This year’s Teaching Excellence Award (TEA) has been awarded to Dr Peter Jordan, Assistant Professor in the Department of English at City University of Hong Kong (CityU). The presentation ceremony was held on 21 March and the award was presented by Professor Way Kuo, CityU President. 

Known for his novel, interactive and innovative teaching methods, Dr Jordan makes drama a unique feature of his lectures and he encourages students to give feedback, seize the opportunity for personal expression and actively use their skills in public speaking and role play.

Trial and error were essential to learning, while creating a respectful environment in which students could feel comfortable when expressing themselves was equally important, he said.

 

His motto is: “Don't be afraid to fail. Don't waste time comparing your standard to others. Just enjoy the process of communication and, above all, take every chance to practice.”  

His passion for teaching was driven by his interaction with students, said Dr Jordan, who joined CityU in 2014. 

“I enjoy the challenge of trying to get through, inspiring all students and creating a productive, interactive space where everyone feels empowered and motivated to participate. Knowledge is a kind of power and a critical reflective mind is the best tool to exercise that power,” he said.

To stimulate creativity and provide more chances to learn dialogue and improvise, Dr Jordan has initiated several drama projects. He is currently working on an interdisciplinary documentary based on court cases at pivotal points in Hong Kong’s history in collaboration with the School of Creative Media. Shooting will take place at the Central Police Station complex and the film will be made available to the public as an intangible heritage artefact.

The principal aims of the TEA, which was introduced in 1993, are to acknowledge excellent teachers and promote best practice. Each TEA awardee receives a cash prize of HK$15,000 for staff development and related purposes and a grant of HK$150,000 for a teaching development project of their choice.