CT#19

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OBTL prepares CityU for the new four-year undergraduate curriculum

Victor FungEditor-in-Chief

Outcomes Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) is a major initiative of the University. Three teachers who have pioneered the implementation of OBTL share their views and experience with us about this new approach

that aims to nurture ideal graduates – competent professionals who combine rich professional knowledge with the broader skills and poise required for career success and leadership in the community (page 24).

The robotic industry is predicted to develop in much the same way as the computer technology, which will bring about fundamental changes to contemporary lifestyles. Our cover story features the researches and developments carried out by CityU academics in the last twenty years. While Dr Sun Dong, Dr Tam Hon-yuen, Dr Luk Bing-lam and Dr Robin Sarah Bradbeer teach in different departments, they have one common interest — robots, whether they are service robots, robots for the micro bio-world, underwater robots or humanoid robots (page 10).

University development is inseparable from the support of its alumni. Mr Andrew Fan Ka-fai, an alumnus and Chairman of the Convocation, talks about the philosophy behind the Convocation and his plans to unite alumni to support CityU development (page 18). Alumni’s contribution to the continuing development of the University is further showcased in the appointment of Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung, a graduate of the BA (Hons) in Accountancy, to the University Council (page 4).

Student athletes, meanwhile, exemplify with their personal experience how they manage to find a balance between academic studies and sports and how the can-do spirit nurtured through sports training can be applied to other areas of their student life (page 30).

In June, CityU welcomed the visits of the newly-appointed UGC Chairman the Hon Mrs Laura Cha and the RGC delegation led by Professor Roland Chin Tai-hong. Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki, Acting President, reiterated in his welcoming speech the University’s commitment in providing professional education and carrying out applied research and outlined the idea of grouping subjects into “constellations”, integrating various disciplines in preparation for the four-year undergraduate curriculum (page 5).

The University’s achievements in applied research are reflected in the excellent results in the 2007-08 CERG exercise which sees CityU ranking 4th among the eight UGC-funded institutions. Seven projects have received large grants of over HK$1m (page 6).

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The City University of Hong Kong

(Amendment) Bill modifying the

composition of the Council of City

University of Hong Kong (CityU) was passed

by the Legislative Council on 14 June 2007.

The Bil l reduces the membership of the

Council from its present maximum of 37 to

23 members. The new Council composition

became effective from 22 June 2007.

The new composition comprises the following: 15 external members, the President, the Deputy President, two staff members

elected by all staff, one staff member nominated by the Senate, the Chairman of Convocation, the President of the Students’ Union

and one postgraduate student elected by postgraduate students.

Of the 15 external members, seven are appointed by the Chief Executive and eight are appointed by the Chief Executive on the

recommendation of the Council.

Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung, a graduate of the BA (Hons) in Accountancy

programme in City University of Hong Kong, has been appointed by the

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government a member of her

alma mater’s governing University Council. Ms Chau’s appointment is for

three years effective from June 1, 2007.

Ms Chau, who was President of the Association of Chartered Certified

Accountants (ACCA) Hong Kong in 2006-2007, is a partner of Ernst &

Young, an accounting firm. She specializes in the areas of assurance and

advisory services.

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The CityU (Amendment) Bill 2006 receives the green light while an alumna is appointed a Council member

4 August 2007

The Hon Mrs Laura Cha, Chairman of the University Grants Committee

(UGC), accompanied by Mr Michael Stone, UGC Secretary General, paid

a familiarization visit to City University of Hong Kong (CityU) on 6 June.

Mrs Cha and Mr Stone were warmly received by Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki,

Acting President, as well as members of the University’s Council, senior management,

and representatives from the faculties, schools, departments, Students’ Union and the

Postgraduate and Staff Associations.

Professor Ho reiterated how CityU was committed to providing professional

education and carrying out applied research that would have immense impacts on the

community. He also outlined the idea of grouping subjects into “constellations” based

on integrating various disciplines in preparation for the new four-year undergraduate

curriculum.

Mrs Cha was impressed with the presentations and the efforts made in preparing for

the four-year undergraduate curriculum. She also commented positively on the high

quality and practicality of some of the applied researches at CityU as well as some of

the unique areas such as creative media.

At the same time, a delegation comprising more than 60 members and panel

members of the Research Grants Council (RGC) visited CityU on 14 June.

The aim was to gain a closer perspective of CityU’s overall research activities,

strategies, achievements, initiatives, project highlights and important research outputs,

according to Professor Roland Chin Tai-hong, RGC Chairman, who led the

delegation.

The eight areas of strength at CityU selected for presentation to the RGC delegation

were applied mathematics, computational science, creative media, electronic

engineering, environmental science, knowledge and innovation management,

materials science and engineering and social sciences.

CityU receives newly-appointed UGC Chairman and Research Grants Council members

Students and professors introduce CityU’s research projects to Professor

Roland Chin Tai-hong.

Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki (right) welcomes the Hon

Mrs Laura Cha to visit CityU.

5August 2007

鈎 鈎

The University Council approved at its meeting on 3 July to

increase staff salary by 2%, effective 1 July 2007. The pay increase

will apply to all staff serving in the University, irrespective of whether

they were employed before or after the de-linking of university salaries

from the Civil Service in July 2003. The latest pay rise, which takes into

account of a Civil Service pay adjustment, is in addition to an across-

the-board 3% pay increase offered in April 2007.

Adjustment of staff salaries

CityU achieves excellent results in the 2007-08 CERG exercise

According to an announcement of the Research Grants Council (RGC)

on 29 June, CityU achieved excellent results in the 2007-08 Competitive

Earmarked Research Grant exercise.

CityU was ranked 4th among eight University Grants Committee funded

institutions in terms of the level of funding, with 109 projects funded at

HK$60.3m; and in terms of successful rate, at 34.3%. Compared with the last

exercise, there was an increase of 11% and 22% respectively in terms of successful

projects and the level of funding.

Seven projects received large grants of over HK$1m – four of them from

Faculty of Science and Engineering, two from Faculty of Humanities and Social

Sciences & Language Information Sciences Research Centre, and one from

Faculty of Business.

6 August 2007

CityU organizes HKSAR Basic Law International Conference

To c o m m e m o r a t e t h e 1 0 t h

anniversary of the establishment of

the Hong Kong Special Administrative

Region (HKSAR), CityU’s School of

Law co-organized, with the Hong Kong

SAR Basic Law Education Association,

an international conference: “Hong

Kong’s Basic Law: The First Ten Years

and Its Future – Hong Kong SAR Basic

Law Tenth Anniversary International

Conference”. It took place on 22 and 23

June at CityU.

Over 40 prominent local, regional and

international experts shared their views

with some 100 participants on how the Basic Law had been implemented in Hong Kong

in the first 10 years after the handover, examining areas such as constitutional theory, the

relationship between central and local authorities, nationality, protection of civil liberties,

as well as issues concerning conflict of laws and international law. Future challenges, and

identifying how such challenges could be dealt with, were also on the agenda.

The International Association for Community Development (IACD) Hong Kong Conference 2007 under the theme “Partnership for

People-centred Development: Challenges & Responses in a Globalising World” held its opening ceremony at CityU in June. At the four-day conference, from 24 June to 27 June, scholars and community workers from all over the world presented work plans and research achievements, and proposed new concepts and suggested new policies.

The conference was co-organized by the Department of Applied Social Studies of CityU, the Department of Social Work and Social Administration of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Sponsored by the Home Affairs Bureau of the HKSAR Government, it was one of the key events of the 10th anniversary celebrations of HKSAR.

CityU hosts international conference to promote community development

Officiating guests and supporting partners at the opening ceremony

(From left) Ms Christine Fang Meng-sang, Professor Richard

Ho Yan-ki, Mr Zhan Chengfu, Mrs Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-

ngor, Professor Jo Leung Cho-bun and Professor Gary Graig

officiated at the opening ceremony

7August 2007

Supplemental Instruction Scheme helps secondary school students

The Supp l emen t a l I n s t r uc t i on

Scheme, which is sponsored by the

Quality Education Fund, encourages

outstanding Accountancy undergraduates

of CityU to mentor secondary school

students. In the past year, more than

100 Form 4 students from seven local

secondary schools met with the CityU

leaders and mentors every fortnight in

small study groups.

Computer Science students enjoy more internship opportunities

91 Year 3 students from the Department of

Computer Science at CityU have seen the

number of internship opportunities dramatically

increase this year. Each student has an average

of four choices. Over 370 placements are on

offer through the IT Professional Placement

programme, which represents an increase of 15%

compared to last year, and 38% compared to the

year before that.

The IT Professional Placement programme helps students to understand

the professional requirements of the industry.

8 August 2007

Chen Jiashu, a Year 3 student in CityU’s Department of Electronic Engineering,

has been awarded an IEEE MTT-S Undergraduate/Pre-graduate Scholarship

2007 for his achievements in radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) research.

He is among 10 students worldwide to receive this Scholarship, which was awarded

by the IEEE Microwave Theor y and

Techniques Society (MTT-S) in the US.

In addition, Jiashu won the championship in

the Undergraduate Degree Group of the

Younger Members Exhibition /Conference

2007 , o r g an i z ed by t h e I n s t i t u t i on o f

Engineering and Technology, Hong Kong.

EE student wins local and global awards

World-renowned economist Professor Gregory C. Chow shared his views on applied

research in his speech “From Research to Social Change” on 9 July at CityU. The event

was co-organized by Run Run Shaw Library and the Department of Economics and Finance.

Professor Chow is appointed Honorary Professor in the Department of Economics and

Finance at CityU. The Department has set up Professor Gregory Chow Distinguished

Graduate Student Fellowships to finance students doing master’s degree in Applied

Economics.

World-renowned economist Professor Gregory C Chow shares his views on applied research

14 July to 19 August

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Venue: CityU Gallery

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9August 2007

10

Developing robots for the future

11

By Longgen Chen

•

THE robotic industry is developing in much the same way that the PC business did 30 years ago, and this will bring about fundamental changes to contemporary

lifestyles, predicted Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in the January 2007 issue of Scientific American.

is developing in much the same siness did 30 years ago, and this amental changes to contemporary soft Chairman Bill Gates in the entific American.

12

This view is shared by Dr Sun Dong, Associate Professor of the Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management (MEEM), City University of Hong Kong (CityU),

and his colleagues Dr Tam Hon-yuen, Lecturer, and Dr Luk Bing-lam, Senior Engineer, as well as Dr Robin Sarah Bradbeer, Associate Professor of the Department of Electronic Engineering.

“Currently, the application of robotic technology is mainly restricted to industrial and military areas, but eventually it will become very common in many other sectors, particularly after breakthroughs that will reduce drastically manufacturing costs,” says Dr Sun, who joined CityU in 2000 and graduated from Tsinghua University. “Advances are likely in areas such as toys and games for entertainment, and in human service sectors, such as mechanical arms that assist doctors in surgery, and household robots that take charge of cleaning floors.”

“Robots have applications in a great many fields,” says Dr Luk. “In the foreseeable future, they will certainly find a place in nearly every home.”

Dr Luk Bing-lam and his team are working on a new robotic project.

13

• •

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The fruition of years of researchResearch into robotics started at CityU

a dozen years ago when researchers from

MEEM developed a prototype for several

service robots, including an automatic

vacuum cleaner, a robot that examines

the plumbing, a climbing robot that

cleans glass windows outside high-rise

buildings, an automatic navigating

vehicle and an underwater robot. These

projects were supervised by the now

retired Professor Tso Shiu-kit.

“Although our prototypes have not

been turned into practical products

so far, they have a promising future,”

says Dr Luk, whose research pursuits

cover electronics and telecommunications,

particularly in wireless telecommunications.

In addition, Dr Luk has worked in the UK on

robots that test and transport objects, climb,

work on board aircraft carriers and other warships, and carry out rescues from nuclear

accidents.

Since joining CityU, Dr Luk has taken part in many R&D projects and supervised many

students, including one who clinched the top prize with his underwater sampling vehicle

in the university category and the final championship at the Technology, Environmental

Protection and Innovation Competition in 2006.

In particular, service robots have a range of applications and can take over work that humans

consider dirty, demanding, repetitive and dangerous, explains Dr Luk.

“For example, robots can clean round surfaces such as the spheroid-shaped roof of an

astronomical observatory. You can’t fix objects onto such a complex globe-shaped structure,

so if humans are to clean the dome by hand, they will first need to set up scaffolding. The

whole process may take a week and it wouldn’t be practicable for the observatory to suspend

its work for such a long time,” he says. “But a climbing robot, being small and light, can do

the cleaning bit by bit at any time with few restrictions.”

Moreover, the climbing robot can be used to check whether or not the outside walls of a

high-rise building are secure, just one of the many reasons this technology has earned CityU

significant allotments from Hong Kong SAR Government’s Innovation and Technology

Fund in the past few years.

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14

Probing into the micro bio-worldIn recent years, bio-robotic technology has become a major focus of attention. New

techniques and instruments are very much in demand for fast and accurate manipulation

of tiny mechanical and biological objects, such as gene injection into large batches of cells

in biological engineering. For this reason, research in micromanipulation has received ever-

increasing attention worldwide both in universities and industrial sectors. “The ultimate

goal of such research is to develop a computer-assisted system (automation) capable of

performing manipulation and assembly tasks in the micro-world, as is currently achievable

in the macro-world,” says Dr Sun, who has published more than 100 research papers in

various international academic journals and at major conferences on topics such as robotics,

control engineering, and mechatronics.

“The key to success lies in incorporating the automation technology into the micro-field

of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System, which is the integration of mechanical elements,

sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate through microfabrication

technology, and into nanotechnology against the background of bioengineering,” he says.

Currently Dr Sun is heading a research group, together with Dr Cheng Shuk-han, Associate

Professor of Department of Biology and Chemistry, working on advanced bio-robotic

systems for the automatic injection of genes into large batches of cells. “Conventionally,

biological cell injection is done manually, which requires lengthy training and suffers from a

low success rate,” explains Dr Sun. “But our research will improve the efficiency and success

rate of gene injections and many other biological injection processes.”

Dr Sun Dong

15

Researching multi-robot formationsOne of the most challenging goals in robotics is to develop intelligent robots that behave

just like humans and can work cooperatively with their teammates to get into and maintain

a formation, as well as being able to respond to changes in the environment.

“However, robot control theory today has yet to achieve such an expectation,” says Dr

Sun, now working on multi-robot formation, among other projects. Dr Sun, who serves

as an associate editor for IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Chairman of IEEE Hong Kong

Section Joint Chapter on Robotics & Automation and Control Systems, has been working

with his team on an advanced synchronization control approach to coordinating a group

of mobile robots for formation control. This is his most recent Competitive Earmarked

Research Grant project.

Research into intelligent multi-robot systems can be applied to a range of areas, such as search

and rescue operations involving helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft or ships, or a combination

of these transport tools. To ensure efficient execution of such operations, a team of robots

must be able to move around the environment, keeping a relative distance from each other

and avoiding collision with possible obstacles. Other applications include simulating and

investigating human interaction as observed during the spread of diseases (life science) and

the control of traffic jams (intelligent transportation systems).

16

Grooming young people to applied innovative technologyCityU scholars lay great emphasis on bringing up young

people through practical work by inspiring their interest

in robotics and sharpening their imagination and

creativity. In MEEM, each graduating student has

an opportunity to take a hands-on part in building

robots.

Dr Tam Hon-yuen, who holds a master’s degree

and a doctorate from Stanford University, has been

teaching courses in cybernetics theory, robotics

and automation since joining CityU. He has

supervised a number of student projects on

building humanoid robots, electric wheelchairs,

and mechanical dogs.

When it comes to inspiring creativity in students, great credit must go to Dr Robin Sarah

Bradbeer of the Department of Electronic Engineering. Prior to joining the University

in 1990, Dr Bradbeer provided consultancy services to various companies on designing,

manufacturing, and marketing educational robots and electronics. She was known as a

“computer guru” on television, radio and in the popular press in the UK.

Since joining CityU, Dr Bradbeer has focused her research on underwater robots and

equipment and on engineering education. In 2003, CityU set up the Marine Science and

Engineering Laboratory in Hoi Ha Wan Park in collaboration with the World Wildlife

Fund (WWF). The Laboratory has been responsible for continuously recording changes nd (WWF). The Laboratory has been responsible for continuously recording changes WWF). The Laboratory has been responsible for continuously recording chanFunnd (WWF). The Laboratory has been responsibWWF). The Laboratory has b

Dr Robin Sarah Bradbeer explains to the students how a robot works.

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17

to the seabed at Hoi Ha Wan after the deployment of artificial reefs several years ago and

monitoring coral and other marine life in the local waters around Hong Kong using

remote-operated robots.

The automatic tool that “works” underwater in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is the only one of

its kind in Hong Kong. Technically called “Remote-Operated Vehicle” (ROV), the machine

is made up of a camera and three propellers and is capable of “walking” freely under the water

and “watching and listening” in all directions for whatever is happening on the seabed.

Dr Bradbeer started to guide her students in projects on underwater robots in 2004. “It’s

been more than a decade since CityU started applied research in this field and it has built

many robots,” says Dr Bradbeer. “The 2004 Robocon Hong Kong Contest, in which I

supervised two groups of students, was a memorable experience for the University and

our students.”

In 2006, in partnership with the WWF, Dr Bradbeer initiated the Hong Kong Underwater

Robot Challenge for secondary school students. Last year’s champion team later won three

prizes, including a prize for the best remote-operated underwater robot, at the International

Underwater Robot Challenge hosted by NASA in Houston, US. This year’s competition was

expanded to include universities and colleges, and the two winning teams, plus the second

runner-up in the secondary school group, were sponsored to compete in an international

contest at the Marine Institute and the Institute for Ocean Technology, Memorial University,

Newfoundland, Canada, in June.

“By co-holding such challenges, I hope, CityU will strengthen its collaboration ties with

WWF,” adds Dr Bradbeer. “It’s not only about biology, but it involves technologies, too. By

introducing technologies, we can expect to raise Hong Kong schools’ and students’ awareness

of marine conservation.”

Bright future lies aheadEventually, robots are expected to become life

companions for humans. The Ministry of Information

and Communication in South Korea projects that, by 2013,

every household in South Korea will own a robot. Attractive

indeed is the prospect of each and every home having a robot

to serve the family. To make it a reality, experts and scholars

at CityU will give full play to their talent and expertise in this

exciting field.

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18 August 2007

By Jenny Kwan

關珮盈

1 January 2007 marks an especially important date for City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and for over 90,000 of its alumni. This is the date for the establishment of the University Convocation, an organization that formally represents all alumni. Mr Andrew Fan Ka-fai, one of the first bachelor’s degree students to graduate from CityU and the Chairman of the Provisional Standing Committee of the Convocation, talks about the philosophy behind the Convocation and his views on alumni development.

Uniting Alumni to Support CityU Development

(From left) Rachel Cheung Lai-ching, Year 1 student, Ms Kathy Chan Yin-ling, Director of the Development and Alumni Relations Office, Mr Andrew Fan Ka-fai, Chairman of the Convocation and Mr Weeky Wong Sau-lik, Vice-Chairman (External Affairs) of the Convocation

19August 2007

着

How do you view the roles and functions of the Convocation?The establishment of the Convocation marks a milestone

in the development of alumni relations. The Convocation is

actually quite different from alumni associations organized

by departments, faculties or graduates from different interest

groups at CityU. It is in fact a statutory body established in

accordance with the constitution of the University, serving as

a formal link between the University and alumni, and among

alumni themselves. This means the Convocation is a good friend

to CityU, helping it to become one of the leading institutes in the

Asia-Pacific region.

Can you tell us the story behind the founding principle of the Convocation, “Uniting Alumni to Support CityU Development”?The growth of an individual depends not only on his or her

relationship with family and career, but also on the fulfillment of social

obligations. Education is an essential part of society, and supporting

the development of our alma mater is definitely an important social

obligation. Only by learning how to balance growth and obligation can

we get to enjoy a richer life. Moreover, when we take part in alumni

activities, we meet people from different professions and backgrounds.

These contacts expand our social circle and help us to grow.

The Convocation is still in its infancy, and in order to lay a solid

foundation for its future development each member of the Provisional

Standing Committee of the Convocation promotes the policy of “SUM”

(“Simplify to Unify; Unify to Multiply”). This means that the Provisional

Standing Committee will implement a series of initiatives that unify alumni

before expanding to a complete alumni network. We know that it takes time

and effort to build such a network, but we are prepared to put in the necessary

hard work.

To achieve these objectives, each member of the Provisional Standing Committee will

act as a role model in alumni affairs and build a sophisticated system for recruiting

those alumni keen to take part in University affairs. They will be the key personnel for

expanding our future network.

How do you view the connection between a university and its graduates, and what is the real meaning of such a relationship?A university and its graduates maintain a symbiotic relationship. The university benefits

in terms of branding and image promotion if its students perform well in the workplace

and achieve success, since society will recognize the value of that university’s graduates.

Likewise, students will benefit if they graduate from a university that possesses a well-

known brand and a popular image. Like the nucleus of an atom unifying electrons, a

university energizes its graduates to produce a synergy that enhances the strengths of

both parties.

The key to achieving this is to develop a close relationship between the two parties. How

20 August 2007

着

着

can this be done? First, the university needs to recognize the vital role its graduates play

in its future development, and graduates need to recognize the significance of university

development. This level of reciprocation leads to strong, sustainable mutual association.

Do you think the current relationship between CityU and its graduates is satisfactory? Boosting the degree of recognition and connection between CityU and its alumni is a

long process and I would never concern myself with whether or not the relationship

is a good enough at any one point. It is more productive to think in terms of planning

how to work better. In any case, many students graduate from CityU every year, thereby

expanding the alumni community, so the Convocation must work hard to recruit new

members.

I firmly believe that students should be encouraged as early as possible to value their

university and we should instill in them a sense of pride. The benefits are long term and

will help both parties.

Profiles of Other Convocation Members

The Provisional Standing Committee of the Convocation consists of 18 alumni. The committee members graduated from different programmes in different years and are now very busy with their work. However, thanks to their dedication and loyalty, they are heavily involved in the development of the University. Below are brief profiles of three of the members:

21August 2007

What do you think about CityU’s work in developing the alumni network? Have there been any major changes since you graduated in 1988?The alumni network has become more

formalized. The University started to pay

at tent ion to i t s development in 1996,

but, initially, the focus was on informal

activities. Even when the CityU Alumni

Giving Club was established in 2003, no

official alumni association existed. That

changed on 1 January 2007 when the

Convocation was set up to provide a

formal communication channel between

the University and alumni.

The Convocation has been in operation for over six months. Can you share with us your personal experience and feelings about the Convocation so far?What is most touching is that 18 CityU alumni, who graduated from different

programmes in different years and are now working in different sectors, can join together

as members of the Convocation. Although we were strangers before, we now share the

same vision – working together to help CityU become a more advanced university. In

just six months, all 18 of us in the Provisional Standing Committee of the Convocation

have developed a deeper understanding of each other.

What do you want to say to alumni and to students who will soon graduate?I hope our younger students keep in mind the Chinese saying, “One who cannot

properly manage home affairs will never be able to manage country affairs.” We should

start to develop good habits early on and only when we are capable of managing small

tasks well can we progress to managing more complex affairs. So I encourage younger

students to focus on their

f ami l i e s f i r s t , then the i r

university and finally their

social responsibilities.

Furthermore, we should

a lway s be g r a t e fu l t o

C i t yU f o r p rov i d i ng

opportunities for us to

acquire knowledge and

to mature. That’s why

we should continue

t o s u p p o r t t h e

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August 200722

23August 2007

Teaching and learning does not have to be confined to the traditional

classroom. The natural environment can be an alternative venue where

students can use their sensory faculties to acquire situational experience and

content knowledge, enhancing their learning effectiveness.

August 200724

Outcomes-based approach takes teaching and learning to

a new era

In a move that complements the University’s planning for the 4-year undergraduate curriculum, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) is forging ahead with the Outcomes Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) project, a major University initiative strongly supported by the University Grants Committee (UGC).

Dr Olivia Leung Shek-ling (right) and her student Carrie Suen Lee-na

August 2007 25

CityU is among the first of the universities in Hong Kong to implement OBTL,

a project that will enhance the quality of teaching and learning on campus. The

aim is to nurture ideal graduates, i.e. competent professionals who combine

rich professional knowledge with the broader skills and poise required for career success

and leadership in the community. More than 300 academic courses pioneered the OBTL

approach at CityU in 2006–07, demonstrating that plans are on track.

OBTL vs. traditional teachingOBTL represents a departure from traditional teaching in which teachers tend to plan

according to what they think students should learn, and use assessments that ask students

questions to which they usually already know the answers.

OBTL, on the other hand, is a student-centred approach, starting with a clear statement

of not what the teacher is going to teach, but what the outcomes of that teaching will be,

and what the students will be able to do, and to what standard. These are known as the

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOS). Teaching and learning activities are then devised

in such a way that they help students to achieve those outcomes, while assessment tasks

show how well students have attained the intended outcomes.

OBTL improves learning resultsTeacher s who have pioneered the

implementation of OBTL in their

cour se s s ay s tudent s t end to

participate more and understand

better what they are learning.

“In designing teaching and

learning activities, I’ve made

use of more class activities

t o eng age s t uden t s i n

their learning,” says Dr

Ol iv ia Leung Shek-

ling, Assistant Professor

in the Department of

Accoun t ancy. “Fo r

example, I have used

concept maps that

Dr Ron Kwok Chi-wai (right) and

his student Kelvin Hui Koo-yin

August 200726

demonstrate links between various topics presented in the lecture, work-along exercises

that encourage students to visualize the applications of concepts, and group projects

that are useful in driving home messages.” In addition, students have to conduct self-

assessments to evaluate how well their projects have been managed – a new concept

introduced in OBTL.

“The results are almost immediate, and students are able to follow what is being taught

more effectively,” she says.

This view is shared by Dr Ron Kwok Chi-wai, Associate

Professor in the Department of Information Systems.

“OBTL has helped nurture a more collaborative

learning culture among students. In the traditional

mode of assessment, there are restrictions on the

number of students who can get As. But under

OBTL, results are based on how well the

students fulfill the assessment criteria.”

Dr Kwok adds that detailed grading criteria

have been devised for each ILO. “As long

as students fulfill the criteria, they will be

able to get top grades without having

to compete for them,” he says. “The

result is a change in the learning culture,

from one of competition to that of

collaboration.”

Dr Kwok says the assessment helps

him identify his students’ strengths

and weaknesses, so that he can adjust

the focus of the course accordingly.

Mr Aman Shah

August 2007 27

Dr Lawrence Li Kwok-yan

ILOs state what the student is

expected to be able to do at the

end of a course according to a given

standard of performance. Outcomes

should be achievable and assessable.

Writing intended learning outcomes (ILOs)

TLAs can be teacher, peer, or self

initiated, and the best requires the

student to be appropriately active.

The choice of TLAs should be such

that they facilitate active learning

and the achievements of ILOs.

Designing teaching and learning activities (TLAs)

OBTL framework

Designing assessment tasks (ATs)

Assessment tasks are designed to

provide evidence on how well each

student has achieved the ILOs. Such

evidence can be provided by project

work, case studies, assignments,

examinations, laboratory work and

reports, practicum, and so forth.

Both Dr Leung and Dr Kwok agree that while OBTL has taken up more of their time,

it is worth it, emphasizing that support from fellow teaching staff helps to ensure the

effective implementation of OBTL.

Adopting gradual approach for best resultsDr Lawrence Li Kwok-yan, Acting Head of the Department of Manufacturing

Engineering and Engineering Management, and deputy departmental coordinator for

OBTL, agrees, but says staff members in his Department will adopt a gradual approach

converting to OBTL.

Instead of conducting all assessment tasks in the OBTL mode, some are still evaluated

in the traditional way, so staff will not have to cope with too many changes all at once,

Dr Li points out.

“OBTL is a new concept and it takes time for staff to get used to it. If changes are

introduced gradually, they will be more

readily accepted,” he says, adding that

advice from their consultant has been

useful in helping them get through the

nuts and bolts of the process.

Dr Li says he talked about his Department’s

OBTL experience during a retreat with

the Department of Physics and Materials

Science, which is interested in adopting a

similar approach.

Mr Aman Shah , Coordinator of the

OBTL project, says “the project promotes

Sina Yip See-na

Frenda Yeung Ka-chun

August 200728

Example of course ILOs: Course: Accounting I

Course aims (before OBTL)

• This course provides an introduction to the need for and role of

accounting information in a modern economy, and a comprehension

of the financial statements generated by a business, the accounting

process and the fundamental accounting concepts.

•

reflective practice for teachers and the enhancement of the quality of teaching and

learning. The emphasis on outcomes helps to provide students with a clear focus on their

learning thereby strengthening the teaching/learning partnership necessary for giving

them a rich educational experience.”

OBTL enhances sharing among studentsFeedback from students

shows that OBTL i s

effective in helping them

understand what they

are learning. Sina Yip

See-na, a Year 1 student

from the Department

of Information Systems,

says OBTL reflects their

per for mances bet ter

because it necessitates

the application of what

is learned, instead of

f o cu s i ng s imp l y on

getting good examination results.

“There is little motivation to help each other in class in the

traditional mode of assessment. We are more concerned about

our own results. But under OBTL, we are more willing to

share, and our relationship is much closer,” Sina says.

Her classmate Frenda Yeung Ka-chun agrees that OBTL

has helped to motivate him to do better, but some of the

Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing

August 2007 29

Course ILOs (after OBTL)

• Prepare financial statements for servicing and merchandising companies;

• Identify and explain fundamental GAAP;

• Calculate and interpret fundamental financial ratios based on information collected from

balance sheets and income statements;

• Be an active learner, actively participate in class activities and be self-motivated.

•

•

•

•

assessment cr iter ia seem a bit

vague and the number of group

projects might mean less time to

study other subjects.

Rol l ing out OBTL in preparat ion of new curriculumThe University has put in place

a vigorous plan to implement

OBTL in about 2,400 courses

from 2006 to 2009. At present,

the OBTL framework has been

introduced in over 300 academic

courses. Another 600 will follow

in 2007, with the rest over the

two remaining years.

“It is an opportune time for teaching staff to reflect on how teaching and learning can

be made more effective in the run up to the four-year undergraduate curriculum,” says

Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing, Acting Vice-President (Undergraduate Education).

“With learning outcomes aligned with teaching and learning activities and assessment

tasks, students will know better what they are learning and what outcomes they will be

able to achieve after completing the course, thus engaging them more actively in their

learning,” Professor Lam says.

To assist departments and teaching staff, the University, along with the UGC, has allocated

funds for this purpose, and the consultant team has been expanded from two members to

10 in order to cater to needs and provide advice on specific issues.

August 200730

Before us stand three energetic young people, wearing confident

smi les and rad iat ing youth . A l l

three have a passion for sports and

are committed to busy t ra in ing

programmes despite their tight daily

schedules. So important has sports

become, they feel uncomfortable

if they neglect their fitness regime

for even one day. But how do they

balance physical training and studies?

What’s the secret? CityU Today caught

up with all three and find out.

Achieving Excellence in SPORTS and STUDIES

着

着

August 2007 31

Sandra Sze Hoi-ying

Balance provides opportunitiesSandra Sze Hoi-ying, a Year 2 student in the Department of Management, is the main

attacker in CityU’s volleyball team and a key member of the table tennis team. Everyday

she works her way through a number of high-impact activities designed to build strength

and endurance. But, she insists, this is not a hindrance to her studies.

“I started playing table tennis when I was at primary school and volleyball in secondary

school. I’ve played in school teams and trained with inter-school teams and sports

associations as well. I have long been used to this kind of tough schedule!” Sandra says.

Her commitment to both sports means Sandra has a packed schedule from September

to March, spanning almost the entire academic year. During examination periods, when

there are no competitions, she keeps in shape by working out with her teammates. Since

exercise takes up so much time, she has to sacrifice her free time. Unlike other women

her age, she does not care for shopping or watching movies, and she does not spend as

much as she would like socializing with her schoolmates. Luckily, since she has learned

over the years how to find some sense of balance.

“Because I live in a student hall, my commute to school has been reduced significantly,

giving me more time to study,” Sandra says. “And I save even more time for revision

or discussion group activities with classmates because I keep meals to no more than 30

minutes. Fortunately, most of my classmates understand my situation and they try to

fit meetings around me. They also let me work on tasks that I am good at, so I can still

manage my heavy study load.”

Not giving up to setbacksSo successful is her method, Sandra was one of the winners of the Faculty of Business

Sports Award in 2006–07, demonstrating that it is possible for an outstanding athlete to

get good grades, too.

August 200732

“In my first year at CityU my grades were not that great because I needed to adapt to

campus life and spend time training,” Sandra says. “But I soon realized that I was not

only an athlete but also a student, and I had to study hard to acquire new knowledge. In

any case, I wanted to show other people that professional athletes can perform well in

academic studies. And I have been lucky to get support from my teachers, classmates and

my mother. I have never given up on my studies and I always try my best.”

Teamwork learned from sportsSandra has also learned the importance of teamwork thanks to volleyball, a sport that

demands a high degree of communication skill and cooperation, and her leadership skills

received a boost when the CityU coaches nominated her for the Sports Team Council.

The Council was initiated by the Physical Education Section of Student Development

Services and works under the motto “To Lead and To Serve”.

Serving on the Council, and participating in major open competitions, has enabled

Sandra to broaden her hor izons, and subsequently she has developed a deeper

understanding of failure and success.

Daring to take on challengesHubert Leung Chor-pat of the University swimming team is a busy psychology student

in the Department of Applied Social Studies , which means he has to balance the pool

with academic projects. He has wanted to study psychology since he was young, and he

is keen to know more about how the mind works so that he can apply his knowledge to

help those in need. He accepts that studying psychology is no easy option, but he has still

chosen it as his programme of study.

“I like to take on challenges, so

I wi l l work hard to overcome

whatever difficulties emerge. When

I first started at CityU, I needed to

spend a lot of time training in the

pool, but my workload was also

really intense. I worried whether I’d

be able to get good grades or not.

I’ve been able to succeed because

I used effective time management

planning,” Hubert says.

August 2007 33

Hubert Leung Chor-pat

His schedule includes going to bed early and getting up early to ensure he has enough

energy to manage his busy tasks the next day. By revising what he has learned in his

classes each day, his grades have been quite good, and he won the Faculty of Humanities

and Social Sciences Sports Award and the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of

Commerce Ltd. Elite Athlete Scholarship in 2006–07.

“I started swimming when I was young,” Hubert says, “and through exercising I have

built up a strong body and mind. When facing problems, I will not give up easily, but will

be resourceful in identifying solutions.”

Hubert is also fond of drumming. As a key member of a local band, he gives public

performances, sensing that drumming is a great way to relieve pressure and stimulate

creativity. That is why he encourages younger students to make better use of their time

and plan carefully. By following a well-planned schedule, students can enjoy lots of

different activities without worrying about their exam results.

Caring culture of sports teamsClara Wong Choi-ki, Assistant PE Officer, thinks back her own days as a CityU student

when she listens to the stories of Sandra and Hubert. Clara was admitted to CityU

through the Student Athlete Admission Scheme and was captain of both the University

table tennis team and basketball team. In her three years as a student in the Department

of Accountancy, she enjoyed a rich and healthy university life.

“One of the most unforgettable moments in my university career was receiving the

Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce Ltd. Elite Athlete Scholarship when

I was in Year 3. This award is organized by the Physical Education Section. Only those

students with good grades and an outstanding performance in sports are eligible, and the

Clara Wong Choi-ki

August 200734

criteria for awarding the scholarship are highly stringent. So winning was not only a great

honour, but also recognition of my achievements in sports and studies. This makes me

very grateful to CityU and my coaches for all their hard work in nurturing me.”

Clara was most impressed with the caring culture inherent in the CityU sports teams and

she says the warmth and friendship she experienced changed her life. This is part of the

reason she decided to stay on in to CityU to teach.

Be the best that we can beCityU sports teams have attained excellent achievements in the University Sports

Federation of Hong Kong, China, winning the overall championship in the women’s

division and getting the first runner-up in the men’s division in 2006–07. Mrs Dorothy

Davies, Associate Director of Student Development Services (Physical Education), feels

that the outstanding performance of the sports teams is due to the hard work of teachers,

students, alumni and the support of the senior management.

“The mission is for students to

reach certain targets under the

motto ‘Be the best that we can

be’. We try our best to develop

the athletic potential of our

students, encourage them to

study hard and we organize

different activities to help with

leadership and communication

skills,” Mrs Davies says. “The

‘ c an do ’ s p i r i t nu r t u red

through sports training can

be applied to other areas of

student life at CityU, which

will be very useful for the

future development of our

graduates.”

August 2007 35

Mrs Dorothy Davies

“I feel very honoured to be appointed by the Hong Kong SAR Government as a member of CityU’s University

Council,” says Ms Dilys Chau Suet-fung. “I hope my contributions will have a positive impact on the

continuing development of the University. This will be my way of thanking my alma mater for nurturing me.”

August 2007

A bright future awaits the hardworking

By Ellen Chan

陳倩茹

36

Ms Chau hopes her appointment will show CityU students that

success comes from self-confidence and hard work, even when the

challenges seem insurmountable. “Be yourself rather than the one as

seen by others, do not fear environmental constraints and broaden your horizon,”

she says. “The key to a person’s success depends on how one looks at oneself and

confidence has to be built on the belief that everyone has a good basis. Reinforced

with such belief, a hardworking person will have a bright future.”

In fact, Ms Chau did not achieve the grades she had hoped for in her secondary

school studies; this made her feel frustrated, ashamed even. However, being an

indomitable person, her frustration motivated her to study even harder.

She eventually won a place at CityU and was awarded a professional diploma in

company secretary and administration in 1987 and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

in Accountancy in 1992. She is now a partner in Ernst & Young, the international

accounting firm, becoming the first CityU graduate to win promotion to this

position. She started out with the firm as a consultant in the tax department,

but after nine months she decided the job was not suitable for her. She took the

initiative to ask her colleagues in the audit department if there were any vacancies,

and, luckily, there were. Ms Chau did not have professional audit training at

that time, but she thought the job would suit her outgoing and independent

personality. Her bold approach proved fruitful and kick-started a bright new

career.

Before her appointment as a university council member, Ms Chau served

CityU for a number of years, offering pre-work counseling for students in the

Department of Accountancy, discussing interview skills, attitudes to work and

values.

“I want to use my experience to help to educate the new generation, helping

them to realize that hard work is the key to success in any job. Young people

should not look down on an entry-level position,” she says. She recommends

young people to take the initiative to grasp all learning opportunities. Doing so

can help lay a solid foundation for future development. Ms Chau embraces new

challenges, which has helped to broaden her horizons. “I am the kind of person

who is willing to take on challenges. I feel excited when they arise because I

know I will have the chance to prove myself,” she says.

Through regular meetings with students, Ms Chau has noted that students lack

confidence and initiative. She hopes that through the mentoring scheme, she can

teach the students to acquire a positive attitude. “I am certain CityU students will

cherish every opportunity to develop their strengths and enrich their knowledge

and experience, which is the first step towards a successful career.”

August 2007

決

着

37

Cultivating an appreciation of Chinese civilisation and art has been my heart’s desire ever since I started tutoring in the Chinese Civilisation Centre at CityU nine years ago this July. My greatest hope has always

been that my students will continue to explore treasures from the past for themselves after graduation.

The Chinese civilisation courses at CityU are offered as General Education for students from various departments and faculties, and, more often than not, they have not had much relevant background when they start.

Unlike subjects in their specialized disciplines, students can find such General Education courses in art too ‘high brow’, especially if the courses are demanding, and then they tend to perceive art as abstract and subjective; and Chinese art particularly so. For that reason, an instructor should use plain yet expressive language while lecturing on Chinese art, citing artistically valid examples that stimulate interest.

Life-long learning in Chinese art and civilisation

38 August 2007

This is why each semester I take my students on fieldwork trips to Chinese-style gardens, such as Lingnan Garden at Lai Chi Kok. These short tours are highly motivating and have a very positive impact on students.

Another recent highlight was using the Chinese masterpiece Along the River during the Qingming Festival in the first class of the current summer semester. My students were enthralled. It helped that this famous hand scroll is currently on display in town as part of the celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty. But my students also responded positively to the painting’s genre: it records social customs and the daily lives of common people, and therefore requires no abstract phraseology.

For newcomers to Chinese art, this makes the work more accessible and better appreciated than traditional Chinese portraits that convey “air and mood”, or those landscape pieces that emphasize “rhythmic vitality”.

Chinese art can also be made more accessible through information technology. The Chinese Civilisation Centre has been running the database “Appreciation of Art and Civilisation” for instruction and research purposes since 2003–04. The database draws on the Xubaizhai Gallery Collection of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy in the Hong Kong Museum of Art and has provided the CityU community and the general public with resources for teaching new projects every semester.

So far, 11 project items have been presented, including “Classical Chinese Gardens”, “The Wu School of Painting and Ming Dynasty Society”, and “Master Qi Baishi’s Paintings”.

Similarly, I have found that web-based instruction, with its interactive features and engaging structure and web-page design, has greatly enhanced the effectiveness of teaching Chinese art. It serves as a widespread platform for art appreciation and research into specialized topics.

Dr Marianne Wong Pui-yin

39August 2007