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1
OBTL prepares CityU for the new four-year undergraduate curriculum
Victor FungEditor-in-Chief
Outcomes Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) is a major initiative of the University. Three teachers who have pioneered the implementation of OBTL share their views and experience with us about this new approach
that aims to nurture ideal graduates – competent professionals who combine rich professional knowledge with the broader skills and poise required for career success and leadership in the community (page 24).
The robotic industry is predicted to develop in much the same way as the computer technology, which will bring about fundamental changes to contemporary lifestyles. Our cover story features the researches and developments carried out by CityU academics in the last twenty years. While Dr Sun Dong, Dr Tam Hon-yuen, Dr Luk Bing-lam and Dr Robin Sarah Bradbeer teach in different departments, they have one common interest — robots, whether they are service robots, robots for the micro bio-world, underwater robots or humanoid robots (page 10).
University development is inseparable from the support of its alumni. Mr Andrew Fan Ka-fai, an alumnus and Chairman of the Convocation, talks about the philosophy behind the Convocation and his plans to unite alumni to support CityU development (page 18). Alumni’s contribution to the continuing development of the University is further showcased in the appointment of Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung, a graduate of the BA (Hons) in Accountancy, to the University Council (page 4).
Student athletes, meanwhile, exemplify with their personal experience how they manage to find a balance between academic studies and sports and how the can-do spirit nurtured through sports training can be applied to other areas of their student life (page 30).
In June, CityU welcomed the visits of the newly-appointed UGC Chairman the Hon Mrs Laura Cha and the RGC delegation led by Professor Roland Chin Tai-hong. Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki, Acting President, reiterated in his welcoming speech the University’s commitment in providing professional education and carrying out applied research and outlined the idea of grouping subjects into “constellations”, integrating various disciplines in preparation for the four-year undergraduate curriculum (page 5).
The University’s achievements in applied research are reflected in the excellent results in the 2007-08 CERG exercise which sees CityU ranking 4th among the eight UGC-funded institutions. Seven projects have received large grants of over HK$1m (page 6).
着
The City University of Hong Kong
(Amendment) Bill modifying the
composition of the Council of City
University of Hong Kong (CityU) was passed
by the Legislative Council on 14 June 2007.
The Bil l reduces the membership of the
Council from its present maximum of 37 to
23 members. The new Council composition
became effective from 22 June 2007.
The new composition comprises the following: 15 external members, the President, the Deputy President, two staff members
elected by all staff, one staff member nominated by the Senate, the Chairman of Convocation, the President of the Students’ Union
and one postgraduate student elected by postgraduate students.
Of the 15 external members, seven are appointed by the Chief Executive and eight are appointed by the Chief Executive on the
recommendation of the Council.
Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung, a graduate of the BA (Hons) in Accountancy
programme in City University of Hong Kong, has been appointed by the
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government a member of her
alma mater’s governing University Council. Ms Chau’s appointment is for
three years effective from June 1, 2007.
Ms Chau, who was President of the Association of Chartered Certified
Accountants (ACCA) Hong Kong in 2006-2007, is a partner of Ernst &
Young, an accounting firm. She specializes in the areas of assurance and
advisory services.
Ms Dilys Chau S
programme in Cit
Chief Executive o
alma mater’s gove
three years effecti
Ms Chau, who
Accountants (A
Young, an acco
advisory servic
The CityU (Amendment) Bill 2006 receives the green light while an alumna is appointed a Council member
4 August 2007
The Hon Mrs Laura Cha, Chairman of the University Grants Committee
(UGC), accompanied by Mr Michael Stone, UGC Secretary General, paid
a familiarization visit to City University of Hong Kong (CityU) on 6 June.
Mrs Cha and Mr Stone were warmly received by Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki,
Acting President, as well as members of the University’s Council, senior management,
and representatives from the faculties, schools, departments, Students’ Union and the
Postgraduate and Staff Associations.
Professor Ho reiterated how CityU was committed to providing professional
education and carrying out applied research that would have immense impacts on the
community. He also outlined the idea of grouping subjects into “constellations” based
on integrating various disciplines in preparation for the new four-year undergraduate
curriculum.
Mrs Cha was impressed with the presentations and the efforts made in preparing for
the four-year undergraduate curriculum. She also commented positively on the high
quality and practicality of some of the applied researches at CityU as well as some of
the unique areas such as creative media.
At the same time, a delegation comprising more than 60 members and panel
members of the Research Grants Council (RGC) visited CityU on 14 June.
The aim was to gain a closer perspective of CityU’s overall research activities,
strategies, achievements, initiatives, project highlights and important research outputs,
according to Professor Roland Chin Tai-hong, RGC Chairman, who led the
delegation.
The eight areas of strength at CityU selected for presentation to the RGC delegation
were applied mathematics, computational science, creative media, electronic
engineering, environmental science, knowledge and innovation management,
materials science and engineering and social sciences.
CityU receives newly-appointed UGC Chairman and Research Grants Council members
Students and professors introduce CityU’s research projects to Professor
Roland Chin Tai-hong.
Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki (right) welcomes the Hon
Mrs Laura Cha to visit CityU.
5August 2007
鈎 鈎
The University Council approved at its meeting on 3 July to
increase staff salary by 2%, effective 1 July 2007. The pay increase
will apply to all staff serving in the University, irrespective of whether
they were employed before or after the de-linking of university salaries
from the Civil Service in July 2003. The latest pay rise, which takes into
account of a Civil Service pay adjustment, is in addition to an across-
the-board 3% pay increase offered in April 2007.
Adjustment of staff salaries
CityU achieves excellent results in the 2007-08 CERG exercise
According to an announcement of the Research Grants Council (RGC)
on 29 June, CityU achieved excellent results in the 2007-08 Competitive
Earmarked Research Grant exercise.
CityU was ranked 4th among eight University Grants Committee funded
institutions in terms of the level of funding, with 109 projects funded at
HK$60.3m; and in terms of successful rate, at 34.3%. Compared with the last
exercise, there was an increase of 11% and 22% respectively in terms of successful
projects and the level of funding.
Seven projects received large grants of over HK$1m – four of them from
Faculty of Science and Engineering, two from Faculty of Humanities and Social
Sciences & Language Information Sciences Research Centre, and one from
Faculty of Business.
6 August 2007
CityU organizes HKSAR Basic Law International Conference
To c o m m e m o r a t e t h e 1 0 t h
anniversary of the establishment of
the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region (HKSAR), CityU’s School of
Law co-organized, with the Hong Kong
SAR Basic Law Education Association,
an international conference: “Hong
Kong’s Basic Law: The First Ten Years
and Its Future – Hong Kong SAR Basic
Law Tenth Anniversary International
Conference”. It took place on 22 and 23
June at CityU.
Over 40 prominent local, regional and
international experts shared their views
with some 100 participants on how the Basic Law had been implemented in Hong Kong
in the first 10 years after the handover, examining areas such as constitutional theory, the
relationship between central and local authorities, nationality, protection of civil liberties,
as well as issues concerning conflict of laws and international law. Future challenges, and
identifying how such challenges could be dealt with, were also on the agenda.
The International Association for Community Development (IACD) Hong Kong Conference 2007 under the theme “Partnership for
People-centred Development: Challenges & Responses in a Globalising World” held its opening ceremony at CityU in June. At the four-day conference, from 24 June to 27 June, scholars and community workers from all over the world presented work plans and research achievements, and proposed new concepts and suggested new policies.
The conference was co-organized by the Department of Applied Social Studies of CityU, the Department of Social Work and Social Administration of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Sponsored by the Home Affairs Bureau of the HKSAR Government, it was one of the key events of the 10th anniversary celebrations of HKSAR.
CityU hosts international conference to promote community development
Officiating guests and supporting partners at the opening ceremony
(From left) Ms Christine Fang Meng-sang, Professor Richard
Ho Yan-ki, Mr Zhan Chengfu, Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-
ngor, Professor Jo Leung Cho-bun and Professor Gary Graig
officiated at the opening ceremony
7August 2007
Supplemental Instruction Scheme helps secondary school students
The Supp l emen t a l I n s t r uc t i on
Scheme, which is sponsored by the
Quality Education Fund, encourages
outstanding Accountancy undergraduates
of CityU to mentor secondary school
students. In the past year, more than
100 Form 4 students from seven local
secondary schools met with the CityU
leaders and mentors every fortnight in
small study groups.
Computer Science students enjoy more internship opportunities
91 Year 3 students from the Department of
Computer Science at CityU have seen the
number of internship opportunities dramatically
increase this year. Each student has an average
of four choices. Over 370 placements are on
offer through the IT Professional Placement
programme, which represents an increase of 15%
compared to last year, and 38% compared to the
year before that.
The IT Professional Placement programme helps students to understand
the professional requirements of the industry.
8 August 2007
Chen Jiashu, a Year 3 student in CityU’s Department of Electronic Engineering,
has been awarded an IEEE MTT-S Undergraduate/Pre-graduate Scholarship
2007 for his achievements in radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) research.
He is among 10 students worldwide to receive this Scholarship, which was awarded
by the IEEE Microwave Theor y and
Techniques Society (MTT-S) in the US.
In addition, Jiashu won the championship in
the Undergraduate Degree Group of the
Younger Members Exhibition /Conference
2007 , o r g an i z ed by t h e I n s t i t u t i on o f
Engineering and Technology, Hong Kong.
EE student wins local and global awards
World-renowned economist Professor Gregory C. Chow shared his views on applied
research in his speech “From Research to Social Change” on 9 July at CityU. The event
was co-organized by Run Run Shaw Library and the Department of Economics and Finance.
Professor Chow is appointed Honorary Professor in the Department of Economics and
Finance at CityU. The Department has set up Professor Gregory Chow Distinguished
Graduate Student Fellowships to finance students doing master’s degree in Applied
Economics.
World-renowned economist Professor Gregory C Chow shares his views on applied research
14 July to 19 August
The Works of Shen Ping
Venue: CityU Gallery
Time: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Daily
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In
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YouChen Jiashu
ityU. The event
and Finance.
onomics and
istinguished
plied
Professor Gregory C. Chow
9August 2007
10
Developing robots for the future
11
By Longgen Chen
•
THE robotic industry is developing in much the same way that the PC business did 30 years ago, and this will bring about fundamental changes to contemporary
lifestyles, predicted Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in the January 2007 issue of Scientific American.
is developing in much the same siness did 30 years ago, and this amental changes to contemporary soft Chairman Bill Gates in the entific American.
12
This view is shared by Dr Sun Dong, Associate Professor of the Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management (MEEM), City University of Hong Kong (CityU),
and his colleagues Dr Tam Hon-yuen, Lecturer, and Dr Luk Bing-lam, Senior Engineer, as well as Dr Robin Sarah Bradbeer, Associate Professor of the Department of Electronic Engineering.
“Currently, the application of robotic technology is mainly restricted to industrial and military areas, but eventually it will become very common in many other sectors, particularly after breakthroughs that will reduce drastically manufacturing costs,” says Dr Sun, who joined CityU in 2000 and graduated from Tsinghua University. “Advances are likely in areas such as toys and games for entertainment, and in human service sectors, such as mechanical arms that assist doctors in surgery, and household robots that take charge of cleaning floors.”
“Robots have applications in a great many fields,” says Dr Luk. “In the foreseeable future, they will certainly find a place in nearly every home.”
Dr Luk Bing-lam and his team are working on a new robotic project.
13
• •
着
The fruition of years of researchResearch into robotics started at CityU
a dozen years ago when researchers from
MEEM developed a prototype for several
service robots, including an automatic
vacuum cleaner, a robot that examines
the plumbing, a climbing robot that
cleans glass windows outside high-rise
buildings, an automatic navigating
vehicle and an underwater robot. These
projects were supervised by the now
retired Professor Tso Shiu-kit.
“Although our prototypes have not
been turned into practical products
so far, they have a promising future,”
says Dr Luk, whose research pursuits
cover electronics and telecommunications,
particularly in wireless telecommunications.
In addition, Dr Luk has worked in the UK on
robots that test and transport objects, climb,
work on board aircraft carriers and other warships, and carry out rescues from nuclear
accidents.
Since joining CityU, Dr Luk has taken part in many R&D projects and supervised many
students, including one who clinched the top prize with his underwater sampling vehicle
in the university category and the final championship at the Technology, Environmental
Protection and Innovation Competition in 2006.
In particular, service robots have a range of applications and can take over work that humans
consider dirty, demanding, repetitive and dangerous, explains Dr Luk.
“For example, robots can clean round surfaces such as the spheroid-shaped roof of an
astronomical observatory. You can’t fix objects onto such a complex globe-shaped structure,
so if humans are to clean the dome by hand, they will first need to set up scaffolding. The
whole process may take a week and it wouldn’t be practicable for the observatory to suspend
its work for such a long time,” he says. “But a climbing robot, being small and light, can do
the cleaning bit by bit at any time with few restrictions.”
Moreover, the climbing robot can be used to check whether or not the outside walls of a
high-rise building are secure, just one of the many reasons this technology has earned CityU
significant allotments from Hong Kong SAR Government’s Innovation and Technology
Fund in the past few years.
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Dr Luk Bing-lam
14
Probing into the micro bio-worldIn recent years, bio-robotic technology has become a major focus of attention. New
techniques and instruments are very much in demand for fast and accurate manipulation
of tiny mechanical and biological objects, such as gene injection into large batches of cells
in biological engineering. For this reason, research in micromanipulation has received ever-
increasing attention worldwide both in universities and industrial sectors. “The ultimate
goal of such research is to develop a computer-assisted system (automation) capable of
performing manipulation and assembly tasks in the micro-world, as is currently achievable
in the macro-world,” says Dr Sun, who has published more than 100 research papers in
various international academic journals and at major conferences on topics such as robotics,
control engineering, and mechatronics.
“The key to success lies in incorporating the automation technology into the micro-field
of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System, which is the integration of mechanical elements,
sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabrication
technology, and into nanotechnology against the background of bioengineering,” he says.
Currently Dr Sun is heading a research group, together with Dr Cheng Shuk-han, Associate
Professor of Department of Biology and Chemistry, working on advanced bio-robotic
systems for the automatic injection of genes into large batches of cells. “Conventionally,
biological cell injection is done manually, which requires lengthy training and suffers from a
low success rate,” explains Dr Sun. “But our research will improve the efficiency and success
rate of gene injections and many other biological injection processes.”
Dr Sun Dong
15
Researching multi-robot formationsOne of the most challenging goals in robotics is to develop intelligent robots that behave
just like humans and can work cooperatively with their teammates to get into and maintain
a formation, as well as being able to respond to changes in the environment.
“However, robot control theory today has yet to achieve such an expectation,” says Dr
Sun, now working on multi-robot formation, among other projects. Dr Sun, who serves
as an associate editor for IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Chairman of IEEE Hong Kong
Section Joint Chapter on Robotics & Automation and Control Systems, has been working
with his team on an advanced synchronization control approach to coordinating a group
of mobile robots for formation control. This is his most recent Competitive Earmarked
Research Grant project.
Research into intelligent multi-robot systems can be applied to a range of areas, such as search
and rescue operations involving helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft or ships, or a combination
of these transport tools. To ensure efficient execution of such operations, a team of robots
must be able to move around the environment, keeping a relative distance from each other
and avoiding collision with possible obstacles. Other applications include simulating and
investigating human interaction as observed during the spread of diseases (life science) and
the control of traffic jams (intelligent transportation systems).
16
Grooming young people to applied innovative technologyCityU scholars lay great emphasis on bringing up young
people through practical work by inspiring their interest
in robotics and sharpening their imagination and
creativity. In MEEM, each graduating student has
an opportunity to take a hands-on part in building
robots.
Dr Tam Hon-yuen, who holds a master’s degree
and a doctorate from Stanford University, has been
teaching courses in cybernetics theory, robotics
and automation since joining CityU. He has
supervised a number of student projects on
building humanoid robots, electric wheelchairs,
and mechanical dogs.
When it comes to inspiring creativity in students, great credit must go to Dr Robin Sarah
Bradbeer of the Department of Electronic Engineering. Prior to joining the University
in 1990, Dr Bradbeer provided consultancy services to various companies on designing,
manufacturing, and marketing educational robots and electronics. She was known as a
“computer guru” on television, radio and in the popular press in the UK.
Since joining CityU, Dr Bradbeer has focused her research on underwater robots and
equipment and on engineering education. In 2003, CityU set up the Marine Science and
Engineering Laboratory in Hoi Ha Wan Park in collaboration with the World Wildlife
Fund (WWF). The Laboratory has been responsible for continuously recording changes nd (WWF). The Laboratory has been responsible for continuously recording changes WWF). The Laboratory has been responsible for continuously recording chanFunnd (WWF). The Laboratory has been responsibWWF). The Laboratory has b
Dr Robin Sarah Bradbeer explains to the students how a robot works.
pplied
up young
interest
n and
nt has
uilding
degree
been
otics
as
17
to the seabed at Hoi Ha Wan after the deployment of artificial reefs several years ago and
monitoring coral and other marine life in the local waters around Hong Kong using
remote-operated robots.
The automatic tool that “works” underwater in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is the only one of
its kind in Hong Kong. Technically called “Remote-Operated Vehicle” (ROV), the machine
is made up of a camera and three propellers and is capable of “walking” freely under the water
and “watching and listening” in all directions for whatever is happening on the seabed.
Dr Bradbeer started to guide her students in projects on underwater robots in 2004. “It’s
been more than a decade since CityU started applied research in this field and it has built
many robots,” says Dr Bradbeer. “The 2004 Robocon Hong Kong Contest, in which I
supervised two groups of students, was a memorable experience for the University and
our students.”
In 2006, in partnership with the WWF, Dr Bradbeer initiated the Hong Kong Underwater
Robot Challenge for secondary school students. Last year’s champion team later won three
prizes, including a prize for the best remote-operated underwater robot, at the International
Underwater Robot Challenge hosted by NASA in Houston, US. This year’s competition was
expanded to include universities and colleges, and the two winning teams, plus the second
runner-up in the secondary school group, were sponsored to compete in an international
contest at the Marine Institute and the Institute for Ocean Technology, Memorial University,
Newfoundland, Canada, in June.
“By co-holding such challenges, I hope, CityU will strengthen its collaboration ties with
WWF,” adds Dr Bradbeer. “It’s not only about biology, but it involves technologies, too. By
introducing technologies, we can expect to raise Hong Kong schools’ and students’ awareness
of marine conservation.”
Bright future lies aheadEventually, robots are expected to become life
companions for humans. The Ministry of Information
and Communication in South Korea projects that, by 2013,
every household in South Korea will own a robot. Attractive
indeed is the prospect of each and every home having a robot
to serve the family. To make it a reality, experts and scholars
at CityU will give full play to their talent and expertise in this
exciting field.
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18 August 2007
By Jenny Kwan
關珮盈
1 January 2007 marks an especially important date for City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and for over 90,000 of its alumni. This is the date for the establishment of the University Convocation, an organization that formally represents all alumni. Mr Andrew Fan Ka-fai, one of the first bachelor’s degree students to graduate from CityU and the Chairman of the Provisional Standing Committee of the Convocation, talks about the philosophy behind the Convocation and his views on alumni development.
Uniting Alumni to Support CityU Development
(From left) Rachel Cheung Lai-ching, Year 1 student, Ms Kathy Chan Yin-ling, Director of the Development and Alumni Relations Office, Mr Andrew Fan Ka-fai, Chairman of the Convocation and Mr Weeky Wong Sau-lik, Vice-Chairman (External Affairs) of the Convocation
19August 2007
着
How do you view the roles and functions of the Convocation?The establishment of the Convocation marks a milestone
in the development of alumni relations. The Convocation is
actually quite different from alumni associations organized
by departments, faculties or graduates from different interest
groups at CityU. It is in fact a statutory body established in
accordance with the constitution of the University, serving as
a formal link between the University and alumni, and among
alumni themselves. This means the Convocation is a good friend
to CityU, helping it to become one of the leading institutes in the
Asia-Pacific region.
Can you tell us the story behind the founding principle of the Convocation, “Uniting Alumni to Support CityU Development”?The growth of an individual depends not only on his or her
relationship with family and career, but also on the fulfillment of social
obligations. Education is an essential part of society, and supporting
the development of our alma mater is definitely an important social
obligation. Only by learning how to balance growth and obligation can
we get to enjoy a richer life. Moreover, when we take part in alumni
activities, we meet people from different professions and backgrounds.
These contacts expand our social circle and help us to grow.
The Convocation is still in its infancy, and in order to lay a solid
foundation for its future development each member of the Provisional
Standing Committee of the Convocation promotes the policy of “SUM”
(“Simplify to Unify; Unify to Multiply”). This means that the Provisional
Standing Committee will implement a series of initiatives that unify alumni
before expanding to a complete alumni network. We know that it takes time
and effort to build such a network, but we are prepared to put in the necessary
hard work.
To achieve these objectives, each member of the Provisional Standing Committee will
act as a role model in alumni affairs and build a sophisticated system for recruiting
those alumni keen to take part in University affairs. They will be the key personnel for
expanding our future network.
How do you view the connection between a university and its graduates, and what is the real meaning of such a relationship?A university and its graduates maintain a symbiotic relationship. The university benefits
in terms of branding and image promotion if its students perform well in the workplace
and achieve success, since society will recognize the value of that university’s graduates.
Likewise, students will benefit if they graduate from a university that possesses a well-
known brand and a popular image. Like the nucleus of an atom unifying electrons, a
university energizes its graduates to produce a synergy that enhances the strengths of
both parties.
The key to achieving this is to develop a close relationship between the two parties. How
20 August 2007
着
着
can this be done? First, the university needs to recognize the vital role its graduates play
in its future development, and graduates need to recognize the significance of university
development. This level of reciprocation leads to strong, sustainable mutual association.
Do you think the current relationship between CityU and its graduates is satisfactory? Boosting the degree of recognition and connection between CityU and its alumni is a
long process and I would never concern myself with whether or not the relationship
is a good enough at any one point. It is more productive to think in terms of planning
how to work better. In any case, many students graduate from CityU every year, thereby
expanding the alumni community, so the Convocation must work hard to recruit new
members.
I firmly believe that students should be encouraged as early as possible to value their
university and we should instill in them a sense of pride. The benefits are long term and
will help both parties.
Profiles of Other Convocation Members
The Provisional Standing Committee of the Convocation consists of 18 alumni. The committee members graduated from different programmes in different years and are now very busy with their work. However, thanks to their dedication and loyalty, they are heavily involved in the development of the University. Below are brief profiles of three of the members:
21August 2007
What do you think about CityU’s work in developing the alumni network? Have there been any major changes since you graduated in 1988?The alumni network has become more
formalized. The University started to pay
at tent ion to i t s development in 1996,
but, initially, the focus was on informal
activities. Even when the CityU Alumni
Giving Club was established in 2003, no
official alumni association existed. That
changed on 1 January 2007 when the
Convocation was set up to provide a
formal communication channel between
the University and alumni.
The Convocation has been in operation for over six months. Can you share with us your personal experience and feelings about the Convocation so far?What is most touching is that 18 CityU alumni, who graduated from different
programmes in different years and are now working in different sectors, can join together
as members of the Convocation. Although we were strangers before, we now share the
same vision – working together to help CityU become a more advanced university. In
just six months, all 18 of us in the Provisional Standing Committee of the Convocation
have developed a deeper understanding of each other.
What do you want to say to alumni and to students who will soon graduate?I hope our younger students keep in mind the Chinese saying, “One who cannot
properly manage home affairs will never be able to manage country affairs.” We should
start to develop good habits early on and only when we are capable of managing small
tasks well can we progress to managing more complex affairs. So I encourage younger
students to focus on their
f ami l i e s f i r s t , then the i r
university and finally their
social responsibilities.
Furthermore, we should
a lway s be g r a t e fu l t o
C i t yU f o r p rov i d i ng
opportunities for us to
acquire knowledge and
to mature. That’s why
we should continue
t o s u p p o r t t h e
development of our
alma mater.
ir
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Photo by Sunny Wong
攝影:黃新源
August 200722
23August 2007
Teaching and learning does not have to be confined to the traditional
classroom. The natural environment can be an alternative venue where
students can use their sensory faculties to acquire situational experience and
content knowledge, enhancing their learning effectiveness.
August 200724
Outcomes-based approach takes teaching and learning to
a new era
In a move that complements the University’s planning for the 4-year undergraduate curriculum, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is forging ahead with the Outcomes Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) project, a major University initiative strongly supported by the University Grants Committee (UGC).
Dr Olivia Leung Shek-ling (right) and her student Carrie Suen Lee-na
August 2007 25
CityU is among the first of the universities in Hong Kong to implement OBTL,
a project that will enhance the quality of teaching and learning on campus. The
aim is to nurture ideal graduates, i.e. competent professionals who combine
rich professional knowledge with the broader skills and poise required for career success
and leadership in the community. More than 300 academic courses pioneered the OBTL
approach at CityU in 2006–07, demonstrating that plans are on track.
OBTL vs. traditional teachingOBTL represents a departure from traditional teaching in which teachers tend to plan
according to what they think students should learn, and use assessments that ask students
questions to which they usually already know the answers.
OBTL, on the other hand, is a student-centred approach, starting with a clear statement
of not what the teacher is going to teach, but what the outcomes of that teaching will be,
and what the students will be able to do, and to what standard. These are known as the
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOS). Teaching and learning activities are then devised
in such a way that they help students to achieve those outcomes, while assessment tasks
show how well students have attained the intended outcomes.
OBTL improves learning resultsTeacher s who have pioneered the
implementation of OBTL in their
cour se s s ay s tudent s t end to
participate more and understand
better what they are learning.
“In designing teaching and
learning activities, I’ve made
use of more class activities
t o eng age s t uden t s i n
their learning,” says Dr
Ol iv ia Leung Shek-
ling, Assistant Professor
in the Department of
Accoun t ancy. “Fo r
example, I have used
concept maps that
Dr Ron Kwok Chi-wai (right) and
his student Kelvin Hui Koo-yin
August 200726
demonstrate links between various topics presented in the lecture, work-along exercises
that encourage students to visualize the applications of concepts, and group projects
that are useful in driving home messages.” In addition, students have to conduct self-
assessments to evaluate how well their projects have been managed – a new concept
introduced in OBTL.
“The results are almost immediate, and students are able to follow what is being taught
more effectively,” she says.
This view is shared by Dr Ron Kwok Chi-wai, Associate
Professor in the Department of Information Systems.
“OBTL has helped nurture a more collaborative
learning culture among students. In the traditional
mode of assessment, there are restrictions on the
number of students who can get As. But under
OBTL, results are based on how well the
students fulfill the assessment criteria.”
Dr Kwok adds that detailed grading criteria
have been devised for each ILO. “As long
as students fulfill the criteria, they will be
able to get top grades without having
to compete for them,” he says. “The
result is a change in the learning culture,
from one of competition to that of
collaboration.”
Dr Kwok says the assessment helps
him identify his students’ strengths
and weaknesses, so that he can adjust
the focus of the course accordingly.
Mr Aman Shah
August 2007 27
Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-yan
ILOs state what the student is
expected to be able to do at the
end of a course according to a given
standard of performance. Outcomes
should be achievable and assessable.
Writing intended learning outcomes (ILOs)
TLAs can be teacher, peer, or self
initiated, and the best requires the
student to be appropriately active.
The choice of TLAs should be such
that they facilitate active learning
and the achievements of ILOs.
Designing teaching and learning activities (TLAs)
OBTL framework
Designing assessment tasks (ATs)
Assessment tasks are designed to
provide evidence on how well each
student has achieved the ILOs. Such
evidence can be provided by project
work, case studies, assignments,
examinations, laboratory work and
reports, practicum, and so forth.
Both Dr Leung and Dr Kwok agree that while OBTL has taken up more of their time,
it is worth it, emphasizing that support from fellow teaching staff helps to ensure the
effective implementation of OBTL.
Adopting gradual approach for best resultsDr Lawrence Li Kwok-yan, Acting Head of the Department of Manufacturing
Engineering and Engineering Management, and deputy departmental coordinator for
OBTL, agrees, but says staff members in his Department will adopt a gradual approach
converting to OBTL.
Instead of conducting all assessment tasks in the OBTL mode, some are still evaluated
in the traditional way, so staff will not have to cope with too many changes all at once,
Dr Li points out.
“OBTL is a new concept and it takes time for staff to get used to it. If changes are
introduced gradually, they will be more
readily accepted,” he says, adding that
advice from their consultant has been
useful in helping them get through the
nuts and bolts of the process.
Dr Li says he talked about his Department’s
OBTL experience during a retreat with
the Department of Physics and Materials
Science, which is interested in adopting a
similar approach.
Mr Aman Shah , Coordinator of the
OBTL project, says “the project promotes
Sina Yip See-na
Frenda Yeung Ka-chun
August 200728
Example of course ILOs: Course: Accounting I
Course aims (before OBTL)
• This course provides an introduction to the need for and role of
accounting information in a modern economy, and a comprehension
of the financial statements generated by a business, the accounting
process and the fundamental accounting concepts.
•
reflective practice for teachers and the enhancement of the quality of teaching and
learning. The emphasis on outcomes helps to provide students with a clear focus on their
learning thereby strengthening the teaching/learning partnership necessary for giving
them a rich educational experience.”
OBTL enhances sharing among studentsFeedback from students
shows that OBTL i s
effective in helping them
understand what they
are learning. Sina Yip
See-na, a Year 1 student
from the Department
of Information Systems,
says OBTL reflects their
per for mances bet ter
because it necessitates
the application of what
is learned, instead of
f o cu s i ng s imp l y on
getting good examination results.
“There is little motivation to help each other in class in the
traditional mode of assessment. We are more concerned about
our own results. But under OBTL, we are more willing to
share, and our relationship is much closer,” Sina says.
Her classmate Frenda Yeung Ka-chun agrees that OBTL
has helped to motivate him to do better, but some of the
Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing
August 2007 29
Course ILOs (after OBTL)
• Prepare financial statements for servicing and merchandising companies;
• Identify and explain fundamental GAAP;
• Calculate and interpret fundamental financial ratios based on information collected from
balance sheets and income statements;
• Be an active learner, actively participate in class activities and be self-motivated.
•
•
•
•
assessment cr iter ia seem a bit
vague and the number of group
projects might mean less time to
study other subjects.
Rol l ing out OBTL in preparat ion of new curriculumThe University has put in place
a vigorous plan to implement
OBTL in about 2,400 courses
from 2006 to 2009. At present,
the OBTL framework has been
introduced in over 300 academic
courses. Another 600 will follow
in 2007, with the rest over the
two remaining years.
“It is an opportune time for teaching staff to reflect on how teaching and learning can
be made more effective in the run up to the four-year undergraduate curriculum,” says
Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Acting Vice-President (Undergraduate Education).
“With learning outcomes aligned with teaching and learning activities and assessment
tasks, students will know better what they are learning and what outcomes they will be
able to achieve after completing the course, thus engaging them more actively in their
learning,” Professor Lam says.
To assist departments and teaching staff, the University, along with the UGC, has allocated
funds for this purpose, and the consultant team has been expanded from two members to
10 in order to cater to needs and provide advice on specific issues.
August 200730
Before us stand three energetic young people, wearing confident
smi les and rad iat ing youth . A l l
three have a passion for sports and
are committed to busy t ra in ing
programmes despite their tight daily
schedules. So important has sports
become, they feel uncomfortable
if they neglect their fitness regime
for even one day. But how do they
balance physical training and studies?
What’s the secret? CityU Today caught
up with all three and find out.
Achieving Excellence in SPORTS and STUDIES
着
着
August 2007 31
Sandra Sze Hoi-ying
Balance provides opportunitiesSandra Sze Hoi-ying, a Year 2 student in the Department of Management, is the main
attacker in CityU’s volleyball team and a key member of the table tennis team. Everyday
she works her way through a number of high-impact activities designed to build strength
and endurance. But, she insists, this is not a hindrance to her studies.
“I started playing table tennis when I was at primary school and volleyball in secondary
school. I’ve played in school teams and trained with inter-school teams and sports
associations as well. I have long been used to this kind of tough schedule!” Sandra says.
Her commitment to both sports means Sandra has a packed schedule from September
to March, spanning almost the entire academic year. During examination periods, when
there are no competitions, she keeps in shape by working out with her teammates. Since
exercise takes up so much time, she has to sacrifice her free time. Unlike other women
her age, she does not care for shopping or watching movies, and she does not spend as
much as she would like socializing with her schoolmates. Luckily, since she has learned
over the years how to find some sense of balance.
“Because I live in a student hall, my commute to school has been reduced significantly,
giving me more time to study,” Sandra says. “And I save even more time for revision
or discussion group activities with classmates because I keep meals to no more than 30
minutes. Fortunately, most of my classmates understand my situation and they try to
fit meetings around me. They also let me work on tasks that I am good at, so I can still
manage my heavy study load.”
Not giving up to setbacksSo successful is her method, Sandra was one of the winners of the Faculty of Business
Sports Award in 2006–07, demonstrating that it is possible for an outstanding athlete to
get good grades, too.
August 200732
“In my first year at CityU my grades were not that great because I needed to adapt to
campus life and spend time training,” Sandra says. “But I soon realized that I was not
only an athlete but also a student, and I had to study hard to acquire new knowledge. In
any case, I wanted to show other people that professional athletes can perform well in
academic studies. And I have been lucky to get support from my teachers, classmates and
my mother. I have never given up on my studies and I always try my best.”
Teamwork learned from sportsSandra has also learned the importance of teamwork thanks to volleyball, a sport that
demands a high degree of communication skill and cooperation, and her leadership skills
received a boost when the CityU coaches nominated her for the Sports Team Council.
The Council was initiated by the Physical Education Section of Student Development
Services and works under the motto “To Lead and To Serve”.
Serving on the Council, and participating in major open competitions, has enabled
Sandra to broaden her hor izons, and subsequently she has developed a deeper
understanding of failure and success.
Daring to take on challengesHubert Leung Chor-pat of the University swimming team is a busy psychology student
in the Department of Applied Social Studies , which means he has to balance the pool
with academic projects. He has wanted to study psychology since he was young, and he
is keen to know more about how the mind works so that he can apply his knowledge to
help those in need. He accepts that studying psychology is no easy option, but he has still
chosen it as his programme of study.
“I like to take on challenges, so
I wi l l work hard to overcome
whatever difficulties emerge. When
I first started at CityU, I needed to
spend a lot of time training in the
pool, but my workload was also
really intense. I worried whether I’d
be able to get good grades or not.
I’ve been able to succeed because
I used effective time management
planning,” Hubert says.
August 2007 33
Hubert Leung Chor-pat
His schedule includes going to bed early and getting up early to ensure he has enough
energy to manage his busy tasks the next day. By revising what he has learned in his
classes each day, his grades have been quite good, and he won the Faculty of Humanities
and Social Sciences Sports Award and the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of
Commerce Ltd. Elite Athlete Scholarship in 2006–07.
“I started swimming when I was young,” Hubert says, “and through exercising I have
built up a strong body and mind. When facing problems, I will not give up easily, but will
be resourceful in identifying solutions.”
Hubert is also fond of drumming. As a key member of a local band, he gives public
performances, sensing that drumming is a great way to relieve pressure and stimulate
creativity. That is why he encourages younger students to make better use of their time
and plan carefully. By following a well-planned schedule, students can enjoy lots of
different activities without worrying about their exam results.
Caring culture of sports teamsClara Wong Choi-ki, Assistant PE Officer, thinks back her own days as a CityU student
when she listens to the stories of Sandra and Hubert. Clara was admitted to CityU
through the Student Athlete Admission Scheme and was captain of both the University
table tennis team and basketball team. In her three years as a student in the Department
of Accountancy, she enjoyed a rich and healthy university life.
“One of the most unforgettable moments in my university career was receiving the
Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce Ltd. Elite Athlete Scholarship when
I was in Year 3. This award is organized by the Physical Education Section. Only those
students with good grades and an outstanding performance in sports are eligible, and the
Clara Wong Choi-ki
August 200734
criteria for awarding the scholarship are highly stringent. So winning was not only a great
honour, but also recognition of my achievements in sports and studies. This makes me
very grateful to CityU and my coaches for all their hard work in nurturing me.”
Clara was most impressed with the caring culture inherent in the CityU sports teams and
she says the warmth and friendship she experienced changed her life. This is part of the
reason she decided to stay on in to CityU to teach.
Be the best that we can beCityU sports teams have attained excellent achievements in the University Sports
Federation of Hong Kong, China, winning the overall championship in the women’s
division and getting the first runner-up in the men’s division in 2006–07. Mrs Dorothy
Davies, Associate Director of Student Development Services (Physical Education), feels
that the outstanding performance of the sports teams is due to the hard work of teachers,
students, alumni and the support of the senior management.
“The mission is for students to
reach certain targets under the
motto ‘Be the best that we can
be’. We try our best to develop
the athletic potential of our
students, encourage them to
study hard and we organize
different activities to help with
leadership and communication
skills,” Mrs Davies says. “The
‘ c an do ’ s p i r i t nu r t u red
through sports training can
be applied to other areas of
student life at CityU, which
will be very useful for the
future development of our
graduates.”
August 2007 35
Mrs Dorothy Davies
“I feel very honoured to be appointed by the Hong Kong SAR Government as a member of CityU’s University
Council,” says Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung. “I hope my contributions will have a positive impact on the
continuing development of the University. This will be my way of thanking my alma mater for nurturing me.”
August 2007
A bright future awaits the hardworking
By Ellen Chan
陳倩茹
36
Ms Chau hopes her appointment will show CityU students that
success comes from self-confidence and hard work, even when the
challenges seem insurmountable. “Be yourself rather than the one as
seen by others, do not fear environmental constraints and broaden your horizon,”
she says. “The key to a person’s success depends on how one looks at oneself and
confidence has to be built on the belief that everyone has a good basis. Reinforced
with such belief, a hardworking person will have a bright future.”
In fact, Ms Chau did not achieve the grades she had hoped for in her secondary
school studies; this made her feel frustrated, ashamed even. However, being an
indomitable person, her frustration motivated her to study even harder.
She eventually won a place at CityU and was awarded a professional diploma in
company secretary and administration in 1987 and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
in Accountancy in 1992. She is now a partner in Ernst & Young, the international
accounting firm, becoming the first CityU graduate to win promotion to this
position. She started out with the firm as a consultant in the tax department,
but after nine months she decided the job was not suitable for her. She took the
initiative to ask her colleagues in the audit department if there were any vacancies,
and, luckily, there were. Ms Chau did not have professional audit training at
that time, but she thought the job would suit her outgoing and independent
personality. Her bold approach proved fruitful and kick-started a bright new
career.
Before her appointment as a university council member, Ms Chau served
CityU for a number of years, offering pre-work counseling for students in the
Department of Accountancy, discussing interview skills, attitudes to work and
values.
“I want to use my experience to help to educate the new generation, helping
them to realize that hard work is the key to success in any job. Young people
should not look down on an entry-level position,” she says. She recommends
young people to take the initiative to grasp all learning opportunities. Doing so
can help lay a solid foundation for future development. Ms Chau embraces new
challenges, which has helped to broaden her horizons. “I am the kind of person
who is willing to take on challenges. I feel excited when they arise because I
know I will have the chance to prove myself,” she says.
Through regular meetings with students, Ms Chau has noted that students lack
confidence and initiative. She hopes that through the mentoring scheme, she can
teach the students to acquire a positive attitude. “I am certain CityU students will
cherish every opportunity to develop their strengths and enrich their knowledge
and experience, which is the first step towards a successful career.”
August 2007
決
着
37
Cultivating an appreciation of Chinese civilisation and art has been my heart’s desire ever since I started tutoring in the Chinese Civilisation Centre at CityU nine years ago this July. My greatest hope has always
been that my students will continue to explore treasures from the past for themselves after graduation.
The Chinese civilisation courses at CityU are offered as General Education for students from various departments and faculties, and, more often than not, they have not had much relevant background when they start.
Unlike subjects in their specialized disciplines, students can find such General Education courses in art too ‘high brow’, especially if the courses are demanding, and then they tend to perceive art as abstract and subjective; and Chinese art particularly so. For that reason, an instructor should use plain yet expressive language while lecturing on Chinese art, citing artistically valid examples that stimulate interest.
Life-long learning in Chinese art and civilisation
38 August 2007
This is why each semester I take my students on fieldwork trips to Chinese-style gardens, such as Lingnan Garden at Lai Chi Kok. These short tours are highly motivating and have a very positive impact on students.
Another recent highlight was using the Chinese masterpiece Along the River during the Qingming Festival in the first class of the current summer semester. My students were enthralled. It helped that this famous hand scroll is currently on display in town as part of the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty. But my students also responded positively to the painting’s genre: it records social customs and the daily lives of common people, and therefore requires no abstract phraseology.
For newcomers to Chinese art, this makes the work more accessible and better appreciated than traditional Chinese portraits that convey “air and mood”, or those landscape pieces that emphasize “rhythmic vitality”.
Chinese art can also be made more accessible through information technology. The Chinese Civilisation Centre has been running the database “Appreciation of Art and Civilisation” for instruction and research purposes since 2003–04. The database draws on the Xubaizhai Gallery Collection of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy in the Hong Kong Museum of Art and has provided the CityU community and the general public with resources for teaching new projects every semester.
So far, 11 project items have been presented, including “Classical Chinese Gardens”, “The Wu School of Painting and Ming Dynasty Society”, and “Master Qi Baishi’s Paintings”.
Similarly, I have found that web-based instruction, with its interactive features and engaging structure and web-page design, has greatly enhanced the effectiveness of teaching Chinese art. It serves as a widespread platform for art appreciation and research into specialized topics.
Dr Marianne Wong Pui-yin
39August 2007