Wenger commends HKU’s stride in Experiential Learning

Dr. Etienne Wenger-Trayner, a globally recognized thought leader in the field of social learning theory and communities of practice, commended HKU’s recent efforts to strengthen support for experiential learning in his recent blog post.

Dr. Wenger-Trayner, who visited HKU in late April for a series of events, responded very positively to the different practices in experiential learning at HKU (as showcased in this video). “The initiative organizes learning, not merely as the transmission of a formal curriculum, but as the transformative growth of full human beings as they enter a field,” he wrote.

He also called on institutions around the world to join the effort. “We hope that other institutions around the world will join this ongoing exploration of higher education and the place of the university in the 21st century.”

To maximize the potential and facilitate the implementation of experiential learning at HKU, the Gallant Ho Experiential Learning Centre was established in March 2012 with the generous donation from
Dr Gallant Ho Yiu Tai. To learn more about the goals and duties of the centre, please visit their website.

Common Core: Pushing the boundaries of teaching

The article “Teachers Learn, too, in the Common Core” in the latest issue of the HKU Bulletin features stories about how the Common Core Curriculum changes the way teachers teach and design their courses.

“Previously I taught in a very didactic way – traditional lecture and tutorial, “said Dr Eric Chui, Associate Professor of Social Work who teaches “Youth in a Global World“. With a diverse class mix of students from various disciplines, “I’ve had to go beyond my comfort zone to teach students from different backgrounds, but it’s been a really good experience in terms of my relfections on my teaching.”

Dr Michael Adorjan, Assistant Professor of Sociology who teaches “Cybersocieties: Understanding Technology as Global Change“, credited his students with bringing in new ideas and course content which keep his teaching and research fresh and relevant.

Read more about their experience and learn more about our recent discussions on the Common Core.

ePortfolios as a Tool to Promote Integrative Learning

Organized by
Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL)

Speaker: Dr Candyce Reynolds, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
Date: 20 Jun, 2012 (Wed)
Time: 12:45pm – 2:00pm
Venue: Room 321, Run Run Shaw Building, HKU

Abstract

The use of ePortfolios in American universities has proliferated over the last ten years as administrators and educators have discovered the rich opportunities they provide for both promoting and assessing student learning. Through ePortfolios, students have the opportunity to make connections and more intentionally develop integrative learning. This session will share how ePortfolios are used in a first year common core curriculum program to facilitate student learning and assessment. Staff members who are interested in ways in which students’ learning experience could be documented and tracked will also find this seminar useful.

About the speaker

Candyce Reynolds is an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Education at Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. She teaches primarily in the Postsecondary, Adult, and Continuing Education Program working with students interested in education in all its forms. She has an A.B. in Psychology and Social Welfare from the University of California at Berkeley, USA and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Oregon, USA in Counseling Psychology.

Dr. Reynolds has had a wide variety of experiences in higher education and beyond, working in student affairs, departments of psychology, business and management consultation, general education, a peer mentoring program and in faculty development. Her scholarship has primarily focused on student success in higher education. She is a leader in the area of student centered pedagogy, authentic student learning assessment and the role of reflective practice in facilitating student learning. In recent years, her work has focused on the use of the ePortfolio to promote student learning and program assessment. She has published broadly in higher education books and journals and has made presentations at a variety of venues throughout the USA and internationally.

For details and online registration, please go to:
http://www.cetl.hku.hk/seminar120620/

For enquiries, please contact Ms Ivy Lai by email laichun2@hku.hk.

University Studies: Lessons Learned from an Award-Winning Common Core Curriculum at Portland State University

Jointly Organized by:
Common Core Curriculum Committee &
Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL)

Date: June 22, 2012 (Friday)
Time: 12:45pm – 2pm
Venue: Room 321, Run Run Shaw Building, HKU

Speaker: Dr Candyce Reynolds, Graduate School of Education,
Portland State University

Abstract

Portland State University initiated a new integrated four level common core curriculum in 1994. This session will describe the structure and development of the program and its curricular goals. The session will conclude with a discussion of lesson learned in the process. Similarities and differences between this program and the HKU Common Core Curriculum will be explored and discussed.

About the Speaker

Candyce Reynolds is an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Education at Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA in the department of Educational Leadership and Policy. She teaches primarily in the Postsecondary, Adult, and Continuing Education Program working with students interested in education in all its forms. She has an A.B. in Psychology and Social Welfare from the University of California at Berkeley, USA and an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Oregon, USA in Counseling Psychology.

Dr Reynolds is a leader in the area of student centered pedagogy, authentic student learning assessment and the role of reflective practice in facilitating student learning. In recent years, her work has focused on the use of the ePortfolio to promote student learning and program assessment. She has published broadly in higher education books and journals and has made presentations at a variety of venues throughout the USA and internationally.

Light refreshments will be served.

All are welcome. For registration, please visit:
http://www.cetl.hku.hk/seminar120622/

For enquiries, please contact:
Ms Emily Chan by email chiting@hku.hk