A sharing corner for you

Community Voices is a corner 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 whatever else you believe would be a meaningful contribution.

In this issue of FLASS FORWARD, several graduates and students from the Department of Health and Physical Education share with us what they have learnt from their studies at FLASS, and the lasting impact education at EdUHK has left on them. A graduate who is now working in her home province in mainland China also sent us her words of appreciation.

Lam Yuen-sum, Christy Leung Sik-yu, Helen Bau Hiu-lam, Ting Wing-kit, Lui Wing-yin, Leung Cheuk-hei, Yuan Kunwei

I am very grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn in the Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Physical Education) programme over the last five years. I joined the Shi-Tu Scheme (mentor and mentee) to learn from the thoughts and perspectives of my mentor Dr Gary Chow Chi-ching, Assistant Professor from the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE). I am very appreciative of the enormous support from my mentor in guiding me to explore and grow.

Through the scheme, my mentor gave me a lot of guidance for presenting my project at the seventh HKASMSS Student Conference organised by the Hong Kong Association of Sports Medicine and Sports Science (HKASMSS). At the conference, I had the chance to understand projects presented by other participants. The innovative ideas and methods they used in their projects impressed me. I remember that a student participant shared with me his project for helping the depressed elderly to do physical exercises. His project provided a way to support the needs of people and serve society. This experience broadened my knowledge of sports.

During my time at HPE, I also participated in a study managed by Dr Chow. It was a very fruitful experience. The study aimed to recognise the challenges, teaching skills and the teaching journey of seasoned primary and secondary school PE teachers. Based on their sharing, we created several videos for teaching students studying at EdUHK who wanted to become PE teachers. I was responsible for designing and asking interview questions during the study. The study allowed me to understand the teaching philosophy and background of these primary and secondary school PE teachers. My mentor taught me how to conduct interviews with interviewees smoothly and how to stimulate feedback from them. I gained a learning experience on how to communicate with PE teachers, and it all enhanced my critical thinking skills.

EdUHK and the Department of Health and Physical Education (HPE) have been gearing me up as a professional PE teacher during these four years. The Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Physical Education) programme offers not only practical and theoretical courses, but also chances to host events in both mainstream and special schools. The department always organises a wide variety of events that help us become well-rounded PE teachers.

As for me, with STEM as my minor, the department offers me opportunities to create my own products regarding STEM in PE and to cooperate with local schools for promoting PE in such interesting ways. As the vice-captain of the Women’s Volleyball Team, I am thankful that the University always supports us by equipping us with the best facilities. I learnt how to be a leader and share the joy of playing sports at the University. I am glad to be a member of EdUHK and HPE, which is supportive and full of fellow travellers.

Throughout my studies in Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Physical Education) (BEd(PE)) programme, I have learnt a lot professional knowledge in physical education. It has provided me with different learning opportunities, and the curriculum provides theory and practice integration. It educates me to become a teacher who is “physically educated” with character.

I have also taken part in organising different sports events as a committee member during these years. These were fascinating learning experiences because I learnt how to handle administration work while organising an activity, which will help me to become a well-prepared teacher after graduation. I enjoy studying in the BEd(PE) programme as I have built up a close relationship with my classmates and teachers, which is definitely the most precious present I have ever received over these years.

Education is the keystone to optimising health in society. The Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) programme equipped me with integrated health-related knowledge, diversified educational practice, and research experience.

The programme offered a series of curricula ranging from mental health, nutrition, and drug prevention. These courses are diverse, abundant, and applicable. Moreover, plenty of opportunities were provided for practising in school and community settings. It allowed me to implement what I learnt, significantly reflect upon it, and consolidate my learning. These unique experiences have broadened my horizons in understanding how education can help to establish and develop an effective healthcare system.

The strong bonding between me and my teachers is precious and even more indelible than the knowledge I have acquired. For instance, they showed me genuine care when I was perplexed about my future, assisted me in clarifying my career goals, and prepared me for my future path. I have memorable and indispensable experiences in EdUHK. It is my sincere pleasure to proceed with my bachelor’s degree here!

The Education University of Hong Kong has offered me a precious opportunity to study my first undergraduate programme - Bachelor of Health Education (Honours) (BHE) - in my life. Since I became a retired athlete, I have worked as a School Sports Programme Coordinator at a secondary school.

The courses offered in BHE are very diversified, teaching us about bad habits that may affect our health as well as other useful information in health education. I have learnt a lot from the courses through lectures, group discussions and assignments. What I studied in Foundation of Health Education and Health Education Practice was so meaningful, my teammates and I proposed a health plan for secondary school students to quit e-cigarettes.

BHE not only integrates my practical experiences with learning, but also allows me to effectively promote health in the community and campus.

I am a martial arts athlete in Hong Kong. I am very grateful for the cooperation agreement between EdUHK and the Hong Kong Sports Institute, which supports full-time elite athletes like me to pursue both sports training and academic development.

As a full-time athlete, it is very usual for me to go abroad to take part in different competitions and various kinds of training activities. Sometimes, my study schedule at EdUHK is disturbed because of these activities. I am glad that under the elite athlete arrangement, I am allowed to extend my study period according to my situation. The University has also assigned an individual tutor for me, to help me to solve various learning difficulties and adaptation problems.

I want to express my gratitude to EdUHK and the Hong Kong Sports Institute for encouraging athletes to pursue dual-pathway development. I hope this arrangement will continue to nurture more athletes in Hong Kong who will bring more vitality to the community.

The dual emphasis of the master’s programme in sustainability regarding relevant issues and pedagogy really opened my eyes. The study didn’t just equip me with a wide range of subject knowledge related to environmental conservation – it also taught me how to stimulate students to think and learn through classroom teaching, small-group discussions and onsite visits.

I am now working as the deputy manager of the administrative department at Jinzhong municipality’s demonstrative comprehensive practice centre for middle and primary schools (晉中市中小學示範性綜合實踐基地行政部副主任). In 2019, I had an opportunity to work with other teachers to organise an study tour to Shanghai for a group of primary school students. The tour visited the China Maritime Museum in Shanghai, where the students learnt about the maritime history of China and how the country overcame difficulties to develop its own seafaring industry. We then took the students to Shanghai's major container port of Yangshan, where they were astonished by the port’s huge infrastructure. For the last stop, we went to the small but picturesque ancient water town of Zhujiajiao located in the Qingpu district of Shanghai. 

I often recall the time I studied at EdUHK, where I built up my belief that learning is not restricted to classrooms. Learning outside the classroom provides students with the means to construct their own capacity to acquire knowledge. I hope I will continue to practise this educational philosophy in the works awaiting me ahead.