Learning, leading, lasting: graduate tales from sustainability and STEM programmes

Community Voices is a space where readers can share their thoughts with other members of the FLASS community. We welcome submissions on education-related topics, inspirational life experiences, heartwarming stories that took place at EdUHK, and anything else you believe would be a meaningful contribution.

In this issue of FLASS FORWARD, two graduates and a student from the Master of Arts in Education for Sustainability and a graduate from the Master of Arts in STEM Education programmes offered by the Department of Science and Environmental Studies (SES) share how the dual emphases of these programmes on academic learning and hands-on experience have inspired them. The graduates said their studies provided a solid foundation for teaching sustainability and STEM curricula interactively. Through their sharing, readers can gain insights into the popular saying among mainland students: “Spending a year on a master’s programme in Hong Kong will leave a lasting impression that one will cherish forever (一年港碩，一生懷念).”

Mr Richard Yeung, a PhD candidate of SES, also contributed an article to this issue. 

Ms Chen Mianyin, Ms Han Qing, Ms Zhang Xinyi, Ms Zhang Yuqi

My one-year learning experience in Hong Kong has been incredibly enriching and rewarding. This experience has not only broadened my knowledge but also shaped my thinking and practical skills. The programme offered a unique and profound learning journey. The professors were highly knowledgeable, and emphasised interaction in the classroom, encouraging us to think independently and develop critical thinking skills. Their academic achievements are admirable, but they are also humble and approachable, always patiently listening to our viewpoints and offering sincere advice.

In terms of course content, we explored many important topics related to sustainability, such as climate change, gender equality, and social justice. Additionally, we learnt how to design teaching plans related to sustainability, as well as to master assessment models and methods. The programme also enhanced our research abilities, enabling us to conduct studies related to sustainability. I would like to highlight that this programme is not just about “environmental studies” as some might think. It encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions and integrates multiple aspects of teaching and research. The depth and breadth of the content are impressive.

We also learnt from the programme how sustainability is practised in real-life scenarios. Through field trips, such as a visit to the Tzu Chi Environmental Action Center, we witnessed the efforts people dedicate to environmental protection and the wonders of technological innovation. At the centre, we observed how recycled plastic bottles are transformed into useful products like clothing and eco-plastic wood, effectively giving them a new life.

I participated in various extracurricular activities related to EfS outside the classroom, such as the Jockey Club Sustainability Leadership Programme and the International Desert Sustainable Development Proposal Competition. These activities not only broadened my horizons but also enhanced my practical skills and teamwork capabilities.

Looking back on this year, I am deeply grateful for choosing the MA(EfS) programme. It allowed me to meet an outstanding and responsible teaching team, participate in many engaging and meaningful field trips and learning activities, and gain a deeper understanding of sustainability. The experience has also made me deeply understand what people say, “Spending a year on a master’s programme in Hong Kong will leave a lasting impression that one will cherish forever. (一年港碩，一生懷念).”

I look back on the past year’s study as an experience that has not only enabled me to gain a deep understanding of my professional field but has also helped me to grow into a practitioner with an international outlook in a multicultural campus environment. The EfS programme is designed to break away from traditional one-way teaching. Instead, it emphasises interaction and practice, which has greatly benefited me in the learning process.

Through my internship, I have accumulated a wealth of practical knowledge and a deep appreciation that genuine EfS must be built on the care of both natural and human systems. In addition, I learnt Cantonese through language workshops from saying simple greetings to carrying out basic conversations. The mastery of basic Cantonese has helped me gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s culture. I have also gained a global perspective from various seminars organised under the programme, which expanded the boundaries of my thinking. This learning journey has prepared me well for my future role as an educator and made me more determined to promote sustainable development.

MA(STEM Ed) programme gave me opportunities not only to learn theoretical knowledge about STEM education and research methods but also to participate in hands-on course activities that taught me how to solve practical problems. The courses effectively cultivated my creativity, problem-solving ability and critical thinking skills required for teaching STEM. Through project-based learning and collaborative learning, we explored in depth how to implement STEM education effectively in classroom teaching.

In one of the team projects, we designed and implemented an experiment on a power boat, experiencing firsthand how to stimulate students’ spirit of inquiry and creativity. In the internship conducted at local schools during the second semester, school students combined theory with practical work. They gained a deeper understanding of the required skills and instructional practices of front-line STEM educators.

After one year of studying, I have gradually understood “what is STEM education?”, “why should we learn STEM education?” and “how to effectively apply STEM education?”. I have also broadened my horizons by participating in various STEM seminars and exchange activities organised by the programme. In addition, I had the opportunity to learn the latest educational technologies, including programming and data analysis tools. I have also learnt how to effectively integrate these technologies into the classroom to stimulate students’ learning interest. The technical knowledge and skills will be valuable resources for my future teaching.

In short, the MA (STEM Ed) programme enhanced my professional knowledge and skills and allowed me to understand the comprehensive characteristics of STEM education deeply. It has laid a solid foundation for my education career. As a graduate of the STEM education programme, I would like to say that EdUHK has high-quality educational resources and a diversified learning environment. I hope that more students will enroll in the MA (STEM Ed) programme and enjoy an unforgettable and fulfilling learning experience at EdUHK!

As a 2024 graduate, I can confidently say that the one-year study of the MA(EfS) programme was a transformative experience that shaped both my career and worldview. Coming from a business undergraduate background, I hesitated initially about switching to sustainability. The hesitation disappeared when I found that I fell in love with social sciences because of the programme’s interdisciplinary approach which blends theory with hands-on practice.

the guidance of passionate professors, I explored essential courses such as Climate Change and Carbon Management and Global Issues in Sustainability Education. The programme’s distinctive feature is its interactive style: professors treated us as peers, fostering lively debates and even taking us on field trips—from museum visits to outdoor environmental workshops. The emphasis on SDGs, especially gender equality, broadened my perspective immensely.

Despite commuting daily from Shenzhen during the one-year study, the campus’ welcoming atmosphere and thoughtfulness of the faculty made me feel at home. The practical focus, teamwork opportunities, and industry connections of the programme prepared me perfectly for my current role as a Sustainability Officer at a multinational firm. EdUHK isn’t just a university—it’s a community that nurtures change-makers. Forever grateful!