EdUHK and MCU Joint Online Symposium on the Theory of Lev Vygotsky in Research and Educational Practice
The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) and Moscow City University (MCU) jointly held an online symposium to delve into the influence of Lev Vygotsky’s theories on educational and research practices on 15 November.
During his welcome remarks, MCU Rector Professor Igor Remorenko spoke of the critical role of international collaboration in driving forward educational research.
EdUHK President Professor John Lee Chi-Kin said in his video address, “this partnership symbolises a close connection between our two institutions and reflects our shared commitment to enhancing educational practices through Vygotskian theory.”
Both universities’ leaders have pledged to further foster collaborative educational advancement, committing to knowledge exchange and enhancing educational practices on a global scale.
Vice President (Academic) Professor May Cheng May-hung and MCU Deputy Director of the Research Institute of Urban Studies and Global Education and Head of the Laboratory of Child Development Dr Igor Shiyan, both reaffirmed the importance of Vygotskian theory in the research and practice of contemporary education, as well as its relevance to current educational challenges.
Lev Vygotsky was a seminal psychologist in the 20th century best known for his sociocultural theory. He believed that social interaction plays a critical role in children's learning — a continuous process that is profoundly influenced by culture.
Focusing on the theory of Lev Vygotsky in research and educational practice, the symposium featured 16 speakers.
Among those attending from Moscow were:
- Professor Igor Remorenko, Rector, MCU
- Dr Aleksandr Adamsky, Head of the Master’s Programme “School and Education Policy Management,” MCU
- Dr Anastasia Belolutskaya, Head, Laboratory of Professional Competence Assessment and Adult Development, MCU
- Ms Anna Iakshina, Research Fellow, Laboratory of Child Development, MCU
- Dr Lev Kravtsov, Head, Laboratory of Designing Cultural-Historical Educational Models, MCU
- Dr Igor Shiyan, Deputy Director, Research Institute of Urban Studies and Global Education; Head, Laboratory of Child Development, MCU (Panel Chair)
- Dr Olga Shiyan, Leading Research Fellow, Laboratory of Child Development, MCU
- Dr Sergey Kosaretsky, National Research University Higher School of Economics
Among those attending from EdUHK included:
- Professor Chiu Ming-ming, Chair Professor of Analytics and Diversity; Director, Analytics/Assessment Research Centre, EdUHK
- Dr Huang Lingyun, Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, EdUHK
- Dr Lin Dan, Associate Dean of Students; Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, EdUHK
- Dr Norman Mendoza, Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, EdUHK
- Dr Margarita Pavlova, Director of the UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre (Hong Kong) and Associate Head (Research & Postgraduate Studies), Department of International Education, EdUHK
- Dr Tong Xiuhong, Associate Head (International Engagement), Department of Psychology, EdUHK
- Dr Yang Lan, Associate Head (Research), Department of Curriculum and Instruction, EdUHK
- Dr Zhan Ying, Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, EdUHK
Organised by Dr Shiyan from MCU and Professor Chen Junjun, Associate Dean (Research & Postgraduate Studies) in the Faculty of Education and Human Development at EdUHK, the six-hour symposium featured three panel sessions.
The first session focused on Vygotsky's theory on development, providing valuable insights into implementing his ideas in real-world educational contexts. The second session explored Vygotsky's methods in education, demonstrating the adaptability of his theories across various educational environments. The final discussion centred on the role of family and technology in enhancing learning outcomes, with the speakers presenting various constructive perspectives and shared insights on the integration of artificial intelligence.
Over 300 educators, researchers and students participated in the online event.
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EdUHK and MCU Joint Online Symposium on the Theory of Lev Vygotsky in Research and Educational Practice
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