Mr. Pedro Lok
Tung Wah College
Session
3:50 pm
Using Learning Analytics to Enhance English Language Learning for Mainland Chinese Tertiary Students in Hong KongÂ
This presentation aims to explore the implementation of learning analytics to enhance online English language learning for Mainland Chinese tertiary students in two self-financing institutions in Hong Kong. With the rapid growth of Mainland Chinese students pursuing tertiary education in Hong Kong, it is essential to address the diverse English language abilities and needs of these students. In addition, there is an increasing trend for adopting technology in English language education. However, limited research has been conducted on Mainland Chinese students studying English for academic purposes in an online environment in Hong Kong, and existing research relies mainly on self-reported questionnaires, interviews, and classroom observations for data collection. The speakers will highlight the possible framework and potential challenges of implementing learning analytics in EAP learning in online contexts. It is believed that implementing learning analytics can facilitate a more personalised and effective English language learning experience for Mainland Chinese tertiary students in Hong Kong.Â
About the speaker
Pedro Lok is currently an English lecturer at the School of Arts and Humanities at Tung Wah College. Upon the completion of his master's degree in Applied English Linguistics, he has been teaching and coordinating English language courses in tertiary institutions. His teaching specialties are English for Specific Purposes (ESP) including English for Academic Purposes (EAP), language enhancement and IELTS preparation. Pedro was a member of the e-Teaching Literacy project funded by the Quality Enhancement Support Scheme (QESS). His duties were to adopt classroom interventions with customised language learning strategies, such as the introduction of digital whiteboards and game-based learning platforms, to enhance motivation in learning and interaction in and beyond classrooms. With particular interest in online multilingual practices, Pedro is undertaking the doctoral degree in sociolinguistics at the School of English. Together with his research colleagues, he published a book on the use of English in Hong Kong and delivered paper presentations in local and overseas academic conferences. Last year, he worked with Professor Li Wei and his research team on an article titled Kongish Daily: Researching Translanguaging creativity and subversiveness. The article was accepted and published in early 2020.