President's Awards

IB Task Force for the MA in Teaching Chinese as an International Language programme

The Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as an International Language (MATCIL) programme has been offered since 2008. It has over 250 applicants a year; the average intake in the past five years has been 47 students. In order to improve and broaden the graduates’ career pathway, the Faculty decided to incorporate the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum into the programme so that graduates are better equipped to teach Chinese Language in IB international schools locally and globally. An IB Task Force consisting of the Team members was formed to prepare for the required accreditation for incorporating of IB elements into the programme.

The Task Force worked out the IB recognition timeline, prepared the budget with the Finance Office, arranged IB workshops for teachers and students, liaised with IB partner schools for potential collaboration, prepared the IB application report, communicated with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and the IB consultant, and arranged a recognition visit.

The Task Force adjusted the programme arrangements to fulfil the requirements set by the IBO. A huge effort was put into finding IB partner schools and finding placements in IB schools to fulfil the conditions for MATCIL students to obtain the IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning (DP).

As a result of the Team’s dedication, concerted efforts and good work, the MATCIL programme was recommended “unconditional recognition” by the IB Recognition Team, and was formally recognised by the IBO in 2017. It was the second Chinese language teaching master’s programme recognised in Asia, which helps promote the reputation of the MATCIL programme. With this formal recognition, the curriculum offered by the Faculty of Humanities has been expanded from local schools to international schools. The expansion has strengthened the University’s collaboration with international partners. In addition, the MATCIL programme planners intend to build an education hub in Asia, based on previous successful experience, to further develop and enhance the quality of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (TCSL) studies using international approaches. The MATCIL programme has also built closer collaboration with sister universities and promoted the good reputation of the University.

Motivated by its passion for excellence, the Team has improved the programme quality, maximized the benefits for its students, and completed a critical project in an effective and timely fashion.