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

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: H3, Tai Po-Shek-O Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Dr Henry Tsz Yeung FUNG, Lecturer cum Programme Director of ORGC Concentration, Communication Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on university students’ learning, necessitating a sudden shift from face-to-face learning to virtual learning. This sudden shift disrupted student-teacher interactions and cut off access to vital resources like libraries and media labs, leaving students scrambling in an unfamiliar digital landscape. Recognizing the need for accessible learning tools in these uncertain times, this study centres on the curation of a digital video archive featuring exemplary student works to facilitate peer-to-peer learning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifty high-achieving students majoring in communication were invited to discuss their learning experiences and the processes involved in creating distinct class projects. These interviews were then turned into thirty short peer-learning videos and stored in a digital archive. The archive was advertised to over 200 students via mass email, in-class promotions, and school web pages during the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters. To gain a better understanding of student engagement with the digital archive as a means of active learning and knowledge construction, three focus group interviews were conducted. Findings reveal that the archive positively impacts student learning by providing an accessible, flexible platform for understanding course materials outside of the traditional classroom setting. This is particularly useful during the add/drop period when students want to learn more about the course before enrolment. Additionally, the peer advice and work samples shared in the videos provide a grounded perspective on instructor expectations, hence enabling students to produce higher-quality work.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: 1.3  Special UGC Grant for Strategic Development of Virtual Teaching and Learning (VTL)