Professor Marshal Liu
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Course Taught: CENG 1800 Introduction to Food Science and Technology

The familiar expression “food for thought” takes on fresh meaning in Prof Marshal Liu’s sought-after course CENG 1800 “Introduction to Food Science and Technology”.

In this Chemical and Biological Engineering signature experiential course, described as “eye-opening”, “thought-provoking” and “rewarding and unforgettable” by students, Marshal skillfully connects theories on food science, food processing technology, and safety issues while simultaneously inspiring curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

Leveraging an enterprising interdisciplinary course design, he draws on real-world scenarios using everyday items, including bread, tofu, and even skincare products. He strives to relate course content to the latest research and current events. Boundless enthusiasm also helps.

Furthermore, through a range of dynamic learning activities, including food factory visits, laboratory experiments, class discussions, and student-initiated projects, class members develop lasting impressions of what they learn.

Numerous other features stand out to students: Marshal’s efforts to balance their diverse backgrounds and interests in group projects; his ability to address individuals by name in class; his willingness to share advice, ranging from tackling difficult concepts to career planning; and his principle that learning is a continuous process rather than hinged on one final result.

This encouragement and attention to detail builds confidence in learners to go beyond their comfort zones and embrace the unknown. However, Marshal also strives to nurture all-round thinkers, who will seek out sound scientific evidence in weighing up claims and opinions.

For Marshal, teaching – his “calling in life” – is all about igniting intellectual fire, by passing on his passion and pursuit of excellence to his students, broadening their intellectual vision, and fostering their personal growth. As such, students are empowered to challenge assumptions and debunk food myths through systematic and analytical problem-solving approaches. In turn, a high level of self-direction in project topics and methods steers them to be proactive and committed to researching and finding answers to their questions.

Engaging learners’ attention in this age of distraction is increasingly hard, making inspiring, innovative, and intriguing courses such as CENG 1800 particularly significant in leading the way forward. For such an achievement and his outstanding example as an educator, the Selection Committee has great pleasure in recommending Prof Marshal Liu for the 2019 Common Core Teaching Excellence Award.

Professor Kenneth Leung
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Course Taught: COMP 1001 Exploring Multimedia and Internet Computing

Computers may now be an integral part of our lives, but how many of us know what is actually happening behind our screens? In COMP 1001 “Exploring Multimedia and Internet Computing”, Prof Kenneth Leung opens up a whole new world of hands-on know-how and thinking skills that transform course participants’ understanding of the online world.

Kenneth is a firm believer in engaging, motivating education, and in making the acquisition of knowledge fun. In line with this philosophy, the Computer Science and Engineering alumnus has continuously endeavored to advance and enliven his students’ learning experience over the past seven years of teaching COMP 1001.

To move from passive to experiential learning, he has effectively revamped the course using a “flipped classroom” strategy. Through provision of pre-class lecture videos combined with well-aligned interactive activities in class, learners can now work more at their own pace.

Aided by a Teaching Development Grant, Kenneth also added use of the iPad into his “flipped” approach, creating an interactive and enjoyable way for those without computer science backgrounds to get to grips with the course content.

Novel assessment methods include an unconventional online exam model requiring students to use different software applications to demonstrate the skills they have learned; and peer evaluation as part of the grading for the course project. During this project, class members work in teams to design and develop their own Android apps.

His students have noted that such custom-designed content and pedagogy have not only enhanced their knowledge and generated a positive environment for peer learning, but also stimulated their curiosity and interest in exploring more about computer science.

With his dedication to teaching innovation and provision of a learning journey with a difference, Kenneth has ably shown why he merits an Honorary Mention for excellence as a Common Core course instructor.

Professor Raymond Wong
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Course Taught: COMP 1942 Exploring and Visualizing Data

From banking to sports, energy to healthcare, big data has become an increasingly valuable provider of novel insights and information for decision-making over the past decade. But this alone does not explain why COMP 1942 “Exploring and Visualizing Data”, developed and taught by Prof Raymond Wong, has proved so popular with students from diverse subject areas since it was first offered in 2011.

Indeed, data mining and analytics involving mathematical and computational models can be highly intimidating, especially for those without prior knowledge of the field. Yet as course participants have grown – increasing from 114 over the past five years to a massive 277 in 2019 – Raymond has continued to achieve top teaching evaluation scores.

How has he managed this? With a focus on presenting data mining and visualization concepts in a well-organized and logical way, and a range of tailor-made experiential approaches that overcome technical knowledge challenges.

Such teaching innovations include role play and interactive demonstrations. He also initiates carefully designed in-class exercises that stimulate class participation and deliver indelible impact. For example, being asked to apply concepts to real-world situations, such as imitating a technical writer drafting data reports to a layman boss.

Students have commented that Raymond’s innovative methodologies have helped them acquire life-long learning and critical thinking skills.

In addition, his inspirational commitment and willingness to rethink and enhance materials and approaches in light of feedback, availability to answer questions, and patient, encouraging supervision of projects and research have further impressed colleagues and students alike.

In providing such an exemplary role model, Raymond has shown his outstanding ability to set and meet the highest standards, and fully deserving of his Honorary Mention for excellence as a Common Core educator.