HKU Bulletin January 2005 (Vol. 6 No. 2)

M r Richard Glofcheski, Associate Professor of the Department of Law said: “A good teacher is one who is genuinely interested in the teaching and learning enterprise, and who places the importance of teaching on an equal footing with his research. He is one who by virtue of his enthusiasm for the subject, can inspi re and mot ivate students. To ensure good learning a good teacher will actively engage the students in the teaching/lear ning process, for effective learning requires an engagement of, and interaction with, the subject matter. “A good teacher will develop an understanding of and intimacy with the students, so that they do not feel like mere numbers, but individuals whose characteristics are known and appreciated by the teacher. These values require an atmosphere of equality and democracy in the classroom, which should be a forum in which all can participate, and in which the views of all are treated with respect and on a footing of equality. “The Teaching Fellowship is an important recognition of the value placed by the University on the value of good teaching. I was impressed that the teaching awards were presented together with the Outstanding Research Awards, a gesture that is more than symbol ic and places the importance of teaching on an equal footing with that of research. “For me, the teaching fellowship signifies a recognition more than an award, and carries responsibilities. It has caused me to reflect further on my teaching, to assume a continuing role as a teaching fellow and to make a continuing contribution to the teaching and learning enterprise in the Faculty and the University, in order to do justice to the recognition that has been conferred.” His student Thomas Wong said: “In his lectures Rick always illustrates his points with spontaneous and funny examples, making everybody laugh but at the same time have a precise understanding of the points. Each and every student of Rick’s wishes to say four words, and let me say the same: Thanks very much, Rick.” D r Chau Kwok Tong, Associate Professor of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering said: “A Confucian classic Li Ji said, ‘When you learn, you then know your deficiency; when you teach, you then realize your difficulty; by knowing the deficiency, you then self- evaluate; by realizing the difficulty, you then self-endeavor; teaching and learning are mutually motivating’. “At tertiary education, teachers learn by research. I believe that this saying is everlasting for a good teacher. Since HKU is a research-led University, teaching and research are equally important. The University Teaching Fel low scheme signifies that HKU not only recognizes outstanding research, but also promotes teaching excellence.” His student, Sam Wong, added: “I love to attend his lectures because of his lecture notes – they are the most colourful notes I have ever seen – and because he is such a good teacher. He enjoys teaching and he is happy to hear students’ quest ions. As for us, we enjoy asking him questions. “Dr Chau was the supervisor of my final-year project. His passion for research encouraged me to follow his example and pursue a higher degree. He encourages us by reminding us how satisfying it will be to achieve the research project. He is an expert at energizing students. “He has made his name with his research into electric vehicles. Last year he obtained an Outstanding Young Researcher Award and this year he is a University Teaching Fellow. Dr Chau’s achievements motivate his students. I will always be grateful for his passion and persistence in research, his care, his encouragement and his personality.” 25 24 TEACHING FELLOWSHIP AWARDS