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Hosted by the Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL) at HKU

Pre-conference Workshop

Rethinking Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Capstone Projects and Dissertations

Abstract

Capstone projects and dissertations are a topic of interest in many countries. For many students, it provides a transformative experience, yet for others the experience is less inspiring and sometimes quite negative. The traditional project has come under pressure for reform as student participation in higher education has increased, there has been a growth in professional disciplines, and staff-student ratios have deteriorated. This interactive presentation will explore ways in which we can rethink capstone projects and dissertations, while at the same time retaining a significant element of research and inquiry and deliver key graduate attributes. Our argument is that a more flexible approach is needed in the form, function and assessment of capstone projects and dissertations to meet the needs of all students. These may include group, work-oriented and community-based projects. There can also be novel ways of disseminating the findings – via exhibitions, research conferences and other forms of public engagement. The argument will be illustrated with examples of undergraduate and postgraduate capstone projects and dissertations from a wide range of disciplines and countries.

Details of the Workshop

Date : 17 December 2018 (Monday)
Time : 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Venue : Rm 321, Run Run Shaw Bldg, Main Campus
Speaker : Prof. Mick Healey, Emeritus Professor, University of Gloucestershire

Registration : The workshop is open to conference registrants and colleagues in the University of Hong Kong on a first-come, first-served basis.

About the Speaker

Prof. Mick Healey is an HE Consultant and Researcher and Emeritus Professor at the University of Gloucestershire, UK. Until 2010 he was Director of the Centre for Active Learning, a nationally funded Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. He is currently The Humboldt Distinguished Scholar in Research-Based Learning at McMaster University, Canada. He has previously held visiting professorships at several universities, including Macquarie, Queensland and UCL. He was one of the first people in the UK to be awarded a National Teaching Fellowship and to be made a Principal Fellow of the HE Academy. He received a SEDA@20 Legacy Award for Disciplinary Development in 2013 and in 2015 he received the Distinguished Service Award from the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Mick is an experienced presenter. Since 1995 he has given over 500 educational presentations in 25 different countries. He has written and edited over 200 papers, chapters, books and guides on various aspects of teaching and learning in HE, and has over 5,500 citations. He was co-editor of the International Journal for Academic Development (2010-13) and is currently Inaugural Senior Editor International Journal for Students as Partners. He is often asked to act as an advisor to projects, universities and governments on aspects of teaching and learning, including the Canadian Federal Government and the League of European Research Universities. Mick has previously given workshops and keynotes at HKU, HKUST and EdUHK. More information can be found here: www.mickhealey.co.uk.

Selected References

A full list may be found at www.mickhealey.co.uk.