Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Fanling Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Esther TONG, Principal Lecturer, Division Head, Divisions of Language and Communications, College of Professional Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Professor Roger CHAN, Division Head, Divisions of Social Sciences, Humanities and Design, College of Professional Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Abstract

Effective Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) praxis relies on the sustained efforts of members of the interdisciplinary community of practice in fostering shared aspirations in pedagogical improvement, developing awareness of a content-language link, sharing resources and practices, and co-constructing understanding of disciplinarity. Responding to the need to align higher education assessments with the real-world communication and professional requirements, faculty members across the College are summoned to redesign the assessments of language and disciplinary practices. While previous studies on integrated assessment of language and disciplinary content focus on the validity, reliability and teacher belief-practice dichotomy (Attar et. al, 2022; Lo & Leung, 2022; Otto, 2018), this paper explores the essence of successful Professional Communities of Practice (PCoP). Sustainable practices and challenges associated with co-designing integrated content and language assessments in business and social sciences disciplines will be explored. It positions CLIL assessment as a collaborative provision. The first part details the associated practices of a collaborative model in an adjunct English-across-the-curriculum project. The second part highlights the impactful dialogues within a social enterprise business idea pitching competition organised to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in a professional learning community. Recommendations for optimising collaboration and maximising the participatory impact of interdisciplinary communities of practice in higher education contexts will be shared.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Community of Practice (CoP)

Poster Presentation Time: 1500-1600; 1700-1800

Venue: B1, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Miss Eunice Yuen Man CHAU, Senior Research Assistant, Department of Geography, Asian Energy Studies Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University

– Mr Andy Wei Hei SIU, Senior Research Assistant, MPhil student, Department of Geography, Asian Energy Studies Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University

Abstract

In this digital era, the learning model of higher education students has been reshaping due to emerging social structures and technological forces in a smart society, alongside the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous research has shown that there are several barriers to the implementation of research-based learning and teaching (RBLT) from the perspective of both students and teachers that are insufficient to cope with the changes in the present, and community-based learning that utilises the community as living laboratories seems to be a feasible solution. This research aims to develop a novel model of RBLT, adopting a train-the-trainer approach for over 70 student interns across local universities, and establishing a five-tiered organisational structure to comprehensively evaluate their positive changes in all sub-themes in Cognitive (knowledge-based), Psychomotor (action-based), and Affective (emotion-based) domains. Research data were collected from more than 70 events supported by trained student interns serving over 2,000 participants in our four research communities and partner schools. The research indicated that the impact of the model of community-based RBLT went beyond enhanced teaching and learning effectiveness for students and teachers. The combination of online and physical learning experiences also created synergies between learning and teaching.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: 2.1 Community of Practice (CoP)

Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Rose Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Hazel CHEN, Lecturer, Division of Languages and Communications, College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Dr Doreen TSE, Senior Lecturer, Division of Business and Hospitality Management, College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Abstract

LCS4573 Teaching Primary School Students English as a Service-Learning Experience is a subject offered by the Division of Languages and Communication at CPCE PolyU in partnership with the New Home Association. Since Semester 1 of 2021, more than 50 students majoring in Language and Professional Communication have participated in the project, accumulating 6,000 service hours and benefiting over 350 primary school children and their families in Sham Shui Po and Tin Shui Wai in Hong Kong. The project involves English tutoring for P1-P3 children from underprivileged and new immigrant families. This presentation focuses on three areas of improvement achieved through the students’ enthusiastic contribution and involvement. Firstly, students’ English literacy and public speaking skills were enhanced as they became more aware of their own language level, grammar, lexicon, and pronunciation through content preparation. Secondly, students’ pedagogical innovation skills and confidence were developed as they explored new teaching methods. Thirdly, students gained an in-depth understanding of the education resources disparity in Hong Kong and formed emotional bonds with the children. This presentation will showcase LCS4573 as a prime example of community engagement learning and the positive impact it has had on CPCE students, the primary school children, and the local community.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Community Engaged Learning & Community of Practice (CoP)

Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Camomile Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Cissy LI, Head, Language Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University

Abstract

Based on the UN’s 2030 Framework, global citizenship education (GCE) aims to develop learners’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary to become active and responsible global citizens (Reimers et al., 2016). In order to become a successful global citizen, learners need to be aware of the interconnectedness of the world, respectful of diversity, reflective of personal and others’ behaviors and their impact, and committed to sustainability. More importantly, they need to be willing to take action to make changes for a better world. This presentation will report on the implementation and outcomes of part of the project Nurturing Global Citizenship through English (NGCE) using Kolb’s experiential learning framework. GCE guided learning in the ESL classroom was complemented with abundant GCE opportunities outside the classroom, including global dialogues, field trips and poster-exhibitions. Findings from questionnaire surveys and focus group interviews indicate that students had a heightened awareness of global citizenship and perceived improvements in cognitive, socio-emotional and behavioral competencies, which are the three core domains in GCE identified by UNESCO (2015). The positive outcomes highlight the benefits of integrating GCE into the English language curriculum and fostering diversity, inclusion, and international learning.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Diversity and Inclusion Education

Poster Presentation Time: 1500-1600; 1700-1800

Venue: E1, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Bess Yue WANG, Senior Lecturer, Department of Journalism, School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University

– Dr Angela Dan WANG, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism, School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University

Abstract

The proposed course equips students with cutting-edge skills in AI and cloud-based solutions to address real-world media management challenges faced by NGOs. Through a dynamic, experiential learning approach, students will become digitally competent, industry-ready, and socially responsible professionals. Partnering with the Institute of Endurance Science and Technology (IEST) and Huawei, the course offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between technological expertise and social impact. Students will gain hands-on experience by developing cloud-based solutions for IEST’s data management, publicity, and digital governance needs. The curriculum emphasizes: 1. Understanding NGO media challenges and translating them into practical cloud-based solutions. 2. Utilizing Huawei’s cloud infrastructure and receiving expert training from their engineers. 3. Developing a comprehensive cloud solution proposal addressing a real-world problem faced by IEST. Student competency will be assessed through a Huawei Cloud Practitioner certification exam and a final project proposal evaluated by industry experts and IEST. This ensures the learning experience is not only relevant but also potentially impactful, with successful proposals considered for adoption by IEST. This course exemplifies the power of technology in driving positive social change while providing students with invaluable skills for the future.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: 2.3  Community Engaged Learning