The Meanings of a University Education: screening of film “The 2011 Graduating Class”

The Meanings of a University Education: screening of film “The 2011 Graduating Class”

Date: 21 November 2011 (Monday)
Speaker: Prof. Donna Chu (School of Journalism and Communication)

Film synopsis

In 2006, over 70,000 Hong Kong students sat the HKCEE exams. While some 47,000 of them qualified to promote to Form 6, only 35,000 places were available.
Two years later, a total of 38,262 students sat the HKALE, the university entrance exams. In the same year, CUHK admitted 3,225 students. Most of them graduated in 2011.
Having passed a hurdle race of tests and exams, these students were ushered into a whole new world of freedom and independence which is called university. Three years have passed. As these soon-to-be graduates are getting ready to leave the campus for good, they contemplated on the meaning of a university education. Or so they attempted.
In spring 2011, ten graduating students from the School of Journalism and Communication reflected on their days at university in a documentary, recalling and sharing many frank, poignant and intimate moments of their university days in front of the camera.

After the screening, Donna will share with us her experience in the making of the film and her own reflections on the topic. Participants will also be invited to discuss some core issues of university education: How does the 3—soon 4—year education make our students different from other young adults, or does it? As educator, what do we expect of our students? How should we facilitate their growth, help them set and fulfill their goals?