3MT Workshop 4: Designing and Leveraging an Effective Static 3MT Slide

Come to our workshop and learn how to design a winning 3MT slide!

3MT Workshop 3: Engaging Your Audience

Sign up today and don't miss out on your chance!

Co‑Presenting, Co‑Researching, Co‑Creating: Exploring AI Pedagogy with Students

An ELC professional development session brought teachers and students together as genuine partners in exploring the role of AI in academic presentation teaching. Grounded in Participatory Action Research (PAR), the session showcased how collaboration with students as co‑researchers can generate richer insights into how AI tools are actually used, understood and experienced in the classroom. Presenters shared practical, classroom‑tested strategies for integrating tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot and AI‑supported speaking platforms across different stages of presentation learning: from planning and visual design to delivery and feedback. Importantly, the session went beyond tools, prompting critical reflection on learner agency, ethical use, workflow design and the balance between human judgement and AI support. By foregrounding student voices and real teaching contexts, this PD session highlighted how AI‑enhanced pedagogy can be both innovative and responsible, supporting communication skills while reinforcing the central role of teachers in guiding, scaffolding and humanising learning.

Farm to Table Pizza Experience!

🌱🍕 Farm to Table Pizza Experience! On 8 May English Instructor Kristel O'Sullivan, with the generous support of ELC, organised a hands-on field trip to an organic farm in rural Hong Kong owned by a local Australian-trained farmer. 25 ELC students representing 6 countries spent 5 immersive hours learning firsthand about farm life, harvesting fresh seasonal vegetables, and creating and baking their very own pizzas from scratch. Surrounded by clean air and natural beauty, students collaborated, acquired new skills and truly connected with each other. From the farm and straight to the table - every pizza slice was earned! 🧑‍🌾

3MT Workshop 2: Articulating the Value of Your Research

Come and unlock the power to excel in the 3MT competition, and let your research shine in the spotlight! Register

3MT Workshop 1: Analysing Features of Successful 3MT Presentations

Join us and transform your research into a thrilling three-minute pitch!

PolyU 3MT Briefing

Sign up today and don't miss out on your chance!

International Recognition of Excellence: ELC Accredited by BALEAP

The core English Language Centre (ELC) subject English for University Studies (ELC1012 and ELC1013) has been officially accredited by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP). BALEAP accreditation is a specialist quality assurance and enhancement scheme for providers of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) worldwide. The scheme aims to sustain high standards in specialist EAP provision across diverse educational contexts and to promote best practice within academic communities. The PolyU is the first university in Hong Kong and the third in China to receive BALEAP accreditation, marking a significant milestone in the regional development of EAP provision. The BALEAP accreditation report identified several areas of exemplary practice, including: Exceptionally strong internal constructive alignment within ELC1012/1013, with learning outcomes coherently aligned to teaching materials and assessments, and a well‑developed framework of formative assessment designed to support summative evaluation. A highly qualified teaching team demonstrating a strong understanding of the core academic literacy competencies required of PolyU students.  Clear institutional support for staff engagement in scholarship and continuing professional development, underpinned by established appraisal and mentoring systems. Teaching and learning facilities, notably the Centre for Independent Language Learning (CILL), which meet the highest sector standards.

Rubicon Podcast Season II: Episode Updates

The Rubies have uploaded two new additions to their Season II lineup: Episode: Dating at PolyU – Local Campus Chemistry Rubicon Presents: PolyU Hall Dance Team, YuBellin, performing at the Rubicon’s Season II Crossing Event You are just a click away from enjoying the students’ moves on the stage and in the studio. Thank you for supporting and sharing PolyU’s undergraduate podcast, hosted by the ELC and created by students for the local community. See you on the other side! Team Rubicon

Beyond Admission Scores: understanding academic English readiness in Hong Kong universities

Join us for an ELC / AHKLC sharing session where we hear from representatives from Password, a provider of customised test solutions for educational institutions. Speakers: - Caroline Browne: CEO and Founder, Password (Online) - Molly Tuttle: Head of Academic Operations and Compliance, Password (In person) - Shelley Vink: Head of University Partnerships - James Buchanan: Head of Partnerships, APAC Password (In person) - Dr Sathena Chan: CRELLA representative (Online) - Rebecca Farmer: HKUST (Online) Date: Friday, 27th of March, 17:30-19:00 Location: Room AG311, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) / Online (via Zoom) Registration University language centres play a vital role in supporting students’ academic English development, yet often have limited insight into the language abilities of incoming student cohorts. This workshop will explore how diagnostic language assessment can provide clearer information about students’ academic language readiness and support programme-level decision making. Participants will learn how entry and exit testing can inform curriculum design, support streaming in foundation courses, identify students who may benefit from additional support, and provide evidence of language development over the course of a degree programme. The session will also discuss practical implementation considerations for Hong Kong universities and the potential role of language assessment data in supporting institutional research and student success. The workshop will feature contributions from the CEO of Password, academic experts involved in test development, and university partnership leaders.