Dedicated to motivating students to learn to their best
Prof. Garry Wong, Professor of the University of Macau (UM) Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) is the recipient of the University of Macau Teaching Excellence Award 2021/2022. As a “learner-centered” teacher, Prof. Wong’s definition of “excellence” in teaching is to get students to learn to the best of their talent, motivate them to learn as far as possible to their potential, and create connections between their learning journey and their lives and careers. “I try to introduce many topics that the students may seek more in-depth details later, so their curiosity and learning can be continuous,” he says. Famous for the high classroom interaction, Prof. Wong always manages the classroom effectively and intriguingly by embracing the use of digital media, and even setting up performance incentive plan. “I have put a lot of efforts in arranging abundant in-class activities. The recording studio in my office for making various videos reflects these efforts.” he says. “I have also spent a lot of efforts to shrink the classroom because I teach large GE courses. I flip the classroom of around 200 students and interact with them one on one to discuss their exercise answers.”
Caring is not limited to the classroom
Prof. Garry WONG had nearly 20-year university teaching experience in Finland before he started his career in UM. He thought that his experience in Finland translated him to be a more patient and caring academic, which are the most important features of a good teacher. “What concerns me most is making sure each student can have the support and guidance needed to learn well,” he emphasizes. Prof. Wong always goes beyond the classroom and into the lab, residential college, or outreach and beyond to mentoring activities like outdoor hikes, restaurant visits, and wherever after class. Over the years, Prof. Wong has treasured numerous precious memories with students. Prof. Wong recalled that he guided his postgraduate students to the International Worm Meeting at University of California, Los Angeles. During the trip, he also took them to Caltech, home of 45 Nobel laureates, to visit the campus, labs, and famous scientists. “The most enjoyable part of teaching for me is building the relationship as teacher-student or mentor-mentee for the years they are here. To be able to see them grow into mature, knowledgeable, and confident researchers, scientists, and human beings is immensely gratifying.” he says.
Conscientious in teaching and nurturing
Prof. Wong reminded those students who want to be a teacher in their career that every job has its ups and downs but not every job can change a life. “I have had good and bad teachers. I remember the kind and encouraging words of some as well as the harsh words many years later. So really consider how important your role is as a teacher and your actions because it will affect a life of someone long after his or her university days.” Looking back at his years of teaching at UM, Prof. Wong is grateful for the support of the University, faculty members and his students. In him, we see not only a caring and dedicated scholar but also a teacher with an insatiable desire to share and nurture. As the saying goes, a good education can change anyone, and a good teacher can change anything. This is how a good teacher should be.
Every year, the recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award is selected among nominees who are faculty-level teaching award recipients, through a rigorous process by a selection committee. The selection criteria include: teaching philosophy, depth of knowledge in the subject area, outstanding communication skills and teaching effectiveness, outstanding contributions to the quality of curriculum development, the ability to promote student learning by stimulating and sustaining the intellectual development of students, innovative approach to teaching and learning, and leadership in promoting teaching excellence within and outside the University.
Heartiest congratulations to Prof. Garry WONG. We look forward to his continuous hard work and dedication in pursuing teaching excellence.
Prof. Garry WONG makes videos for in-class activities
Prof. Garry WONG introduces many topics that the students may seek more in-depth details later
Prof. Garry WONG leads his postgraduate students to the International Worm Meeting at University of California
Prof. Garry WONG has numerous precious memories with students.
Prof. Garry WONG goes beyond the classroom to mentoring activities