Teachers' Sharing

Teaching and engaging with students has been an incredibly fulfilling aspect of my academic career. As I embark on my 15th year of service at PolyU, I have had the privilege of instructing various mathematics courses to students from my department (AMA) and other faculties and departments. These experiences have allowed me to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, honing my teaching skills to cater to individuals with differing aptitudes and capabilities.

As a mathematics course instructor, our ultimate goal is to nurture students’ appreciation for and comprehension of mathematics. This involves providing them with a solid foundational understanding, ample practice opportunities, and a holistic view of the subject matter. I firmly believe in imparting not only the techniques to solve mathematical problems but also the underlying concepts, theorems, and principles that form the backbone of the discipline. By emphasizing the importance of conceptual understanding, we can nurture students’ critical thinking skills and encourage them to explore the beauty and applicability of mathematics beyond the classroom.

In today’s era of rapid technological advancements, where information and knowledge are easily accessible, the ability to solve complex problems and think critically has become more critical than ever. Mathematics serves as an invaluable training ground for developing these essential skills. Equipping students with a solid mathematical foundation prepares them to face the challenges of an ever-evolving world and thrive in an increasingly data-driven society.

Effective teaching extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. As educators, we should commit to fostering an open and approachable learning environment both inside and outside our teaching space. I encourage students to visit me during my office hours and maintain an open-door policy. Creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere could establish a strong teacher-student relationship and build rapport with our students. I firmly believe that when students feel comfortable approaching their instructors with questions and concerns, they are more likely to engage actively in the learning process and seek assistance when needed. Through individualized attention and personalized guidance, we can help students overcome challenges and reach their full academic potential.

In my role as an undergraduate program leader and various teaching-related administrative positions over the years, I have realized that delivering a high-quality education to students cannot be accomplished by an individual alone but requires the collective efforts of a dedicated team. It is through the collaboration of enthusiastic and compassionate teachers, as well as the support of professional staff that we can provide comprehensive teaching activities and a well-rounded learning experience to students throughout their collegiate journey. This endeavor involves effective communication of our educational vision, setting attainable targets, encouraging autonomy and ownership, providing resources and support, and cultivating a positive and inclusive working environment.

Every year, as I sit on the stage during the congregation ceremony, witnessing the graduates walking up to receive recognition and congratulations from their families and peers, I am reminded of all our colleagues’ collective effort and teamwork that has led to this momentous occasion. It serves as a profound recognition of the year-long collaboration and dedication invested in the education of these students. Beyond the individual achievements, each graduate’s successful completion of their studies represents a significant milestone in their lives and a testament to their perseverance and hard work.

In these moments of celebration, I cannot help but reflect on the immense potential within each graduate. It is my heartfelt wish that they not only cherish the knowledge and experiences gained during their college education but also utilize their acquired skills and insights to make a positive impact on society. Whether they pursue further education, enter the workforce, or embark on entrepreneurial ventures, I hope they approach their future endeavors with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. I am honored to have played a part in their educational journey and am excited to see the positive contributions they will make to society as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

啟發學生數學潛能

在我的學術生涯中，教學和與學生互動一直帶給我無比的滿足感。在過去15年，我在理工大學有幸教授於應用數學系以及其他學院和部門的各種數學課程，這些教學經驗讓我能夠與來自不同背景和文化的學生互動，磨煉我的教學技巧，並教導各種不同能力和才能的學生。

作為一名數學教師，我們最終目標是培養學生對數學的欣賞和理解能力，包括為他們提供扎實的理論基礎、豐富的練習機會和以全面理解課題的能力。我堅信，我們不僅應傳授解決數學問題的技巧，還應傳授學科的基本概念、理論和原則，這些都是學科的基石。透過強調概念理解的重要性，我們可以培養學生的批判思維能力，並鼓勵他們在教室之外探索數學之美和其應用。

在現今科技日新月異的世代，資訊和知識垂手可得，解決複雜問題和批判性思維的能力比任何時代都更為重要。數學作為一個寶貴的訓練場所，可以培養這些必不可少的技能，為學生提供堅實的數學基礎，讓他們能夠應對瞬息萬變的世界所帶來的挑戰，並在日益依賴數據的社會中取得成功。

有效的教學不應只局限於教室內，作為教育者，我們應致力在教學空間內外建立一個開放和親切的學習環境。我一直鼓勵學生在我的辦公時間內來訪，辦公室門亦是常開的。友好親善的氣氛有助於建立和鞏固師生之間的和睦關係。我相信，當學生在向教師表達問題時感到自在，他們更有可能積極參與學習過程，並在需要時尋求幫助。透過一對一的指導和關注，我們可以幫助學生克服困難，發揮學術潛能。

在擔任本科課程主任和各種與教學相關的行政職位的這些年裡，我意識到要為學生提供高質素的教育，不能單靠個人，而是需要全體教師的共同努力。教師的熱忱和親善，加上專業行政人員的支持，可以為學生的大學學習旅程提供全面的支持和指導。這需要團隊對教育理念進行溝通，設定可實現的目標，鼓勵自主性和責任感，提供資源和支持，以及培養積極共融的工作環境。

每年，在畢業典禮中，當我坐在台上目睹畢業生接受家人和同伴的祝賀和認可時，我想起了所有同事的努力和合作，如何為這一重要時刻奠下基礎，這是對我們一年來在教育學生方面投入的合作和奉獻的充份肯定。除了個人成就，每位畢業生成功完成學業，亦是他們生命中的里程碑，印證了他們的堅毅和努力。

在這歡慶的時刻，我不禁想到每位畢業生的巨大潛能。我衷心希望他們不僅珍惜在大學教育中獲得的知識和經驗，還能利用他們所掌握的技能和見解，發揮自身對社會的影響力。無論他們是繼續深造、進入職場還是創業，我都希望他們保持熱情和好奇心，並堅守終身學習的承諾，面對未來的挑戰。我很榮幸能參與他們的教育旅程的一部分，並很期待看到他們在人生下一個階段繼續為社會作出貢獻。