Described fittingly as "exemplary" educator, Dr Gail Forey, at the Department of English, received the 2015 University Grants Committee (UGC) Teaching Award for her research-centred, student-focused approach to teaching, and outstanding achievements and contributions to education.

One of three academics honoured in 2015, Dr Forey received the UGC Teaching Award from Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, Secretary for Education, at a ceremony on 9 September. Fittingly for a linguist who believes that discourse analysis has tremendous value in helping teachers to enhance their expertise, Dr Forey will use her award to support the filming of excellent teachers in an effort to showcase best practices in teaching through English.

The award follows other recent accolades, including Faculty Awards for Outstanding Performance and Achievement in Teaching in 2011/12 and 2013/14, an Honorary Professorship from the Linguistic Society of the Philippines in 2013/14 and the PolyU President's Award for Excellent Performance and Achievement in Teaching in 2013/14.

Having gained her undergraduate degree from the University of Kent, Master of Education from the University of Bristol and PhD in Applied Linguistics from Glasgow University, Dr Forey arrived at PolyU just over 19 years ago. Since then she has specialised in teaching discourse analysis and professional communication at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and is currently Programme Leader for the Doctorate in Applied Language Sciences programme.

A highly accomplished researcher in language in the workplace and language education, Dr Forey ensures that her investigations are closely aligned with her teaching. In particular, her classroom practice features action research that prepares students to set their own agendas for inquiry-based learning and independent research.

 

Dr Forey is good at inspiring and
enthusing her students.

Yet she is more than just a facilitator. As Matthew Whiley, a student in the Master of Arts in English Language Teaching programme put it, "Dr Forey's depth of knowledge, clarity and energy are ever present. But what makes her really stand out, what gives her a very special ability to inspire and enthuse her students, is the passion, integrity and warmth that shine through in every encounter."

That special ability also sets a benchmark for her teaching colleagues. Commenting on the UGC award, Prof. Chu Hung-lam, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, said that "Dr Forey is exemplary. Her achievements will be inspiring to other colleagues and her experience will undoubtedly raise pedagogical standards."

Indeed, Dr Forey not only continues to reflect on and improve her own practice, but also informally mentors junior colleagues and leads large-scale consultancy projects focusing on the professional development of teachers in the primary, secondary and tertiary contexts. She conducts workshops, both locally and overseas, that offer insights and tools to improve pedagogy, thereby facilitating teachers to become more active, reflective and effective.

This, in turn, has led to improved student performance, which is her ultimate goal. With an exemplary commitment to making a difference through teaching, Dr Forey is a truly fitting recipient of the highest teaching accolade Hong Kong has to offer. The PolyU community offers her its warmest congratulations. ♦