Page 69 - FSTE A5 Handbook

Good Practices of UGC-funded Universities

In the same interviews, the Research Team has identified some major good practices from GE
heads of UGC-funded universities:
(1) Easily accessible websites/GE handbooks should be provided and regularly updated on
the information that is of interest to sub-degree graduates, to be supported by a transparent
process and clear guidelines on GE credit transfer.
(2) Establishment of an Advisory Committee on GE curriculum planning to facilitate the
development of GE courses which are academically vigorous, interesting to students and
conducive to whole person development.
(3) Appointment of External Advisors to help review the GE proposals and thus to ensure the
quality of the GE courses when they are offered in the future.
(4) Inviting faculty members who are involved in teaching GE courses to share their teaching
experiences, especially good practices, at periodic retreats, forums, seminars or workshops.
(5) Establishment of a dedicated GE office to monitor, coordinate and provide consultation
and training to teachers, administrative staff of offering departments.
Regarding the design of GE and the learning process, the GE heads of UGC-funded universities
expressed that:
(1) GE courses should be intellectually-rigorous and interdisciplinary in design to bring more
benefits to students in preparing for the 21st century workforce and global citizenship.
(2) As far as the learning process is concerned, it should be interactive between teachers
and students and require active learning and assessment on the part of students. If possible,
some of the learning should take place beyond the boundaries of classrooms, especially on
public issues/big questions.
(3) To facilitate student learning, academic advisors from teaching departments, the advising
offices of the university and the GE office may be appointed and students should be informed
about such appointment and how to stay connected with such personnel.
(4) GE teaching awards may be organized to recognize the efforts and outstanding
achievements of GE teachers.

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