The Review 2003

post-graduate education and HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE), the life-long learning enterprise of the University. Our shift towards more student- centred learning, close attention to the student experience and good quality of staff-student communicat ion and col laborat ion were especially singled out. The panel reported that “the overriding impression is that of a context in which genuine col legial conversat ions between staff and students is the norm.” The fact the praise was across the board for all three teaching areas was of immense satisfaction. At the same time, we were able to learn how we could do better, in terms of managing new teaching initiatives, teacher t raining and using HKU SPACE more effectively to support lifelong learning. These recommendations will be followed through. But the overall thrust of the panel’s report is a confirmation that we are succeeding in our ef for ts to offer teaching and learning programmes that are of the highest standards and are relevant to the 21st century. Another v i tal element of a modern education takes place beyond the bounds of the curriculum. The University has always prided itself on its cosmopolitan community 13 14 The way the courses are taught is very different here and very interesting. They are highly specialised; for instance, you could not have a course about Buddhist studies in France. Joachim Mion, French exchange student The Review 2003 INVESTING IN PEOPLE Compared to the universities in Germany, the professors really care about you and help you. When I first arrived, the head of department spoke to us for 30 minutes to welcome us. That would be quite impossible in Germany. Ole Baranowski, German exchange student “ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” and continues to expand this vital element to encourage interact ion in a mul t i -cul tural context. In 2002-03, 877 non-local students f rom 43 count r ies were enrol led in the Uni versi ty. Another 323 overseas and Mainland students paid shorter visits here and some 400 of our students went overseas under our wel l-establ ished programme of collaboration and exchange with more than 100 leading universities. Returning students regularly report how the experience helped to broaden their minds and encouraged them to think more critically The University’s achievements in teaching and learning have made it attractive to local, mainland and overseas students who relish the opportunity to study in English in China at a top institution. That positive response has some consequences, though. It is hoped that the total student numbers, both local and non- local, can increase by more than 70 per cent over the next 10 years. The challenge with such growth will be to ensure our standards remain high and are raised even higher – to a level expected of a university of our stature. We are trying to lay the groundwork for such a development, with the community’s support. Indeed, the communi ty stands to benef i t enormously from enabling us to offer a world- class tertiary education that keeps the best and brightest students in Hong Kong and provides the talent and skills needed for a modern, forward-thinking society. The Panel was impressed by the scale and scope of innovations that have taken place and are continuing to develop on campus… Every unit visited left a favourable impression. The Teaching and Learning Quality Process Review report by an international panel of experts, May 2003 “ ” “ ”