable opportunities for teachers to explore innovative strategies and implement new ideas. These efforts aim to promote effective learning and address the diverse and ever-evolving learning needs of students. The success of a teaching development project largely hinges on its ability to meet the fundamental learning needs of students through an effective strategy, efficient implementation, and timely response. Collaborations with peer teachers, both within and beyond the University, can expand the number of beneficiary students and optimize the design and implementation of the developments. In this talk, I will share some of the teaching development projects that I have undertaken in recent years. I will highlight the importance of aligning strategic designs with the ever-changing learning needs of students in various situations. Additionally, I will underscore the significance of a favorable combination of opportune timing, advantageous circumstances, and harmonious relationships in the design and implementation of developments.

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Speaker: Dr. SZETO Wai Man, Lecturer, The Office of University General Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Topic: From Teaching Projects to Research Outputs: A Case in Peer Learning

Abstract: This talk explores the transition from teaching projects to research outputs, with examples from peer learning and other fields. It highlights the importance of research outputs in educational settings, emphasizing their role in informed decision-making, evidence-based practice, and professional development. Key challenges in conducting pedagogical research are addressed, including unfamiliarity with educational research methodologies and time constraints. The presentation offers practical solutions, such as utilizing accessible resources, seeking consultation services, and fostering various forms of collaboration. By starting with manageable research methods and gradually progressing to more rigorous studies, the transition process may be more attainable than initially thought.

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Speaker: Dr. John WRIGHT, Senior Lecturer, Department of Statistics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Topic: Stats4RPgs - Iessons from a Work in Progress

Abstract: Jointly run by members of staff from CLEAR and the Department of Statistics, Stats4RPgs is a TnL project which aims to train CUHK Statistics MPhils and PhDs to give useful workshops on various statistical topics to CUHK postgrads who lack such knowledge. Think of a medical researcher who has read that Kaplan-Meier curves may be applicable to her data but doesn’t know where to start – our forthcoming hands-on workshop on Survival Analysis might appeal to her. As Stats4RPgs nears the end of its second Phase, we’ll summarize some of the methods used, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

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