Highlighted

January 2019

 

UNESCO Chair partners with the EdUHK Elder Academy

 

Professors Adamson and Tam sign an agreement partnering the EdUHK Elder Academy with the UNESCO Chair.

 

 

 

December 2018

 

International Symposium on Global Talents

 

Prof Adamson attended the international symposium on global talents at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China.

 

 

 

26 October 2018

 

Fifth UNESCO Chair Forum on Equitable Education for All

 

This forum was a follow up to the one held in May 2017, which reviewed experiences in the classroom and materials prepared to assist EdUHK staff provide information on minorities to our students. This forum focused on the assistance the University provides to minority students in terms of language and academic support, and what the University is doing in terms of internationalization and globalization. Participants were staff and students from the University. There were six guest speakers talking about the services the University provides and a discussion section to look at ways of further developing support and fostering cultural diversity, harmony and global awareness on the campus.

 

 

16-22 October 2018

 

UNESCO Chair Visit to Kunming, Qujing and Guiyang, China

 

Bob Adamson presented workshops in Yunnan Normal University (National Training Course for Language teacher Educators). The workshop was entitled  “Making the English classroom come to life” and was attended by 55 teacher educators. He presented a workshop at Qujing Normal University entitled “Social Constructivism and Task-based Learning” to 70 student teachers and 10 lecturers and discussed research links between EdUHK and the two universities in the area of ethnic minority education for sustainable development. 

 

He participated in the 10th Symposium on Multilingual Education in China, Guizhou Minorities University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province. This was the tenth in the series that was established by Feng Anwei (University of Nottingham Ningbo) and Bob Adamsom. The first symposium was held in HKIEd in 2009. 

 

The symposium was attended by over 60 participants—academics, research students and policymakers. Topics ranged from multilingual language acquisition, to studies of policy, linguistic landscapes, curriculum and social issues.

The symposium series attests to the impact and soft power of the research network. It has grown from 17 members who attended the first symposium, with a new generation of researchers emerging to study multilingual issues in China.

 

Bob presented a keynote talk (co-authored with Gao Fang) on “Minority families’ funds of knowledge’, multilingual capital, and higher education access”.

 

He also attended a board meeting of the research network steering committee to discuss the disbursement of a donation from an IT company, for the purpose of setting up research prizes and language competitions.

 

He has formed a small research cluster of scholars from Yunnan, Gansu, Yanbian and Hubei to study minority education issues, together with Gao Fang and Jae Park.

 

14-19 September 2018

 

Annual Meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Language Teaching and Teacher Professional Development, National English and Chinese Comparative Research Society of the People’s Republic of China, Shenyang Normal University, China

 

Bob Adamson attended the Annual Meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Language Teaching and Teacher Professional Development, National English and Chinese Comparative Research Society of the People’s Republic of China at Shenyang Normal University. This is an important government-affiliated association and the Annual Meeting covered future plans, including a major conference in Nanjing scheduled for October 2019. The committee comprises 15 professors from around the country. Bob was elected to the committee 4 years ago.

 

From 14-19 September 2018 he participated in the 5th National Conference on Foreign Language Teaching and Teacher Professional Development. Bob chaired the Plenary Session presented by Prof Stephen Andrews, former Dean of the Faculty of Education at HKU. There were 400 participants in the conference, and he attended eight presentations in the parallel sessions and four keynote speeches.

 

During the conference there was networking and information dissemination about UNESCO Chair projects. Bob had talks with Prof Tian Zhaoxia, Vice Dean, School of Foreign Languages & Cultures, Nanjing Normal University about possible FEHD collaboration.

 

His stay was extended because of super-typhoon Mangkhut affecting Hong Kong so he presented a talk at Shenyang University to 60 undergraduate students on ELT Pedagogy. The talk was very well received, and he was invited to deliver another seminar in the future.

 

This visit has strengthened EdUHK’s role in mainland education through participation in the committee meeting and conference, and extended our linkages, with Nanjing Normal University being a particular opportunity.

 

 

17 August 2018

Visit by Delegation from Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan School, India

CLLRD/UNESCO Chair was honoured with a visit by a delegation from the Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan school headed by Mr Vasu Prakash Chitturi. The delegates met with EdUHK staff and discussed the philosophy of the school, which is to educate students holistically with hands-on experience of art, crafts and cultural events.

 

 

 

6 August 2018

Professor Bob Adamson - An Englishman in New China

China Daily Hong Kong Edition carried an article on the early years that Professor Bob Adamson, Chair Professor at the Department of International Education and Lifelong Learning, spent in China when the country was at a "difficult but mind-blowingly interesting time". He has been consulted at the highest levels on English and minority education in China. From teaching at the coalface in Taiyuan to striking gold in the People's Education Press, Bob Adamson has helped shape generations of English learners. For details, please click:

 

21 June 2018

Webinar by the International Education Association of Australia

Bob Adamson delivered a talk to an international audience on 'China's Belt & Road Initiative: Developing "International Talents" on the Periphery'. A recording of the talk is available from: https://vimeo.com/275954003.

 

June 2018

SCOPE Centre at Stanford University

Bob Adamson met with Dr Frank Adamson (no relation) from Stanford University’s Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education to discuss possible linkages (e.g. research summer school and language immersion) and his work on the nature of Knowledge Transfer. Dr Adamson promised to share his research findings and KT strategy documents with the EdUHK UNESCO Chair. Bob looked to identify possible projects for the UNESCO Chair multilingualism strand and strengthened EdUHK links with Stanford University.

 

May 2018

 

University of Toronto, Canada

Bob Adamson presented a talk on Multilingual Education in China to members of staff and research students at OISE, University of Toronto. He held discussions with research students about their work. He met with TV Ontario about possible projects in China. This was followed up with a Skype interview on 18 June 2018.

Meetings were held with Prof Jim Cummins (world-renowned expert) and Dr Stephen Bahry (expert in Central Asia and China) about multi-lingual education. Bob presented a talk on "Barbarian as a Foreign Language: English in China" to members of the Toronto Canada-China Friendship Association.

 

 

 

March 2018

There is a new video series available in the UNESCO Chair Skills for Life series. These are on globalization in education. There are interviews with:

Paul Stapleton

https://youtu.be/zSn_0uEvC9k

 

Teresa Alviar

https://youtu.be/WpomH40s_Zk

 

Thomas Tam

https://youtu.be/GO8MkwLaZ_M

 

Gao Fang

https://youtu.be/RHr0CSvlv4o

 

Li Chin Wa, Henson and Sam

https://youtu.be/xA9Rj2tKXl4

 

22 November 2017

 

Guangdong University of Foreign Studies

 

On Wednesday 22 November, Bob Adamson presented a keynote speech at an  open-week at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. The event focused on student-centred learning and task-based teaching, and was attended by more than 140 tertiary level teachers of English from around China. It was sponsored by the Foreign Language Teaching and Researching Press and organized by the Faculty of English Language and Culture in the university.

 

The main purpose of the open week is to deepen the understanding of task-based teaching and show English teachers how this pedagogical approach can be applied in their teaching.  Activities included lesson observations, sharing sessions, poster sessions and keynote speeches.

 

 

 

Bob Adamson with organisers Dr Ding Feng and Dr Feng Wei outside the lecture hall

 

13 November 2017

 

Institute of Education, UCL London

 

Bob Adamson gave presentations on “China’s Belt & Road Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges for the Periphery” and on comparative education. He worked with Prof Paul Morris and Dr Christine Han on papers and future plans for collaborative research in international education, a UNESCO Chair strand.

 

10 November 2017

 

UNESCO-UNEVOC Bonn

 

Bob Adamson met with Shyamal Majumdar, Director of UNESCO-UNEVOC to discuss the role of the UNESCO Chair in partnership with the EdUHK's UNEVOC Centre (Hong Kong). Green jobs was identified as a possible area for collaboration.

 

 

8 November 2017

 

Dusseldorf University

 

Bob Adamson participated in a meeting with Anne Gellert, Director of the International Office, and Benjamin Irkens, Project Manager in charge of International Students. Discussions were held on international students and respective programmes in our two universities. 

 

Dusseldorf University offers a very strong support programme for both long- and short-stay international students, including the Buddy Scheme, Mate-for-You and the "Feel At Home" information package to help newcomers settle into life in Germany and at the university.

 

7 November 2017

 

UNESCO Paris

 

Bob Adamson met with Borhene Chakroun, who is the UNESCO Focal Point for the EdUHK UNESCO Chair. They discussed the development of the UNESCO Chair's work on lifelong learning, with an emphasis on improving chances for poor, low literacy, minorities, and other disadvantaged or marginalised groups, in Hong Kong.  

 

2-3 November 2017

 

University of Nottingham

 

Bob Adamson gave a presentation on “China’s Belt & Road Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges for the Periphery”.

 

He met with Prof Simon McGrath to discuss mutually beneficial cooperation between our respective UNESCO Chairs. Simon has a number of initiatives under development and would welcome our participation.

 

20-21 October 2017

 

Ninth National Symposium on Trilingualism and Trilingual Education for Ethnic Minorities in China

 

Prof Bob Adamson attended the Ninth National Symposium on Trilingualism and Trilingual Education for Ethnic Minorities in China, held in Pu’er, Yunnan Province in south-west China. 

 

The symposium is part of a series that arose from the major nationwide research project that was led by Prof Feng Anwei (University of Nottingham, Ningbo) and Prof Adamson. The project is one component in the Minority Education theme of the UNESCO Chair programme.

 

More than 60 participants from across the country attended the event. Presentations covered a variety of topics, including policy; issues of equity and access; language maintenance; classroom practices, and linguistics. Prof Adamson presented a keynote paper, Multilingual Education Policies in Hong Kong: Perspectives of Nepali Ethnic Minority Students, and contributed to a panel on Increasing the Impact of Policy Research—Writing Policy Briefs to Enhance Knowledge Transfer. 

 

An emergent theme of the symposium was the economic opportunities presented for boosting the status of minority languages through trilingual education offered by the Chinese Government’s “One Belt One Road” initiative. The proposed overland and maritime routes through Central Asia and Southeast Asia cross areas in which languages spoken by China’s ethnic minorities are major means of communication. 

 

The symposium was hosted by Yunnan Normal University and Pu’er College, and organized by the Chinese Society for Multilingualism and Multilingual Education, to which Prof Adamson was re-elected as an Executive Committee Member. 

 

Prof Adamson commented, “The symposium was an excellent chance to meet in an area rich in minority culture and multilingualism to discuss the progress made over recent years in promoting effective models of trilingual education. We were also able to reflect on future directions for policy and research.”

 

June 2017

Worldwide Educating for the Future Index

 

Bob Adamson provided specialist advice and input to The Economist's "Worldwide Educating for the Future Index" which evaluates the extent to which education systems instil “future skills” across 35 economies. This was published in September 2017 and is available to view at: http://educatingforthefuture.economist.com/.

 

26 May 2017

Speech Day - Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College

 

Bob was invited as guest of honour to the speech day at Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College, Tseung Kwan O.

 

19 May 2017

Fourth UNESCO Chair Forum on Equitable Education for All

 

This forum was a follow up to the one held in November 2016, which looked at examples of good teaching methods that have had success in the classroom and received positive feedback from minority language students. Following on from this the May 2017 forum looked to review experiences in the classroom and materials prepared to assist EdUHK staff provide information on minorities to our students. There were stakeholders from the University as well as members from minority concern groups. In addition a number of students participated. The intention is that this forum will stimulate ideas as to how the University can improve teacher education programmes in terms of cultural diversity.

 

 

16 May 2017

 

Elder Academy and UNESCO Chair Host a Delegation from Thailand

 

Visitors from the Suk-Kaew Kaewdang Foundation and the LCCT Group were hosted by the Elder Academy for a two fact finding mission to Hong Kong. They were provided with information on the EdUHK Elder Academy and the UNESCO Chair and were given tours of other elder learning academies and facilities in Hong Kong.

 

 

 

8-12 May 2017

 

Workshop at Khon Kaen University, Thailand

 

Bob visited Khon Kaen University, Thailand to ran a 2.5 day workshop on using English as the Medium of Instruction for 25 faculty members of 10 programmes in the university. He also gave a talk to 40 Kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school teachers on “Principles for Teaching English”. Khon Kaen University and The Education University of Hong Kong have a long-standing partnership for academic development. The workshop and talk were well received. The trip was kindly funded by Khon Kaen University.

 

17 April - 4 May 2017

 

AERA Conference

 

Bob Adamson represented FEHD and IELL at the AERA Conference in San Antonio, Texas, US. The conference attracted more than 2000 participants, mainly from North America. Bob used the opportunity to discuss ongoing collaboration with Lynn Paine from Michigan State University.

 

5 -9 March 2017

 

Comparative & International Education Society Annual Conference 2017

 

Bob Adamson attended this conference which attracted more than 2000 participants, mainly from North America, but with a strong Asian presence. Bob also participated in the World Council of Comparative Education Society leaders meeting (representing CESHK) and was able to inform people of the retitling of EdUHK. We were warmly congratulated on the achievement. Bob  attended a workshop for Young Scholars and promoted our On-line Doctoral Resources, and these have since been picked up by the Early Careers SIG.

 

 

24-25 March 2017

 

The Comparative Education Society of Hong Kong’s Annual Conference

The UNESCO Chair co-sponsored the Comparative Education Society of Hong Kong’s Annual Conference, held at the EdUHK’s Tseung Kwan O Study Centre on 24-25 March 2017.

The Conference addressed four themes:

1.         Equity and basic schooling in Asia;

2.         Higher education in Asia: the local and the global;

3.         Education and social change; and

4.         Comparative education research methods.

Around 80 participants from Hong Kong, East Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia attended the event. During the Opening Ceremony, Bob Adamson, holder of the UNESCO Chair, made a speech of welcome to the participants.

 

10 March 2017

 

Joint UNESCO Chair IELL Research Seminar

 

 

5-9 March 2017

 

Comparative & International Education Society Annual Conference 2017

 

Bob Adamson attended this annual conference that attracted over 2000 international participants. He participated in the World Council of Comparative Education Society Leaders meeting (representing CESHK) and conducted a workshop for young scholars where he was able to promote the EdUHK series of doctoral research videos and Skills for Life educational website.

 

February 2017

 

Publication

 

Congratulations to Tamara Savelyeva and Will Douglas for their publication:

 

(2017). Global consciousness and pillars of sustainable development: A study on self-perceptions of the first year university students.  International Journal of sustainability in Higher Education, 18(2), 218 - 241. Emerald. DOI 10.1108/IJSHE-04-2016-0063

 

16-17 December 2016

 

STEM Education Conference/carnival

 

This event was an EdUHK UNESCO Chair Skills for Life partner project with the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology (MIT)

5-6 December 2016

Visit to the Ulster University UNESCO Centre

Prof Bob Adamson visited Prof Alan Smith, his UNESCO Chair counterpart at Ulster University, Northern Ireland, on 5th-6th December 2016. Over the two days, they discussed mutual cooperation and shared information about UNESCO Chair activities in the two universities. Prof Adamson also gave a talk to more than 20 staff and postgraduate students on “Multilingualism in education in China”. The UNESCO Chair at Ulster University was established in 1999. The Chair has a core programme of work in Education for Pluralism, Human Rights and Democracy, focusing on issues relating to children, young people and education, both in Northern Ireland and around the world. Prof Adamson and Prof Smith agreed to strengthen the collaboration between the two UNESCO Chairs in future.

3 December 2016

First Forum for UNESCO Chair Partners and Associates

The purpose of this forum was to provide a cross-departmental and cross-faculty platform where people working on projects that relate to the UNESCO sustainable Development Goals: 2030 can meet to share the findings of their research or community engagement work. There were four presentations from partners on their projects.  The intention is that all project partners will have an opportunity to share their project findings at future forums.

The first forum was honoured to have Professor John Lee as special guest in his partner capacity as Director of the Centre for Religious and Spirituality Education.

The programme was as follows:

Dr Lee Yeung Chung, Dept. SES: Developing Leadership in STEM Education and Teachers’ Professional Development – A Multi-Pronged Approach

Dr Choi Tae Hee, Dept. EPL: Enhancement of Student Learning in Courses with English as the Medium of Instruction

Dr Gao Fang, Dept. IELL: Parental involvement and ethnic Korean students’ enrolment in four-year universities of China: A multidimensional study on students’ perceptions

Prof Cheung Hin Tat, Dept. of LML: Narrative Development in School-age South Asian Children in Hong Kong

2 December 2016

 

UNESCO Chair Research Seminar

 

by: Dr Tamara Savelyeva, Dept. of IELL

 

 

1 December 2016

 

Submission to the Legislative Council Subcommittee on Rights of Ethnic Minorities

 

The Legco Subcommittee on Rights of Ethnic Minorities met on 12 December 2016 to discuss “education for children of ethnic minorities – implementation progress of the 'Chinese language as the second language' curriculum, placement of EM students and support measures to these students and to schools admitting them”.

 

The UNESCO Chair made a formal submission of the Briefing Papers from the first and Second Forums on Inclusive and Equitable Education held at EdUHK in October 2015 and May 2016. These were provided for information and guidance to the subcommittee.

 

These papers can be downloaded from:

https://www.eduhk.hk/unescochair/view.php?secid=50362

 

30 November 2016

Third UNESCO Chair Forum on Equitable Education for All

 

This forum was a follow up to the one held in May 2016, which looked at experiences of teacher trainers and other stakeholders. Following on from this the November 2016 forum looked to identify examples of good teaching methods that have had success in the classroom and received positive feedback from minority language students. There were stakeholders from the University as well as members from minority concern groups. In addition a number of students participated to advise on their experiences in the education system or as providers of education to minority groups. By the end of the forum a consensus was reached on ways in which minority language students can be taught more effectively in the mainstream school system. Experiences from schools were considered, such as those offering the IB. The intention is that this forum will stimulate ideas as to how the University can improve teacher education programmes in terms of cultural diversity. 

 

 

26 November 2016 

 

CESHK Autumn Forum 2016 - Hong Kong in Comparative Perspectives

 

This presented a great opportunity for younger academics to present papers at an international conference.

22 November 2016

IELL/CEES/CLLRD Seminar on Environmental Education for Sustainability: Innovations and Advances

 

Chaired by: Dr Tamara Savelyeva, Dept. of IELL

 

Speakers:

 

Dr Yue Li - MOOCs for environmental educators

 

Dr Yu-Chi Tseng - Connecting teenagers with nature

 

Dr Alex Kudryavtsev - Urban Environmental Educators Review textbook

 

7-12 November 2016

Bob Adamson attends the CIES Inaugural Fall Symposium, visits Stanford University and the SOAR Foundation

In Scottsdale, Arizona, Bob attended the CIES Inaugural Fall Symposium on 10-11 November. The theme was “The Possibility and Desirability of Global Learning Metrics: Comparative Perspectives on Education Research, Policy and Practice”. There were 150 participants, mainly from North America, and there were some excellent panel presentations and individual papers. Bob was invited in his capacity as a UNESCO Chairholder, in order to chair a meeting with other Chairholders attending the sysmposium. Bob also gave a presentation on “PISA, Policymaking and Pantomime”, which was well received, and there was lively discussion over the aptness of theatrical metaphors to describe policymaking. (There was one suggestion that clowns and circuses might also be increasingly apposite). Overall, this symposium was extremely valuable for making contacts and for having an extended debate on a key theme. Bob was also able to distribute some literature about FEHD programmes and the EdUHK UNESCO Chair.

Stanford: Bob met Dr Frank Adamson (no relation) and discussed current education policies in USA and HK. Frank works closely with Linda Darling-Hammond and is also active in comparative education and policy implementation.

Bob also made a brief visit to the SOAR Foundation whilst in the US.

 

28-30 October 2016

 

Bob Adamson visit to Shandong University, Jinan

 

Bob Adamson visited Shandong University, Jinan to attend a strategic planning meeting of the Standing Committee on Teacher Education and Professional Development, National Association of Foreign Language Education of the People’s Republic of China. He attended the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth National Symposium on Foreign Language Teacher Education and Development, attended by 600 participants.

 

 

Bob Adamson with Dr Marissa Chen and Dr Hillary Wang at the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth National Symposium on Foreign Language Teacher Education and Development, Shandong University, PRC

 

12-13 October 2016

 

Sino-European Forum on Education Policy Think Tanks, Beijing, China

Bob was invited to participate in the Sino-European Forum on Education Policy Think Tanks held on October 12-13, 2016 in Beijing. The event formed part of the Sino-European Ministerial Meeting Series hosted by the Ministry of Education of China. The forum sought to promote higher education cooperation and exchanges between China and Europe in the context of the One Belt, One Road Initiative and to strengthen the role of education policy think tanks in buttressing evidence-based decision-making in higher education policy.

This forum was attended by 150 delegates, with one-third coming from overseas. It was opened by Dr Hao Ping, Vice Minister of Education and a Chair Professor at Peking University. Professor Lesley Wilson, Secretary-General of the European University Association also presented a keynote speech. A number of emergent and burning issues in higher education both in China and Europe were then discussed, with a focus on four topics: world-class university initiatives; higher education internationalization; innovation and entrepreneurship education; and quality assurance for higher education. There were also discussions and exchanges surrounding the role think tanks can play in education decision making and the capacity building of think tanks themselves. Professor Adamson was one of 38 speakers at the forum. His presentation analyzed tensions surrounding quality assurance, mission identification, and the use of English as the medium of instruction in higher education, and he offered some possible approaches to resolving these tensions.

 

The forum was the first of its kind and was jointly sponsored by the National Center for Education Development Research and the European University Association. The National Center is an advisory institution devoted to strengthening macro educational policy-related research and policy-making consultancy in the People’s Republic of China. Since its establishment in 1986, it has proven significant in providing consultations on educational policy-making at the national level. Following the success of this year’s inaugural forum, it is proposed that it should become an annual event.

 

Bob received a letter of appreciation for his contribution - click to download: Letter

 

 

 

Photo: Prof Bob Adamson with Ms Queenie Kang, one of the forum organizers.

 

3 October 2016

Global Citizenship and Leadership Study Tour by Students from Seoul Global High School, South Korea

125 students and teachers from Seoul Global High School, Korea visited the Education University of Hong Kong to learn about global citizenship and leadership. The event was organised by Dr. Choi Tae Hee of the Department of Education Policy and Leadership (EPL) and The Joseph Lau Luen Hung Charitable Trust Asia Pacific Centre for Leadership and Change (APCLC). This knowledge transfer event started with a welcome by Professor Ng Shun Wing, followed by a presentation by Professor Bob Adamson on how to successfully navigate this globalized world. Dr. Choi then led a discussion on global leadership with the assistance of volunteer discussants from the Bachelor of Education, Master of Teaching and PhD programmes of the EdUHK.

 

 

28-30 September 2016

Prof Bob Adamson attends Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit 2016

Prof Bob Adamson participated in the Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit (GYEOS) held in Washington DC from 28-30 September 2016. The event was attended by more than 500 delegates from 54 countries.

 

The summit featured projects, strategies and tools that have been developed to cope with the “Youth Bulge”—the burgeoning number of young people in many parts of Africa and Asia. The changes brought about by globalization and technological innovation have engendered employers’ demands for new skills (often referred to as “soft skills”) from potential employees. The lack of access to relevant education and training has put at risk the life and work opportunities for millions of youth, particularly those in unstable, marginalized, remote and other disadvantaged settings.

 

The GYEOS has been held for the past 10 years, bringing together strategists, field workers, researchers and policymakers to share ideas on ways forward, and to enhance networking and collaboration. The summit included plenaries, panels and workshops.

 

During the summit, Prof Adamson met with representatives of various agencies, including Results for Development, Abt Associates, EDC, IREX, DAI, Cardno, Chemonics, PSIPSE and MTC. He shared information about the work of the EdUHK UNESCO Chair, particularly the development of the “Skills for Life” on-line portal that provides resources for young people to improve their employability. He also was consulted by a team from the Kepler programme on issues surrounding curriculum reform in Rwanda.

 

“The summit was a very valuable experience,” commented Prof Adamson. “I learnt about many new projects and accessed a number of curriculum tools that will be very relevant to the work of the UNESCO Chair. I also received a lot of positive feedback and ideas for our on-line portal.”

Shubha Jayaram and Caitlin Moss (Results for Development) with Bob Adamson

18 September 2016 

Prof Bob Adamson presents workshops at Yunnan Normal University

 

 

Bob visited Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, PRC, on 18 September 2016 to present two workshops to 50 English Language teachers from ethnic minority regions of Yunnan Province.

Prof Adamson’s visit formed part of a major ongoing national project to promote effective models of multilingual education in China, where policy changes have led to the introduction of English language teaching and learning in primary schools. These reforms pose particular challenges to communities in ethnic minority areas, as Putonghua often competes with the minority language and English is often taught in under-resourced schools with few trained teachers. This project involves extensive and intensive research that includes investigations into school- and community-level practices, policies and perceptions relating to trilingualism in key regions, such as Xinjiang, Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, Gansu, Guizhou, Guangxi, Qinghai, Jilin, Tibet and Guangdong. This project is contributing to the strengthening and expansion of EdUHK’s already strong links with Hong Kong and Mainland China as well as to the development of strong research teams for specific projects and programmes. To date, professional teacher development programmes in Yunnan reached over 600 teachers, while the these and other programmes, directly or indirectly influencing approximately 450,000 minority students nationwide.

This project, which was awarded the Knowledge Transfer Grand Award by EdUHK in 2016, is one of the flagship projects of the Minority Education Programme undertaken by the UNESCO Chair. In line with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals,  the research and development work in the area of education for minority groups seeks to inform education policies, which, if implemented effectively, can enable minority groups to engage fully in the social and political life of mainstream society and enjoy the opportunities for personal and career development. Yunnan is playing a pioneering role developing the capacity of teachers to provide multilingual education in primary and secondary schools. 

During his short visit, Bob discussed the progress of a book project on multilingual education in ethnic minority regions of China with the Vice President of Yunnan Normal University, Professor Yuan Yichuan.

 

 

8 September 2016

Dr Savelyeva and Prof Adamson visit the Korean Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET)

 

On 8 September 2016, Dr Tamara Savelyeva (Assistant Professor of IELL) and Prof Bob Adamson visited KRIVET in Sejong, South Korea.

KRIVET is a leading think-tank in lifelong skills development. It was established in 1997 to conduct policy research and development in the field of education and employment. It plays a leading role in structuring an integrated system of education and welfare and in providing comprehensive policy suggestions to integrate Vocational Education and Training institutions and the labour market in South Korea.

The visit was linked to the EdUHK UNESCO Chair programme, “Skills for Life”. The two EdUHK representatives were welcomed by Dr Namchul Lee, Director-General of the Centre for Global Cooperation in KRIVET and his colleagues Dr Hea Jun Yoon, Ms C.J. Lee and Ms Noh Se Rim. Discussions focused on current and future collaboration between KRIVET and EdUHK.

Dr Savelyeva videoed an interview with Dr Lee about the work of KRIVET.

17-20 July 2016

Yanbian University

Prof Bob Adamson visited Yanbian University, Yanji City, Jilin Province to participate in the 9th Yanbian University/Korean Association of Teachers of English International Conference on English Language Education, entitled “Innovations and Challenges in Teaching English”. He gave a keynote presentation on “Multilingualism in Education in China: Lessons for Elsewhere” to 60 participants.

On 19th July 2016, he gave a presentation to 120 undergraduate students, entitled “Bringing English to Life”.

 

Bob also discussed the progress of a book project and possible joint papers with Professor Zhang Zhen’ai.

 

 

 

Keynote Speakers, Invited Speakers and organisers at the YBU/KATE Conference

 

Prof Zhang Zhen'ai with Prof Bob Adamson

 

4-17 July 2016

Shanghai International Studies University

Bob spent two weeks as Visiting Professor at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) from 4-17 July 2016 in his capacity as UNESCO Chairholder. During this time, he gave a series of workshops on the theory and practice of teaching English as a foreign language to 250 primary and secondary school teachers from Zhejiang and Anhui Provinces. 

Prof Adamson also met with four SISU doctoral students to advise them on their research projects.

8-10 July 2016

20 June 2016

June 2016

Graduation ceremony at the Mei Foo Elder Academy

 

Dr Maureen Tam was invited as Guest of Honour to officiate and give a speech at the graduation ceremony of an elder academy in Mei Foo. Maureen spoke on the topic of encouraging elders to continue learning, and enhancing motivation for learning through promotion of a culture of remaining active to maintain mental and physical fitness as we age.

 

In 2015 the Mei Foo Elder Academy begin a programme on the prevention of cognitive disorders - mental and physical fitness practices. This is a two-year programme to encourage the elderly to establish regular cognitive activities to maintain mental health.

June 2016

June 2016

Launch of the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (ICHEI)

Bob Adamson attended an International meeting on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education and the formal launching of the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation (ICHEI) at the Southern University of Science and Technology, from 7-8 June 2016. The establishment of ICHEI as a UNESCO Category II Centre was approved by UNESCO’s 38th General Conference on 23 November 2015. The launching ceremony was opened by a keynote provided by the newly designated ICHEI Director, Dr. Li Ming. Inaugural remarks were also made by Dr. Qian Tang, ADG/ED, Mr Yue Du, Secretary-General of China’s National Commission for UNESCO and Ms Yihuan Wu, Deputy Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government.

June 2016

8^th International Symposium on Trilingualism and Trilingual Education in Ethnic Minority Regions of China

Bob Adamson and Choi Taehee attended the 8^th International Symposium on Trilingualism and Trilingual Education in Ethnic Minority Regions of China, at Shaanxi Normal University. This is an annual event that was initiated in EdUHK in 2009 with support from RECLEAMS and the Faculty of Education and Human Development. The event attracted around 60 academics and policy-makers, and it is clear that our research is having an impact at the policy level in China, especially in Yunnan and Qinghai Provinces. It was particularly encouraging to see the emergence of a new generation of scholars who are very interested in ethnic minority language issues. Bob was awarded the title of “Honorary Academic Advisor” by Shaanxi Normal University for helping them to win a major research project from the national government.

30 May 2016

EdUHK Elder Academy hosts visitors from the Taiwan Kaohsiung Dream City Development Association

27 May 2016

19 May 2016

Chair Professor Public Lecture

Professor Bob Adamson presented his Chair Professor's public lecture on multilinguilism in education in China

6 May 2016

Second Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All in Hong Kong

The UNESCO Chair at EdUHK hosted its Second Forum on Inclusive and Equitable Education for All on 6 May 2016, with scholars, minority group representatives, education practitioners and students in attendance. The event focused on how to promote understanding of the needs of minority language students among trainee teachers.

The forum was a UNESCO Chair Project organised through the Centre for Lifelong Learning Research and Development (CLLRD) and co-organised by the Centre for Governance and Citizenship at E and the Yew Chung Community College. Representatives from UNISON and the Yuen Long Minorities Parents’ Concern Group were invited to attend.

Professor Bob Adamson welcomed the participants, stating that the forum’s purpose was “to consider the role of the Unversity to enhance teacher education in terms of handling cultural diversity, and to explore the issues in more detail with development of plans and actions”.

Mr Paul Tarrant, Chair of the Yuen Long Minorities Parents’ Concern Group, gave an opening address on the concerns of parents and minority language students. Topics of discussion at the forum focused on language policies in Hong Kong and the ways in which teacher training could be made more sensitive to the needs of minority language students.

Minority language students in Hong Kong face a number of challenges from the current education system, including access and language barriers. While the number of such students has increased since 1997, fewer schools are now offering an alternative to Chinese as the medium of instruction. Following the Education Bureau’s introduction of the Chinese Language Curriculum Second Language Learning Framework in 2014, there are still concerns about how the framework is implemented and uncertainty over how it leads to entry into tertiary institutions.

The representatives at the forum suggested the need for similar forums in the future with more stakeholders involved, along with further research investigating factors affecting education for minority language students.

25 April 2016 

Visit by Thai Delegation to CRSE

CRSE hosted a delegation of administrators, staff and graduate students of Education Administration, Faculty of Education, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University on 25 April 2016 for a study of Hong Kong education system from the elementary level to higher education level. The group was cordially welcomed and assisted by staff and students. Bob Adamson gave an introductory talk on the Hong Kong education system.

16 April 2016 

Seminar with Shenzhen Nam Shan Elderly Institute on the Issue of Elder Learning and Development

15/16 April 2016 

The Annual Conference of the Comparative Education Society of Hong Kong

Bob Adamson presented at the Annual Conference of the Comparative Education Society of Hong Kong (CESHK). This was the largest gathering of education associations in Hong Kong and one of the biggest in Asia. The theme for the 2016 Conference was "Learning to live together and comparative education," and the conference highlighted the crucial role of peace, harmony and tolerance for the well-being of humanity.

15 April 2016 

Education for Sustainable Development in the Asian Context: International Symposium, Vancouver

This symposium discussed specific features of education for sustainable development (ESD) in relation to Asian philosophical traditions and addressed issues of ESD applications in Asian comparative research.

The presentations and discussions extended across two panel sessions in the conference - the first focused on transnational movement of theoretical perspectives to sustainability across Asian educational systems, while the second included case studies from diverse Asian contexts. Audience members and panelists were encouraged to engage in a lively and productive discussion of theoretical and educational issues in comparative and international research.

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April 2016

ENGAGE Mentorship Programme 2016

26 February 2016

EdUHK Extends PC Programme in Lifelong and Elderly Education

In order to promote lifelong learning and encourage elders to lead active and constructive lives, the EdUHK Elder Academy received over HK$900,000 of funding from the HKSAR government to run the Professional Certificate Programme in Lifelong and Elderly Education (PC Programme).

The PC Programme, jointly offered by the Elder Academy at EdUHK and the Shatin Multi-service Centre for the Elderly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong since 2010, is the first elder professional training and education programme offered by a local tertiary institution. Offering a scholarship scheme with funding support from the Elder Academy Development Foundation (EADF) of the HKSAR government, the PC Programme has trained nearly 200 elders. Over half of the graduates are currently teaching at various elderly-service-related organisations, including elder academies and elder community centres across Hong Kong.

Dr Maureen Tam, Head of the EdUHK Elder Academy, said that “it is encouraging to see the government’s support for elder education as well as its recognition of the need for professional training for teachers of elders. Through the transfer of knowledge and sharing of experience, professional training for teachers of elders contributes to an ageing society in which elders can enjoy fruitful lives through engaging in lifelong learning”.

The funded project aims to subsidise 120 teachers of elders to enrol in the PC programme to upgrade their professional teaching standards. Graduates have to undertake voluntary teaching in elder academies across Hong Kong. Training workshops, seminars and sharing sessions are also run by programme graduates to increase recognition of “third age education”. In addition, the Hong Kong Outstanding Elder Teachers Awards Ceremony is held to show respect for and appreciation of practitioners in the field, and to raise public awareness of the importance of lifelong learning and professional training for teachers of elders.

Apart from offering the “train-the-trainer” PC programme, the EdUHK Elder Academy organises a range of undergraduate courses for elders aged 60 and above. Elderly learners can sit in on the courses as observing students who are not required to take part in any assessment, and are awarded certificates after completing the courses. The aim is to provide lifelong learning opportunities and promote intergenerational learning between elders and undergraduate students.

Photos of the events are available on the EdUHK website
http://www.eduhk.hk/web/news.php?glang=en

February 2016

Elder Learning Sharing Session

On 27 February 2016 Dr Maureen Tam facilitated a community sharing session with the Tai Po North District Elderly Service Coordination Committee. The purpose of this was to provide guidance to a group of 25 welfare workers on the education services that could be provided to the young elderly (aged 50-60), with a focus on those who have retired early and seek to keep mentally and physically active. The forum also considered social relationship building, knowledge acquisition, and psychological and health education.

Bob Adamson and Will Douglas were invited to the Hong Kong College of Technology in Ma On Shan. This is non-profit organization that provides vocational training to degree level. After a tour of the facilities, discussions were held on areas of mutual interest where there could be future research and project collaboration. Dr Chan, President and Principal of the College presented gifts to the visitors.