HKU Bulletin October 2012 (Vol. 14 No.1)

News in Brief For the second year running, an HKU academic has been named for the annual University Grants Committee (UGC) Teaching Award. This year, Dr David M Pomfret, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Arts, was one of three recipients of the prestigious Award. Professor Richard A Glofcheski of the HKU Department of Law was one of the two UGC Teaching Award winners in 2011. In announcing its decision, the UGC noted: “Dr Pomfret’s scholarly interest in the changing nature of youth has led to a radical reimagining of the history curriculum, and of the learning process. He has demonstrated a powerfully compelling use of new technologies in education that integrate students and teachers into a real partnership of teachers and learners. Dr Pomfret has a record of sustained contribution through his intellectual leadership at a programme, faculty and institutional level. In his many leadership roles, he has championed, and been a model for, the importance of quality teaching.” Dr Pomfret joined HKU in 2001 and received the University’s 2006–2007 Outstanding Young Researcher Award and its 2010 Outstanding Teaching Award. Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Lap-Chee Tsui is pleased with the news, saying: “It is truly encouraging to note that our colleagues have been honoured with the Award in two consecutive years since its inception. This is clear evidence of the excellent quality of teaching and learning at the University.” 2012 UGC Teaching Awards were selected from 15 outstanding nominees who were selected by their own institutions. The other two recipients of the Award are Professor Shekhar Madhukar Kumta from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Professor Liu Zhiqiang from City University of Hong Kong. M ! " # $ % & ' ( ) ' $ * + , " % & - . / % & 0 0 % & ) 1 " $ * + 2 3 * + ' ( ) ( The New Face of Teaching Excellence Dr David M Pomfret Takes HKU’s Second Consecutive UGC Teaching Award The new Problem-based Learning Suite that has just been opened at the Faculty of Dentistry incorporates international design trends for learning space, while catering to a generation of tech-savvy students. The project has been two years in the making, has included student and staff consultations throughout the planning stages, and reworks the existing space at the Faculty to better accommodate the scheduling needs for this year’s double cohort of students. The Suite’s design integrates technology with architecture, thus complementing the Faculty’s ‘blended learning’ philosophy of moving beyond standard classroom teaching methods. Frosted glass walls make the most of natural light and create a greater feeling of openness, but also provide a sense of privacy. Small group sessions are facilitated by a range of equipment, including interactive white boards that can be synched to large screen displays, 3D animations, videos and critical-thinking software. As with the rest of the University, there is WiFi support throughout. Two adjacent rooms, with an intervening glass divider, allow real-time observation and two-way discussion, and can be used for staff development. And a new student common room space provides a lounge-like feel for students to relax in and collaborate. M + # - # % & * # 3 3 $ HKU Dentists Have a New Reason to Smile A Contemporary Teaching and Learning Space for Dental Students Opens 4 # # - 5 " " # - # 03 The University of Hong Kong Bulletin October 2012