PolyU initiatives on teaching and learning innovations recognised in QAC Audit Report

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomes the Report of Quality Audit of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University from the Quality Assurance Council (QAC) of the University Grants Committee, which was released today. PolyU is grateful for the positive review by the QAC Audit Panel. The Report confirms PolyU’s achievements in safeguarding and enhancing the standards and quality of its academic programmes. It recognises the University’s strategic planning process as “forward-looking” and highlights that the shift towards a scheme-based admission strategy has broadened student learning pathways.

The Report highlights two Features of Good Practice of PolyU. The Audit Panel recognises that the University consistently implements its strategies, including the current strategic plan, by effectively monitoring and enhancing the overall performance across all levels by using departmental KPIs. The Audit Panel also acknowledges the significant role and contribution of the Departmental Academic Advisors in ensuring independently the continuous updating and improvement of programmes, with an international and external perspective.

The Audit Panel recognises the University’s continuous effort to improve its programmes and processes and the effective implementation of a “consistent and mature process for programme planning, validation and review”. The Report highlights the University’s introduction of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis (AIDA) and Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IE) components to the undergraduate curriculum as “a strong example of the continuous revision of the institution’s general offerings with a higher impact on the entire community”.

PolyU’s commitment to enhancing teaching, learning, and assessment strategies is duly acknowledged. The implementation of virtual teaching and AI applications further showcases the University’s ability to adapt to an evolving educational environment. The Audit Panel also recognises PolyU’s very wide-ranging portfolio of co-curricular activities that support whole-person development and enhancements made to the Service-Learning programme, which have received highly positive feedback. The Audit Panel highly recognises PolyU’s dedication to providing students with an optimal educational experience, ensuring access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, and delivering impactful, real-world learning experiences.

Evidence-based quality enhancement is at the heart of the University’s development strategy. The Audit Panel notes that PolyU has a well-established and mature quality culture, and effectively integrates evidence-based principles into its quality assurance processes. The Panel observes that the University “effectively gathers, analyses and utilises data across all facets of its operations, spanning institutional strategic planning to resource allocation, programme development, and quality assurance and enhancement”. The University also effectively uses surveys and other feedback mechanisms to implement constructive improvements and further develop student learning.

Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, President of PolyU, expressed gratitude to the QAC and the Audit Panel for their rigorous audit work, stating, “The quality audit affirms PolyU’s proactive efforts in promoting teaching innovation, aligning with the goals of our Strategic Plan. PolyU aspires to be an innovative world-class university, and we will continue to pursue educational excellence by enhancing our teaching and learning quality and further improving students’ learning experience in the years to come.”

For the Report of Quality Audit of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, please visit:

https://www.ugc.edu.hk/doc/eng/qac/report/polyu202411e.pdf

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