Believe in Our Teaching and Our Students Rocky K. C. Chang Department of Computing The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 22 Sept. 2004

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing2 Believing in Believing in ≠ dreaming around Believing in ≠ a psychological game Believing in ≠ hoping for Believing is based on –Knowledge –Personal conviction –Personal experience Genuine belief brings actions and commitments.

Believing in our teaching and our students is the most ACTIVE thing to do for our teaching!

I. Back to the reality

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing5 What discouraged you most as a teacher? Students’ coming late to the class Students’ talking in the class Students’ undesirable learning attitude Students’ disrespect for knowledge Students’ disrespect for teachers Students’ plagiarism activities Students’ feedbacks The whole enterprise of teaching!!

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing6 What encouraged you most as a teacher?

II. What my students have taught me?

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing8 About them What I see/heard is not what I get. Most of my students so far are teachable. Students generally thirst for good teaching and encouragement. Some students have a very high expectation for teaching. Some students appreciate the sincere effort go into teaching, regardless of their own performance.

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing9 About my teaching They taught me that one size does not fit all. They helped me reflect on the methods of assessment. They taught me the importance of persistence. They are a constant source of encouragement to my teaching.

III. What I know about teaching

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing11 Teaching is not student centered. My students are my students. Teaching is not based on a provider- consumer relationship. Teaching has to be teacher centered. –Dare to lead and guide. –Dare to discipline and rebuke. –Dare to demand and to challenge. I believe that students will respect a teacher who does not compromise his role.

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing12 Teaching is not safe. Teaching is not about guaranteeing a set of learning outcomes. –Lower the expectations –Demand less from the students Teaching is about challenging students’ and teachers’ limits. I believe that students, who have tremendous capacity to learn, can master the subject if I can teach effectively.

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing13 Teaching is not performing. We cannot teach what we don’t have. I can effectively teach only what I know intimately and hold dearly. –Teaching is not only about describing, explaining, and interpreting. –Good teaching has to include personal excitement, conviction, and curiosity. I believe that my motivation and interest in the subject can be passed on to the students.

IV. If we turn what we believe into actions,

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing15 Then, we will discover that All-weather teaching –Regardless of the teaching environment Unconditional teaching Teaching techniques and skills become very very secondary. The class becomes very much alive. Teaching turns into something to enjoy and to gain strength from.

V. My experience in the last term

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing17 My experience in the last term Class A: –46 second-year degree students –The bottom of all the PolyU degree programs based on the AL scores –Quite a few weak students –Lectures at 8:30am Class B: –97 first-year degree students –Close to the bottom of all the PolyU degree based on the AL scores –HD and AL students

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing18 SFQ scores Teaching was well-organized: 3.8, 4.0 Presented the subject clearly: 3.7, 3.7 Encouraged students to ask questions: 4.2, 4.1 Help was available when necessary: 3.7, 4.1 Grand mean of items on overall view about the teaching of the staff member: 3.9, 3.9

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing19 An almost final note I am aware that some of you still do not feel "secure" and comfortable about programming and problem-solving (especially in Java). Instead of running away from it, I strongly encourage you to spend some of your time in this summer to improve this important area. Once again, there is nothing too hard for you, if you are determined to learn it.

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing20 An almost final note (cont’d) But just let me say this now: thank you for journeying with me in the course. Although it is only 14 weeks, I feel much longer than that, and in fact a little depressed when it finally comes to the end of it (post-teaching syndrome). Let me again encourage you to try harder in your study and other important areas in your lives. Don't waste your time and talents bestowed on you.

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing21 A pleasant surprise Wholehearted thanks for your persistent consideration, encouragement. Every time when it is almost deadline, you would cheer us up. It's really first time that I feel how much teachers concern for their students. Every time I would think, how wonderful if all teachers can have this attitude. I admit that I am a lazy and easily discouraged student,.... Forgive me to say that, if not 305, I would have a much much better and lively University life.

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing22 A pleasant surprise (cont’d) However, I still appreciate very much for your teaching. You were always cheerful and open-minded. I always think if I were you, seeing students having little intention to improvement and interest, I wouldn't prepare anymore for the class. I can't believe how tough you are if I am not seeing your continuous caring face. I didn't say any words or reply any to you, but I always wanted to … ThanksThanksThanksThanks~!1millionmillion million thanks~

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing23 My belief My students are my students (if I refuse to compromise my role). My students are likable (if I choose to). My students can be motivated (if I am motivated and persevere). My students are capable of mastering the subject materials (if I teach effectively). My students are my partners in teaching (if I allow them to be). I am solely responsible for my students’ learning outcomes.

VI. Conclusions

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing25 Teaching is not just about delivering lectured materials clearly, –although it is a pre-requisite to basic teaching. Teaching is not about inventing innovative teaching approaches, and writing articles about them, –although they are indicators of good teaching. Teaching is not …

Rocky K. C. Chang, Department of Computing26 Teaching is … Above all, teaching is about the “relationship” between the teacher and learners. The impacts and influence, as a result of the interactions, can be mutually felt. –These mutual interactions will bring out a better student and also a better teacher. Therefore, without my students, my teaching is nothing, and so is true in the other way around.

Teaching, if done passionately, wholeheartedly, and effectively, can make a profound impact on my students and myself.