On December 5, the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) invited Prof. Leonard J. Waks, Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership at Temple University and the past president of the John Dewey Society, to deliver a lecture on “The Inner Game of Scholarship: Lessons Learned from 60 Years of Academic Life”. The lecture attracted 25 staff attended, and over 170 people watched the live broadcast.

Prof. Waks during the sharing

Throughout the lecture, Prof. Waks shared the rich tapestry of his academic journey, encompassing important moments from navigating the challenges of the dissertation phase to establishing early career goals. His presentation provided valuable insights into key turning points and the lessons learned during his illustrious six-decade career.

Waks during the lecture

Leonard J. Waks is a Professor Emeritus of Educational Leadership at Temple University, USA. He was a Distinguished Professor of Educational Studies at Hangzhou Normal University from 2018-2021. Prof. Waks is the author of Education 2.0: The Learningweb Revolution and the Transformation of the School (Routledge, 2014) and The Evolution and Evaluation of Massive Open Online Courses: MOOCs in Motion (Palgrave, 2016). He is a past president of the John Dewey Society and has been awarded the Dewey Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He is the founding editor of the journal Dewey Studies.

Attendees paying attention to the lecture

Prof. Waks shared various aspects of academic life, offering insights on professional commitment, the formulation of a mature research and self-development plan, and effective strategies for balancing the demands of teaching and writing. Additionally, he explored the nuanced art of building collaborative professional networks, emphasizing their importance in the academic landscape.

Prof. Waks interacting with the teacher

Attendees asking questions

After the lecture, attendees engaged in discussions and reflections on the profound lessons shared by Prof. Waks. A seasoned academic, his insights promise to inspire and guide those seeking a fulfilling and successful career in academia.