“Beyond Boundaries” T&L Lecture Series 6 | An Imaginary on Teaching “Universal” Themes
The "Beyond Boundaries" T&L Lecture Series, organized by the Centre for Teaching and Learning, is guided by its core philosophy: "Longitudinal historical perspective, Interdisciplinary integration, Dedicated educational craftsmanship, and Future-oriented vision." Through intellectual collisions across disciplines, the series aims to broaden perspectives and inspire profound thinking.
We are honored to invite Prof. Lian-Hee WEE from Hong Kong Baptist University as our distinguished speaker.
Date & Time: 12:10-13:30, 22 October 2025 (Wed) Facilitator: Prof. Lian-Hee WEE (Professor of Linguistics and Board Chair of the Transdisciplinary Undergraduate Programme, Hong Kong Baptist University) Venue: T2-202 Language: English Abstract: As universities embrace transdisciplinarity, we cannot simply revive Plato’s ideals or expect to turn students into polymaths. Instead, we can design courses that help them connect philosophically with themes across disciplines, view their field within the broader landscape of inquiry, and engage with issues beyond their training. In this talk, Prof. Lian-Hee WEE will share his experiments in teaching “universal” themes—some successful, others less so—as a way to spark reflection on how educators might cultivate integrative, courageous, and intellectually adventurous learning in higher education.
BNBU×XJTLU | New Era Undergraduate Teaching Innovation Seminar and the 11th Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) National Teaching Innovation Award South China Screening Round
This seminar is set against the backdrop of China’s drive for high-quality undergraduate education and AI-driven educational transformation. It will address the challenges that frontline teachers face, featuring conceptual guidance, case studies, and collaborative exchange to empower educators in developing future-oriented teaching models and advancing educational development.
Date: 1 November 2025 (Sat) Location: Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (北师香港浸会大学）
Note: This event is free of charge. Lunch will be provided on November 1st. Please note participants are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation.Please scan the QR code to complete your online registration. A confirmation email will be sent to registered participants by the organizing committee prior to the event.
Staff Mentoring Program (SMP) Workshops , Semester 1 of 2025-2026
SMP aims to provide mentoring relationships for new faculty members at the Lecturer or Assistant Professor levels, fostering professional development during their first year at BNBU. This program offers a unique opportunity for both mentors and mentees to build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and enhance their professional growth.
We are excited to host three Staff Mentoring Workshops during lunchtime this semester. Light lunch will be provided.
Workshop 1: Building Strong Mentoring Relationships
Date & Time: 11:50 am – 12:50 pm, 21 October 2025 (Tue)
Venue: CC126 华信书院
Workshop 2: Putting AI to Work in Your Classroom
Date & Time: 11:50 am – 12:50 pm, 28 October 2025 (Tue)
Venue: CC126 华信书院
Workshop 3: Reflecting, Showcasing, and Celebrating Excellence
Date & Time: Week 13, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (exact date TBC)
Venue: Off-campus café
Workshop Format: A light lunch will be provided for Workshops 1 and 2. Workshop 3 will be a special celebration at a local café, where we can connect over refreshments and meaningful conversations.
Note: Please register by 12:00 noon, Monday, 20 October 2025, via this link: https://mis.uic.edu.cn/survey/login.jsp(For Mentors and Mentees only). Please confirm availability with your partner before registering, and kindly ensure that both mentors and mentees register and attend together.
We hope these workshops will be a meaningful part of your mentoring journey. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Yao WANG at yaowang@uic.edu.cn or 3677163.
To help all mentoring pairs connect in a relaxed setting, we warmly invite you to a special Luncheon Gathering, a buffet-style icebreaker event where you can meet your mentor or mentee and begin building a meaningful partnership. We look forward to meeting you at the luncheon and to another fruitful year of mentoring and collaboration.
Date: 15 October 2025 (Wed) Time: 12:00 noon Venue: Faculty Club
Registration deadline:By 12:00 noon on 14 October 2025(For Mentors and Mentees only)
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Yao Wang at 3677163 or yaowang@uic.edu.cn.
Open Classroom Initiative: Share Your Innovative Teaching Practices! (Weeks 9–11)
Are you trying something new or impactful in your teaching this semester? The Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) invites you to participate in the Open Classroom Initiative (OCI) between Weeks 9–11 (10–28 November 2025).
This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your teaching methods, receive constructive peer feedback, and inspire colleagues across disciplines. Whether you’re exploring new pedagogical approaches, integrating technology, or creating engaging learning experiences, we welcome you to open your class and share your practice.
Participation in OCI can also help you enhance your teaching demonstration skills—an important component of academic promotion and professional development.
How to Participate:
Review the OCI Guide for Course Instructors (Please click “Read More” for the guide).
Complete the Open Classroom Reflection Form after receiving peer feedback.
Participating hosts will receive a certificate of appreciation and a gift card. Join us in fostering open, reflective, and innovative teaching at BNBU! For enquiries, please contact Edith Yan (edithyan@uic.edu.cn) or Yao Wang (yaowang@uic.edu.cn).
Induction Program Session 6: Large Language Model (LLMs) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Date & Time: 12:00-13:00, 16 October 2025 (Thu) Facilitator: Dr. Raymond LEE (Associate Professor of FST) Venue: T2-202 Language: English Abstract: In this talk, Dr. LEE will explore Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI (GenAI), highlighting their foundations in neural networks and Transformer architecture. The talk covers their applications in text generation, translation, and conversation, as well as key players and ethical concerns like bias and misinformation. Future trends such as multimodal integration and creative uses will also be discussed, emphasizing their impact on industries and daily life.
AI, Social Media, and Pedagogy: Fostering Engagement and Collaboration with Integrity Date & Time: 03:00 pm - 05:00 pm, 4 Nov 2025 (Tue) Venue: Online via Zoom Speakers: Prof. Sue BECKINGHAM (Associate Professor, Sheffield Hallam University, UK) Abstract: This interactive session explores how GenAI-powered tools and social media can support meaningful interaction, collaboration, and student engagement in higher education, while ensuring pedagogical integrity remains at the forefront. With the rapid rise of generative AI and digital platforms, educators face both opportunities and challenges. Practical examples of how these tools may be used to deepen learning rather than distract from it and encourage collaboration while fostering critical thinking and academic honesty will be shared.
The session will conclude with collaborative discussion and resource sharing, equipping participants with actionable approaches for integrating GenAI and social media into teaching practices that align with their values and disciplinary contexts.
In order to promote exchanges and mutual learning between universities and scholars across region, deepen the integration between higher education and modern industries, and advance the development of a strong education system, the 20th Cross-Strait Higher Education Forum will be held in Jiangmen, Guangdong Province.
Theme: Higher Education Reform and the Development of Modern Industries Topics Include:
Integrated Development of Education, Science and Technology, and Talent Cultivation
Mutual Empowerment Between Higher Education and Modern Industries
Digitalization, Intelligentization, and the Transformation of Higher Education
Breaking Down Barriers to Industry-Education Integration to Develop New Quality Productive Forces
Higher Education's Role in Serving Local Economic and Social Development
Innovative Development of Guangdong-Taiwan Higher Education Cooperation
Date & Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, 25 Nov 2025 (Tue) Location: Wuyi University（五邑大学）
Note: This event is free of charge. Please note that participants are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation. Participants are requested to submit papers related to the forum’s theme and its topics. Please click "Read More" for details. Paper should be submitted by Friday, November 7 to yuetai@gdgjxh.org.cn.
