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)

Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700
Poster Presentation Time: 1500-1600; 1700-1800

Oral Presentation Venue: Camomile Room, Lower Level II
Poster Presentation Venue: D2, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Ms Hong Ching CHAN, Senior Curriculum Development Officer, Centre for Advancement of Chinese Language Education and Research, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong

– Ms Hongyun DENG, Research Manager, Centre for Advancement of Chinese Language Education and Research, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Empowering ethnic-minority students’ learning of writing is essential to students’ development in school and beyond. The advent of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has accelerated the transformation of education systems, providing new possibilities for addressing their challenges. Guided by the writing process theory, social constructivism, and self-regulated learning, this study proposes the WISE framework, comprising four key components: Write, Investigate, Synthesize, and Evaluate. It also reports on qualitative research, incorporating participant observation and content analysis, on WISE’s implementation among 10 ethnic-minority students in three primary schools in Hong Kong. The results suggest that this framework can systematically support students’ writing abilities in terms of 1) enriching vocabulary and language usage, 2) improving quality and depth of writing content, 3) enhancing writing structures and creativity, and 4) strengthening critical thinking.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Diversity and Inclusion Education

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Angela LI, Associate Professor, Division of Science, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College

– Dr Monica CHOW, Project Manager, Division of Science, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Tung Wah College

Abstract

Aiming to enhance the job-readiness of our students, an electronic teaching and learning kit for job-ready skill training (e-JR kit) is developed. This e-JR kit consists of three teaching modules that cover the topics of core skills needed for a paraprofessional job as a clinical assistant, including Module 1 Communication skills in the workplace, Module 2 safety and ethical issues in the workplace and Module 3 professional skills in the workplace. The regular industry involvement is a key feature of this e-JR kit project. Different industry stakeholders are continuously consulted, help with the design of real workplace scenarios, and give feedback on the effectiveness of the training. To accommodate the learning preferences of the current generation of students, the content of this e-JR kit is presented in bite-sized topics, such as case scenarios, short videos and small quizzes, and the design is highly visual and interactive. This well-designed kit will help students integrate their skills before employment, and to equip them with skills for a range of possible scenarios in the workplace. To promote the use of the e-JR kit, the completed kit will be shared with other local institutions and our industry partners in the pre-job training of their students and new staff.

Theme: 1: Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: Quality Education Fund (QEF), and Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS)

Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Fanling Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Professor Rick KWAN, Associate Dean (Programme) & Professor, School of Nursing, Tung Wah College

Abstract

In the professionalisation of healthcare services, many healthcare professions emerged. These healthcare professions become highly specialised to care for specific health issues, although their common goal is to promote human health. In the era of the increasing complexity of diseases and health issues, knowledge from a specific profession might not suffice to solve the complex health issues of humans. However, the knowledge generated from different healthcare professions may conflict. As a result, the healthcare plans including inputs from various healthcare professions lead to incongruent treatment practices. The derived conflicts jeopardize the health outcomes of people. Interprofessional education (IPE) occurs when (learners) from two or more professions learn about, from and with each other to enable effective collaboration and health outcomes. IPE is a necessary step in preparing a “collaborative practice-ready” health workforce that is better prepared to respond to local health needs. Tung Wah College offers training for the second-largest number of healthcare professionals in Hong Kong, including nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiotherapy, and medical laboratory science. These programmes are all accredited by the related professional regulating bodies in Hong Kong. However, interprofessional education is not a mandatory training requirement stipulated by these professional regulating bodies. Since 2023, TWC developed a Community of Practice of Healthcare Professional Health Education. We work closely together to share a common goal of strengthening interprofessional healthcare teamwork through integrated education across programmes.

Theme: 2: Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Community of Practice (CoP)

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Ms Nancy TING, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education

– Ms Mary Ann HOOD, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education

Abstract

The transition from kindergarten to primary school is an important time for children and parents. In addition, starting primary school is a significant milestone for children as the teaching and learning experiences, curriculum and classroom environment are markedly different to the kindergarten. For example, there are new rules and expectations to get used to. Coping well and adjusting to the changes is important and a successful start to primary school is associated with future learning success in school. The overall Kindergarten to Primary (K2P) project objective is to overcome stress brought by the K2P transition; provide a solid foundation for primary school stage and promote child readiness for school and school readiness for child and family. The project has four objectives that focus inter alia on the students, their parents, and in-service and pre-service teachers. This presentation will focus on objective 1 which is to equip students with a positive mindset and readiness for the new learning environment using a multi-step approach. This approach includes implementing lesson plans and home activities to develop and support children’s acquisition of 7 specific skillsets, namely Cognitive skills, Independent thinking, Collaborative learning, Empathetic thinking, Social-emotional skills/understanding challenges, Communication skills and Authority in learning.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Whole-person Development & Diversity and Inclusion Education

Poster Presentation Time: 1225-1400; 1500-1600

Venue: G3, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Professor Fraide A. Jr GANOTICE, Assistant Professor, Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Disciplinary silos often perpetuate hierarchical relationships and competition, creating a significant barrier to teamwork and collaboration in healthcare. Students who are exclusively trained within the confines of their discipline and university miss out on opportunities to develop the interprofessional competencies necessary for managing complex medical conditions of patients. Therefore, cross-institutional interprofessional education is crucial to promote the sharing of expertise among professionals from different universities and to prepare students for clinical practice. This presentation will highlight the significant achievements of the project titled “Promoting cross-institutional collaboration through interprofessional education: Forging alliances in healthcare education.” Initiated by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in partnership with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), this innovative project aims to break down educational silos and foster interprofessional competencies among healthcare students. The project’s core objective is to enhance patient-centered care by developing and implementing a model of interprofessional education that integrates various healthcare disciplines. Throughout the four phases of the project—Program Development, Pilot Testing, Actual Implementation, and Evaluation and Dissemination—numerous achievements have been documented. These include the successful integration of interprofessional education into the curricula, enhanced collaborative competencies among students. The project also pioneered the development of an evidence-based cross-institutional IPE Model, setting a benchmark for future educational endeavors in the healthcare sector. This presentation will delve into the methodologies employed, the collaborative initiatives between HKU and PolyU, and the positive impact on healthcare education highlighted by reduced medical errors and improved healthcare outcomes. By showcasing these achievements, the session aims to inspire continued progress in interprofessional education and collaboration across healthcare institutions globally.

Theme: 1: Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.1  Teaching Development and Language Enhancement Grant (TDLEG)

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Camomile Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Professor Michael BOTELHO, Clinical Professor, Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong

– Ms Trinity JIAO, HKU SaP CoP Project Coordinator, Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong

Abstract

The “Students as Partners (SaP)” support framework fosters active interdisciplinary collaboration. Key initiatives undertaken by the Students as Partners Community of Practice (SaP CoP) involve organizing seminar-sharing sessions, hosting internal CoP meetings, and conducting formal consultation sessions for those initiating SaP projects. These efforts offer valuable learning opportunities and continuous support for both educators and students. At HKU, the SaP CoP has developed a Scope, Process, and Levels framework for SaP activities. In partnership with TALIC, the SaP CoP has established a dedicated webpage and featured it in the HKU bulletin. These initiatives have been well-received by students and staff alike, providing meaningful experiences and practical guidelines that significantly contribute to their learning and engagement journey.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: Teaching Development and Language Enhancement