Macau University of Science and Technology presented the 2017/2018 Teaching Excellence Award to five teachers in recognition of their outstanding teaching performances. The Teaching Excellence Award comprises two categories: Outstanding Teachers and Rising Stars. This year’s winners of Outstanding Teachers Award are Assistant Professor Lin Yongjia of School of Business, Assistant Professor Zheng Zefeng of Faculty of Information Technology, Lecturer Zhu Yanni of Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Associate Professor Li Na of the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines. In addition, Assistant Professor Guo Yu of the Faculty of Humanities and Arts is this year’s Rising Star. The Teaching Excellence Award aims to honor teachers who have outstanding performances and commitment in pursuing perfection, also to recognize their contributions to the continuous improvement of the teaching and learning quality of the University. The winners will be role models to inspire and encourage the newly joined teachers at the University.
Winners of the 2017/2018 TE Award: Associate Prof. Li Na, Assistant Prof. Lin Yongjia, Assistant Prof. Zheng Zefeng, Lecturer Zhu Yanni, & Winner of Rising Star Assistant Prof. Guo Yu
Assistant Professor Lin Yongjia of School of Business is currently engaged in teaching graduate students in Financial Risk Management courses. She upholds the teaching philosophy of “student-centered, innovation-minded, and all-round development”, trains and rallies students to participate in international contests, stimulates students’ innate potentials, and helps them to improve both confidence and professional expertise.
Assistant Professor Zheng Zefeng has been with the Faculty of Information Technology for over 15 years, mainly teaching computer network courses. In his class, he often combines case analyses with theories, emphasizing to train students’ abilities in problem-solving and independent analysis. He keeps close relationships with students, and is regarded as not only a great teacher but also a great friend.
Lecturer Zhu Yanni has been with the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management for almost a decade; she mainly teaches microeconomics and restaurant cost control. Her passion in education encourages her to prepare detailed class materials, and adopt multiple forms of teaching in her classes, therefore greatly improving students’ learning motives and engagement in active learning.
Associate Professor Li Na has been working at the State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines since 2011, she emphasizes research and teaching on undergraduates and graduate students alike. She guides students with great patience and sets up meetings on a regular basis. She also pays attention to the students’ psychological well-being, encourages and helps them adapting to long-time research works and to complete their thesis step by step.
Assistant Professor Guo Yu has been working at the Faculty of Humanities and Arts for three years, he teaches subjects including introduction to communication and public relations. Training innovative spirits and practical abilities are core values in his classes. Hot topics of current affairs brought in classes make teaching more interesting. He also makes use of new social media platforms to enhance interaction with students and to improve their interpersonal skills and practical abilities.
The evaluation process of the Teaching Excellence Award was rigorous. The Assessment Committee first conducted a preliminary assessment to the nominations to prepare a candidate list. Then, further conducted a comprehensive evaluation to the candidates in terms of their teaching ability, teaching attitudes, and teaching portfolios, which is then followed by an overall examination by ways of class observation, face-to-face interview and review of students’ evaluation results in relation to the candidates. Finally, the committee voted at the meeting for the winners. Rising Star is awarded to teachers who have less teaching experience but show great potential as excellent teachers.
The Teaching Excellence Award is set up since 2008, M.U.S.T. has awarded 28 teachers whose names have been engraved in the Honor Board for permanent display. The Award represents the University’s commitment to quality teachers and teaching, and dedication to provide high-quality education for students. The award-presentation will be held at the Opening Ceremony of the University in the coming September.
