Enlightening minds for academic excellence

Prof. Anthony Smith (left) speaks on academic excellence and UCL’s educational strategy.

Co-hosted by the Office of Academic Links and the Centre for Learning Enhancement And Research, a fireside chat titled ‘Leading Strategies for Academic Excellence’ featuring Prof. Anthony Smith, Vice Provost (Faculties) of University College London (UCL) was held on campus in March. Prof. Smith spoke on UCL’s educational strategy, emphasising on curriculum innovation, quality assurance, new teaching pedagogies, and the career frameworks. Specifically, he highlighted the revamp of the academic promotion system which he steered to better recognise contributions in teaching as well as research achievements. This change has resulted in a more balanced approach in assessing both teaching and research which has fostered gender parity in promotions at UCL.

Prof. Smith also shared that, in assessing teaching performance, UCL had shifted from using student evaluations to peer evaluations which embeds the Professional Standard Framework of Advance HE in the University’s career frameworks. Besides, data from the National Student Survey is used to inform the evaluation processes.

The enriching dialogue offered valuable perspectives for CUHK to strengthen its strategies in pursuit for academic excellence.

The fireside chat sparks immense interest among the CUHK community.