#teachingwithoutboundaries

In recognition of instructors who have made substantial contribution to the design and teaching of courses of Interdiscplinary Programs Office (IPO) and outstanding contributions to the learning experience and success of students, IPO established the “IPO Teaching Excellence Award” in 2017/18. Each academic year, an instructor or a team of instructors of IPO undergraduate and postgraduate courses will be awarded respectively.

For the IPO Teaching Excellence Award 2018/19, Prof. Betty LIN, Associate Director of the Dual Degree Program in Technology and Management (T&M-DDP) and Associate Professor of Business Education, is awarded at undergraduate category. Prof. LIN has been teaching corporate projects (TEMG 4950) and international business plan competition courses (TEMG 4960) for 7 years and received positive feedbacks from students of different disciplines.  Projects led in 2018-19 include “Growth Hacking for Gillette”, “Social Venture Advisory and Grant Making for PIM”, and two International Business Plan Competitions with the themes of “Future Mobility of San Francisco Bay Area” and “Healthier Living in Shenzhen”.  Prof. LIN developed methods for students to gain the targeted skills and produce high-quality solutions almost like real consultants through her courses. The courses offered many opportunities for students to interact with industry leaders and tackle real business problems.  Students found that Prof. LIN was responsive and approachable. Under her guidance, students learnt very practical and applicable skills for future careers and some are even inspired to establish their own start-ups.

Prof. Paul W FORSTER, Senior Lecturer of the Division of Environment & Sustainability (ENVR), Program Co-director of BSc in Environmental Management and Technology Program (EVMT) and Associate Professor of Business Education, is awarded at postgraduate category. Prof. FORSTER is the instructor of EVSM 5300 “Corporate Environmental Strategy”. He demonstrated the ability of catering diverse academic backgrounds of students in his class.  Various interactive methods like case study, simulations, games and small group discussions had been used in the course to stimulate active participation.  Prof. FORSTER encouraged students to examine their own mental models and not to just accept models blindly.  Students commented Prof. FORSTER’s pedagogy provided many discussion opportunities and encouraged them to think and analyze.  Prof. FORSTER also engaged in both undergraduate and postgraduate education in the ENVR and received positive feedbacks from both groups of students.

Certificates of appreciation and crystal trophies are presented to Prof. LIN and Prof. FORSTER by Prof. King L. CHOW, Director of IPO, at IPO Faculty Board Meeting today.