In March 2023, Dr. Jana Patricia Valdez partnered with Dr. Yi Zhang Zoe and Ms. Maria Felicia Iordan, lecturers from Coventry University (United Kingdom). Together, they organized the Coventry University – Education University of Hong Kong (CU-EdUHK) Research Symposium for Early Childhood Education Students.
In the symposium, ECE students from EdUHK and CU presented their research studies and proposals to a live audience of students from both institutions. Research students from EdUHK included Lexli Flores Alconaba and Natalie Lok Hang Sun. Research students from CU include Emma Gillespie, Katy Probert, Bethany Galbraith, Aimee Nolan, Kardelen Karadag, and Terri Ladd Haynes.
The research symposium had two purposes. First, it allowed seniors to share their research projects with audiences from another culture. Second, it gave juniors who will soon write their research proposals a chance to learn from their seniors from both Hong Kong and the UK.
The audience enjoyed the research symposium, as seen by the loud cheering after each presentation. The presenters also benefited from the experience. EdUHK presenter Ms. Natalie Lok Hang Sun said, “I discovered a new passion for presenting research to different audiences. I have also learned more about the similarities and differences in educational practices between HK and the UK.”
EdUHK presenter Ms. Lexli Flores Alconaba told us that through this symposium, she learned how to structure and present her study precisely and concisely. It also developed her critical thinking and communication skills. She added, “It was also great to exchange ideas with the UK presenters and share our knowledge and practical skills with students. Therefore, it was an honour to be part of the symposium.”
The collaboration team wishes to thank Ms. Angela Bonehill, Ms. Deborah Nye, Ms. Sara Da Costa, and Ms. Sofie Chua for their support in planning and organizing the research symposium.
Written by Sofie Chua (schua@eduhk.hk), COIL Facilitator