On 7 November 2024, the 3rd Annual Meeting of the STEAM Team from the Faculty of Education (FED) at the University of Macau (UM) was held in room E4-1061, Anthony Lau Building, UM. The event was hosted by Prof. Tien Ping HSIANG, activity coordinator of the FED STEAM Team, with Prof. Lianghuo FAN, Dean of FED, Prof. Xiufeng LIU, Director of the Educational Testing and Assessment Research Centre, and Dr. Guo Jie CAI also in attendance.

In the opening speech, Dean Fan expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts and significant contributions made by the FED STEAM Team members since its establishment. He hoped that all team members would continue to work hard and be role models to promote the development of STEAM education. Prof. Liu mentioned that the mission and actions of the FED STEAM Team align with the academic objectives of FED, and he encouraged students to practice greatly and apply the theoretical knowledge they have learned in the teaching activities.

Following this, Prof. Hsiang introduced the team’s mission and upcoming working plans, emphasizing the importance of developing localized STEAM education. The team leader, Mr. Richard GOH, then outlined the duties of committee members and the specific procedures for service activities, handing over the team’s major tasks in 2025. At the end of the event, team members engaged in a lively discussion about specific task arrangements, bringing the annual meeting to a successful conclusion.

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From October 24 to 25, 2024, Prof. Bruce John MACFARLANE, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Human Development at the Education University of Hong Kong, visited the Faculty of Education (FED) at the University of Macau (UM) for academic exchanges and to deliver a seminar, deepening the ties between the two institutions.

Prof. Lianghuo FAN, Dean of FED, along with Prof. Mingming ZHOU, Associate Dean (Research) of FED, Prof. Pey-Tee OON, Director of the Educational Research Centre of FED and Prof. Biying HU warmly received Prof. Macfarlane and held an exchange meeting in the meeting room of FED. The discussions focused on teaching and research, institutional structure, and future research collaboration. Both sides agreed on the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in teaching and research, emphasizing the need to continuously improve teaching standards and research innovation capabilities.

The following day, Dean Fan, Prof. Macfarlane, and Prof. King Man HUI, Vice Rector (Academic Affairs) of UM, met to explore the possibility of further collaboration. Lastly, Prof. Macfarlane delivered a seminar on “Re-examining the Use of the Term ‘International Academic’: Challenging Post-colonial Assumptions” in Lecture Hall, Cultural Building, UM. He proposed an expanded definition of “international scholar” that emphasizes global influence and diverse perspectives. The seminar covered topics such as colonization and decolonization, as well as cross-cultural frameworks, provoking deep reflections among the participating staff and students.

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Jointly organized by the University of Macau (UM) and the Chinese Society of Education (CSE), the “Macao Training Programme for Primary and Secondary School Principals and Teachers” was successfully held from 17 to 21 October 2024. A total of 38 primary and secondary school principals and teachers from Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao converged in Macao and participated in the five-day intensive training programme. The objective of this programme was to help school principals and teachers gain a deeper understanding of the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Furthermore, it fosters cooperation and communication among educators from Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao.

During the programme, the participants attended a series of lectures presented by UM professors, covering various topics related to AI and K-12 education. They also visited several local schools in Macao, including the Affiliated School of the University of Macau, Hou Kong Middle School, Pui Ching Middle School, and Pui Va Middle School, to delve into practical experiences and achievement in these schools in AI and education. Additionally, they toured the State Key Laboratory of Internet of Things for Smart City at UM and the Macao Science Center, gaining exposure to and understanding of cutting-edge technologies and their applications in K-12 education. Furthermore, participants visited the Education and Youth Affairs Department of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region to gain further insights into the current development and characteristics of education in Macao.

At the graduation ceremony on Oct 21, each group representative summarized and reported on the learning outcomes and insights gained from the programme, acknowledging that the belief of “Technology leads the future, and education embraces changes,” was further strengthened and they were prompted to ponder over new directions for school development and new needs for teacher professional development. It also provided a valuable platform for thought exchange, inspiring them to promote teaching reforms in their schools. The participants also specially praised the innovation and enthusiasm demonstrated by Macao schools in STEM education, expressing their hope to apply these experiences to the development of their own schools. Prof. Lianghuo FAN, Dean of Faculty of Education issued graduation certificates to all participants, encouraging them to apply what they had learned to future educational practices and hoping to maintain exchanges with various schools for future cooperation in academic research and teaching practices.

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On 8 October 2024, Prof. John PRICE, Dean of Graduate School, Victoria University accompanied by Senior Researcher Fellow Dr. Jujiao KUANG and Prof. Nir EYNON from Monash University, visited the Faculty of Education (FED) at the University of Macau (UM). They were warmly received by Prof. Lianghuo FAN, Dean of FED, Prof. Zhaowei KONG, Associate Dean (Teaching) of FED, Prof. Mingming ZHOU, Associate Dean (Research) of FED, Prof. Barry Lee REYNOLDS, Programme Director of Master’s Programme and Prof. Si Man LEI.

The exchange meeting was held in the meeting room E33-1002 of FED. Dean Fan expressed that FED actively aligns with the research strategies advocated by UM and has been continuously enhancing collaborative research efforts at regional, national, and global levels. He hoped that this visit would deepen mutual understanding and lay a solid foundation for future reciprocal exchanges. Prof. Zhou provided an overview of FED, including its development history, faculty members, curriculum design, and research achievements.

In addition, Prof. Price elaborated on Victoria University’s educational vision, curriculum structure, and research achievements. Prof. Eynon shared the major research initiatives of Monash University. Dr. Kuong focused on introducing the Australia-China Cooperative Training Programme in the field of Physical Education and Sports.

Following the meeting, the delegation toured FED’s classrooms, scientific laboratory, and research centers, gaining a deep understanding of the beautiful environment and academic atmosphere of FED. This visit provided a valuable exchange opportunity and helped promote further cooperation between the two sides in talent cultivation and research projects.

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On 24 September 2024, a delegation of school principals from Shanghai, led by Prof. Youxia LIU, Deputy Secretary of the General Party Branch and Dean of the Educational Institute of Putuo District, Shanghai, visited the Faculty of Education (FED) at the University of Macau (UM). They were warmly welcomed by Prof. Lianghuo FAN, Dean of FED,  Prof. Zhaowei KONG, Associate Dean (Teaching) of FED, Prof. Mingming ZHOU, Associate Dean (Research) of FED, and Prof. Yisu ZHOU, Programme Director of the Doctor of Education of FED. Both parties engaged in-depth in discussions including curriculum design and talent cultivation.

Prof. Fan expressed that FED was committed to promoting comprehensive student development and continuously cultivating outstanding 21st-century educators, contributing to both local education in Macau and the broader national development agenda. He hoped this visit would serve as a solid foundation for deepening cooperation between the two parties and further strengthening academic exchanges and collaboration. Prof. Mingming ZHOU introduced the basic situation of FED, including its development history, faculty composition, curriculum system, and research endeavors.

Prof. Liu expressed gratitude for the warm reception from FED and shared the current work priorities of the delegation members in aligning with and implementing national education policies. Following the exchange meeting, the delegation toured the FED building and highly praised the development achievements of the faculty.

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