HKUST Awards Top Science Lecturers

Abstract

[evdate 1999-10-08] For release 13 October 1999

HKUST AWARDS TOP SCIENCE LECTURERS

The School of Science of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has selected its very top teachers to receive Teaching Awards for 1999.

The awardees are Dr Yifan Han (Biochemistry), Dr Karl W. Tsim (Biology), and Dr Min Yan (Mathematics).

The presentation ceremony was held on 8 October 1999 at HKUST.

Prof Michael Loy, Dean of Science and head of the selection committee, said that the awardees genuinely deserved the high recognition that they got.

"Our rigorous selection process is based on a range of criteria, including student feedback, peer review and an examination of their teaching philosophy," said Prof Loy.

"As this award is presented to not more than 3% of the total faculty members, the honor is indeed golden and genuinely reflects excellence in teaching and related activities," he added.

Dr Han is hailed as one of the most versatile biochemistry teachers in the department, and is responsible for teaching the greatest number of different courses. Despite his heavy teaching commitments, he is noted for his sincere attitude and care for his students, and frequently offers one-on-one tutorials for students to ensure that they make good progress.

"In designing a lecture, I always remind myself to think in terms of the students' needs and expectations, and their current level of understanding in the subject. This will ensure that they get the most out of my class," he said.

"When it comes to delivering the lecture, I like to imagine that my own children are among the students. In this way, I will always give my best to them, with utmost energy and enthusiasm," Dr Han added.

Dr Tsim also encourages students to discuss their work with him after class. He spends an average of seven hours a week interacting with students outside of lectures to make sure he understands their concerns and to follow up on their development.

He also sees the importance of stimulation. "As the vocabulary in biology can be inhibiting, I always try my best to make learning easy and fun for students by relating what I teach to their daily lives, and to constantly update my course contents. For instance, I would give examples of what it means for human beings and animals to have neurological disorders, and then describe the latest treatments," he said.

Dr Yan emphasizes the importance of designing his courses for different types of students.

"I always make clear distinction between the breadth and depth of mathematics teaching," he said. "For non-maths students, I try to cover the breadth of the subject so they have an all round view of the discipline and how it relates to their other areas of study. For students majoring in mathematics, however, I would make sure my teaching has depth, and that the students get a solid grasp of all the related theories and principles."

"For all of my students, my approach is to develop in them the ability to acquire knowledge on their own. This is the best gift I can give them," he said.

Note to Editors: For further information, please contact Mr Ross Lai of the Office of University Development and Public Affairs at 2358-6317 or email pamedia@ust.hk.