Harness the Power of Student-Staff Partnership when Designing an International Service-Learning Project
Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700
Venue: Rose Room, Lower Level I
Presenter(s)
– Dr Thomas LEE, Associate Professor and Associate Head (Academic) Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
– Dr Hin Chung LAU, Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader (BSc), and Assistant Dean (Student Development) of Faculty of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
– Ms Jessie KAR, Instructor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
– Ms Rahat BATOOL, Student, Educational Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
– Mr Mitesh PATEL, Educational Development Officer, Educational Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
– Mr Leo CHON, Assistant Educational Development Officer II, Educational Development Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
Abstract
Students in Hong Kong have generally been perceived as passive learners, with limited opportunities for active involvement in the development of educational experiences. Here, we would like to showcase the untapped potential of students as co-creators in subject development. By harnessing the power of Student-Staff Partnership (SSP), teachers can unlock the full potential of students, creating a dynamic and enriched learning environment that benefits both the students involved and future cohorts. This presentation explores a practical approach to harnessing the power of SSP in the co-creation of an international service-learning (SL) project. The teachers encountered difficulties in adapting original local SL project to overseas because of resources limitations. By inviting students who studied the same subject in the previous year, with outstanding performance into the decision-making processes for the next cohort, this model encourages students to contribute their unique insights and ideas in redesigning the SL project. With the students’ first-hand experience and thorough understanding of the subject’s intended learning outcomes, their contribution can make the subject more impactful and aligned with the needs of students. Not only does this approach benefit the teachers by providing a deeper understanding of student needs, but it also fosters students’ personal growth and leadership development.