Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Pui Pui Phoebe CHEUNG, Assistant Professor (Occupational Therapy), Academic Team, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education

– Dr Anna Aracelly OLGUIN, Assistant Professor, Academic Team, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education

Abstract

The United Nation Convention on the Rights of Child (UNCRC 1989) ensures the right of all children to have their basic needs taken care of, to be protected at all times, and to participate in decisions that will affect their lives. Unfortunately, millions of children around the world are deprived of these rights. As countries adopt, adapt, and uphold Child’s Rights and Protection protocols, there is a palpable need for information. Practices such as mandated reporting, enacted as law in some Western countries since the 1960’s, are now making their way to places in Hong Kong and teachers will be accountable to report. This presentation has dual objectives. One is to understand pre-service teachers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding child rights and protection pre and post course taking utilizing a co-design thinking approach. The second objective is to share information about a project aiming at co-constructing a culturally relevant Child’s Rights and Protection educational framework with parents who are Ethnic Minorities and/or parents of Special Education Needs children. From these perspectives, the knowledge and attitudes about child rights & protection among the preservice teachers and the voice of the caregivers are of immense importance towards the wellbeing of children in vulnerable populations.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

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

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: 1600-1700

Venue: Peony Room, Lower Level II

Presenters(s)

– Dr Joseph Yui-yip LAU, Interim Head of Student Affairs and Senior Lecturer, Division of Business and Hospitality Management, College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Abstract

A large number of students enrolled in sub-degree programmes and self-financing degree programmes in self-financing post-secondary institutions each year. As such, self-financing post-secondary institutions perform a significant role in the higher education sector in Hong Kong. To the best of the author’s knowledge, most of the students are eager to achieve whole-person development to equip themselves before graduation. In other words, they strive toward becoming a preferred graduate to establish a career path or articulate to the ‘desirable’ universities for further study. This study illustrates the Student Affairs Office to address the key challenges of developing whole person development programme, deliver successful cases of the formation of a structured whole-person development programme, and point out the roadmap to the future whole-person development programme in the forthcoming years. As expected, the study may provide valuable insights to policymakers, educators, higher education institutions, and researchers to develop a future research agenda and policy.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

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

Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500

Venue: Rose Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Ronnie SHROFF, Principal Project Fellow, Teaching and Learning Centre, Lingnan University

Abstract

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University Grants Committee (UGC) and the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) allocated dedicated funding to support the strategic long-term development of virtual teaching and learning (VTL) in Hong Kong’s eight UGC-funded universities. Lingnan University, as the lead institution of a consortium of six participating universities, secured funding to establish benchmarking practices and quality assurance standards on VTL that reference internationally accepted standards within the local context. This project aims to strengthen institutional capabilities and enhance the quality of VTL provision, including online teaching and learning, distance education delivery, and technology-enhanced learning. The project involves collaboration and funding from The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the City University of Hong Kong, as well as in-kind support from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The primary objective of this project is to establish a shared quality assurance framework and standards for online learning and teaching that align with local and global standards. By adopting a collaborative approach, this project seeks to enhance the quality of VTL as a key strategic focus area of institutional development and performance improvement. This presentation will provide an overview of the project’s key objectives, methodology and outcomes. It will also discuss the challenges encountered and lessons learned in developing quality assurance and benchmarking standards for VTL across universities. Finally, the presentation will conclude with recommendations for future collaborations to enhance the quality of VTL provision within the Hong Kong higher education context.

Theme: 1. Showcase Project Achievements

Sub-theme: Strategic Development of Virtual Teaching and Learning (VTL)

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

Oral Presentation Time: 1600-1700

Venue: Camomile Room, Lower Level II

Presenter(s)

– Dr Chloe Pui Yee SIU, Senior Lecturer, School of Graduate Studies and Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University

Abstract

Gerontechnology is a multidisciplinary field combining gerontology and technology, it comes matching technological environments to various facets of an ageing population. With the development of technologies, the HKSAR Government and different enterprises develop innovative products to cater for the needs of older adults and caregivers. It is arguably essential to develop opportunities and capabilities by creating a gerontechnology ecosystem with innovation to enable different stakeholders to effectively participate in gerontechnology and help Hong Kong society to overcome challenges related to population ageing. Since 2019, Lingnan University has been at the forefront of promoting gerontechnology through its “Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing in Place Project.” The project’s primary goal is to advocate for the use of gerontechnology in facilitating smart ageing and to support the development of social entrepreneurship in this field. Furthermore, it functions as an educational platform, offering training courses and workshops on various aspects of gerontechnology, including healthcare, dining, living, transport, exercising, and learning. An essential component of LU’s approach is its emphasis on the value co-creation process, as outlined by Kijima et al. (2014). This model comprises four phases: co-experience, co-definition, co-elevation, and co-development. It provides a framework for understanding how value is generated, exchanged, and transformed through the collaboration of diverse stakeholders. This process is crucial for fostering innovation and ultimately leading to sustainable solutions for smart ageing.

Theme: 2. Thematic Exploration

Sub-theme: Diversity and Inclusion Education