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.

Report on Understanding Experiential Learning– a conversation with Dr. Etienne Wenger-Trayner

Dr. Etienne Wenger-Trayner, a globally recognized thought leader in the field of social learning theory and communities of practice, engaged in a dialogue entitled “Understanding Experiential Learning” with over 50 staff and students on April 25, 2012. Mr John Lin (Department of Architecture), Professor Bennett Yim (School of Business) and Professor Albert Kwan (Department of Civil Engineering) and also joined the session as panelists. The event was part of the Curriculum Reform Seminar Series jointly organized by the Steering Committee on 4-Year Undergraduate Curriculum and the Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL).

Dr. Wenger-Trayner described the three video cases of experiential learning at HKU as “quite moving” because these initiatives align with the social learning theory very well. He was particularly impressed when students talked about how they were being transformed by their learning experience. In the conversation, Dr. Wenger-Trayner also drew the audience into reflecting the assumptions we make about the learner and the learning process. He challenged the audience to think about the institutional implications of bringing about a paradigm shift in our understanding of doing, knowing and learning.

In the panel discussion, the three panelists gave an affirmative response to experiential learning. They shared their insights on how this mode of teaching affords a new way of looking at knowledge and set students off on an adventure where they gradually understand their core values, form their identity, and see the relevance of their profession to the humankind.

Assessing experiential learning workshop

Jointly organized by
the Experiential Learning Assessment Task Force and CETL

Speakers: Dr. Mike Bothelho, Dr. Esther Cheung, Mr. Gwyn Edwards, Prof. David Kember and Dr. Gayle Morris
Date: 30 May, 2012 (Wed)
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Venue: Rm 321 Run Run Shaw Building, HKU

The benefits of experiential learning are widely recognized. Many, though, find it difficult to adequately assess the many diverse outcomes which result from experiential learning.

This workshop presents an adaptable toolkit to guide the selection of assessment components for common forms of outcomes from experiential learning. Participants will be invited to discuss which forms of assessment would suit experiential learning in their discipline. Grade descriptors for forms of assessment suitable for experiential learning will be presented.

Learn more

Understanding Experiential Learning– a conversation with Dr. Etienne Wenger-Trayner

This special seminar is open to all staff and students. Students who have been involved in experiential learning or who are interested are most welcome.

Panelists:
Mr. John Lin, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture
Mr. Peter K.K. Lee, Honorary Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
Professor Bennett Yim, Professor, School of Business

Date: 25 Apr, 2012 (Wed)
Time: 12:45pm – 2:00pm
Venue: Room 321, Run Run Shaw Building, HKU

Learn more and online registration

News Clippings on the Launch Ceremony of the Gallant Ho Experiential Learning Centre

Over 250 staff, students, alumni and friends of HKU attended the launch ceremony of the Gallant Ho Experiential Learning Centre on 19 March 2012. Dr. Gallant Ho, donor of the Centre and an HKU alumnus, and Professor Tsui Lap-chee, Vice-Chancellor and President, officiated at the event. Work done by Faculties was showcased with a video, complemented by a lively sharing session by staff and students.

To learn more about the Centre, please read this brochure or visit the website.

To read the newspaper clippings on the launch, please click here.