Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Fanling Room, Lower Level I

Presenter(s)

– Professor Carmen WONG, Assistant Dean (Faculty Development) and Clinical Professional Consultant, The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Many industries have adopted design thinking as a powerful approach to problem-solving and innovation. A Community of Practice on Design Thinking can enhance experience sharing, ideas development and collectively enrich design thinking capabilities. For educators this can facilitate sharing of curricula concerns and problems, topical interests, and deepen their knowledge and experience of design thinking in education. The HKTEA Design Thinking Community of Practice in Higher Education was established in November 2023. The presentation aims to explore the process and challenges of setting up a community of practice on design thinking within the education arena. The session will begin by providing an overview of community of practice and design thinking considerations. The journey in setting up the Design Thinking community of practice from developing design thinking educational resources, exploring educator challenges in different institutions and disciplines and fostering network and exchange will be discussed. Key steps involved in establishing a community of practice and ongoing development will be highlighted. Attendees will be equipped with practical insights and actionable strategies to initiate and nurture a community of practice in their own and/or across institutions.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Community of Practice (CoP)

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: 1400-1500

Venue: Camomile Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Professor Adam FINGRUT, Director, Master of Architecture Programme, School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Design thinking methods are critical for architecture students as they provide a framework for human-centered and iterative problem-solving. This approach encourages students to empathize with the users of their designs, define the problem, ideate potential solutions, create prototypes, and test their ideas in real-world settings. By adopting an iterative approach toward full-scale prototyping of built projects, architecture students can gain valuable experience developing sustainable designs that consider the most efficient use of materials. The importance of prototyping with advanced tools to architecture students cannot be overstated in the context of STEAM-based higher education in Hong Kong. Using contemporary tools has become an integral part of the design process, and students must be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to utilize them effectively. This project considers design thinking and STEAM-based methods as essentials for architecture students as they provide a framework for developing sustainable and efficient designs. It adopts a peer learning pedagogy that promotes collaboration, mutual support, and knowledge sharing among students, which can enhance their academic and personal growth.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: Teaching Development and Language Enhancement

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Ms Carrie Ka Yee CHENG, Head of Academic Programmes (Full-time), School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Encompassing 20 Virtual Reality (VR) simulations across 15 academic disciplines for pre-internship training, InternVision – a dual platform of a VR head-mounted display system and a mobile application (app), is developed and launched for enhancing the work-readiness of all full-time students at School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUSCS). InternVision envisages to be an ingenious and resourceful platform with interactive contents of real-life workplace scenarios for elevating job competency, enhancing professional related concepts, reactions and decision making at internships, and thus formulating an insightful immersive experience for empowering learners to a multitude of careers. This oral presentation endeavours to share ideas and success factors on how InternVision is designed, constituted and operated in line with our expected high effectiveness and promising satisfaction. Via seamlessly integrating technologies at the VR system and appending with its user-friendly mobile app, InternVision brings forth greater flexibility, confidence and motivation for students to gear up for their internships and maneuver their learning more freely beyond time and location constraints. By visualising the simulations, a deeper understanding of their roles regarding their own profession can be yielded for further self-reflection, and hence achieving the intended learning outcomes. InternVision can be framed as a comprehensive and impactful solution for enhancing internship preparation and consolidating student success for a world of future profession.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

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

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