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Dr Bruce Morrison

Dr Bruce Morrison

Adjunct Associate Professor

Research Overview

My research over the years has focused mainly on five areas within the field of second language learning and teaching: independent language learning, English medium instruction, technology-enhanced learning and teaching, the challenges facing non-native English speakers in higher education, and academic writing.

Education and Academic Qualifications

  • BA English and American Literature and History, University of East Anglia
  • MA Applied Linguistics, University of Reading
  • PhD Applied Linguistics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • Dip. TEFL, Royal Society of Arts
  • Cert. TEFL, Royal Society of Arts

Academic and Professional Experience

  • Jun 2003 – Jan 2020: Director, English Language Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • Aug 1994 – Jun 2003: Senior Lecturer (previously Lecturer, Instructor), English Language Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
  • 1988 – 1994: Director/Assistant Director of Studies, British Council, Beijing, Rome, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur
  • 1986 – 1988: Lecturer, Tsing Hua University, Beijing

Teaching Areas

  • Second language learning and teaching
  • Curriculum
  • Independent learning
  • Academic writing

Research Interests

  • English medium instruction
  • Challenges facing non-native English speakers in higher education
  • Independent language learning
  • Academic writing
  • Technology-enhanced learning and teaching

Research Output

  1. Lin, L. & Morrison, B. (2021). Challenges in academic writing: Perspectives of faculty and L2 postgraduate research students in engineering. Journal of English for Specific Purposes, 63, 59-70. https://dli.org.10.1016/j.esp.2021.03.004.
  2. Morrison, B. & Evans, S. (2018). Supporting non-native speaker student writers making the transition from school to an English-medium university. Language Learning in Higher Education, 8, 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/cercles-2018-0001.
  3. Morrison, B. & Evans, S. (2018). University students’ conceptions of the good teacher: A Hong Kong perspective. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 42:3, 352-365, DOI: 10.1080/0309877X.2016.1261096.
  4. Evans, S. & Morrison, B. (2016). English-medium instruction in Hong Kong: illuminating a grey area in school policies and classroom practices. Current Issues in Language Planning, 18, 3, 1-20, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14664208.2016.1270106.
  5. Evans, S. & Morrison, B. (2016). Adjusting to higher education in Hong Kong: the influence of school medium of instruction. International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13670050.2016.1228600.
  6. Morrison, B. (2014). Challenges faced by non-native undergraduate student writers in an English-medium university. The Asian ESP Journal, July 2014, 136-174.
  7. Lai, C. & Morrison B. (2013). Towards an Agenda for Learner Preparation in Technology-enhanced Language Learning Environments. CALICO Journal, 30, 2, 154-162.
  8. Evans, S. & Morrison, B.  (2012). Learning and using English at university: Lessons from a longitudinal study in Hong Kong. The Journal of Asia TEFL, 9, 2, 21-47.
  9. Morrison, B. (2011). A Framework for the Evaluation of a Self-Access Language Learning Centre. Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal, 2, 4, 241-256. 
  10.  Evans, S. & Morrison, B.  (2011). Meeting the challenges of English-medium higher education: The first-year experience in Hong Kong.  Journal of English for Specific Purposes, 30, 3, 198-208.
  11. Evans, S. and Morrison, B. (2011). The student experience of English-medium higher education in Hong Kong. Language and Education, 25, 2, 147-162
  12. Evans, S. & Morrison B. (2010). The first term at university: implications for EAP. English Language Teaching Journal, 65, 4, 376-386.
  13. Lin, L. H. F. & Morrison, B. (2010). The impact of the medium of instruction in Hong Kong secondary schools on tertiary students’ vocabulary.Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 9, 255-266.
  14. Morrison, B. (2009). From the thrill of drilling to the dangers of scaffolding.  IATEFL Independence Newsletter Spring 2009, 25-27.
  15. Morrison, B. (2008). The role of the self-access centre in the tertiary language learning process. System, 36, 2.
  16. Morrison, B. (2007). Grounded Theory Research: increasing accountability through the use of the “worked example”.  International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, 2, 3, 413-424.
  17. Morrison, B. (2005). Evaluating learning gain in a self-access language learning centre. Language Teaching Research, 9, 3, 267-293.
  18. Morrison, B. & Lee, W.  (1998). A Role for newspaper articles in developing autonomous language learning skills. RELC Journal, 29, 2, 90-121.  
  19. Morrison, B. (1995). Working in groups in Beijing & Hong Kong: experience of a group-access approach to language learning.  Working Papers in ELT & Applied Linguistics 1, 1, 105-118. Hong Kong Polytechnic University: Hong Kong.
  20. Morrison, B. (1993). Setting up a self-learning unit in China.  English Studies, 1993, 27-32. British Council: London.
  21. Morrison, B. (1989). A teacher training course in China.  The Teacher Trainer, 3, 2, 26-29.
  22. Morrison, B. (1989). Using news broadcasts for listening comprehension.  ELT Journal, 14-19.
  23. Morrison, B. (1988). Teacher training & the role of teaching practice.  Hong Kong University Working Papers in Linguistics & Language Teaching, 11, 16-25. Hong Kong University: Hong Kong.
  24. Morrison, B. (1988). Using Auntie: BBC World Service broadcasts as a source of authentic material for listening practice.  Modern English Teacher, 15, 2, 36-39.
  25. Morrison, B. (1987). Listening skills & their place in EFL pedagogy.  College English Teaching & Research, 63-68. Qing Hua University: Beijing, China.
  1. Shepard, C. & Morrison, B. (2021). English medium instruction at university in Hong Kong: A historical perspective. In Lasagabaster, D. & Doiz, A. (Eds.) Global Perspectives on Language Aspects and Teacher Development in English-Medium Instruction. Routledge.
  2. Morrison, B. (2014). The case studies: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In Gardner, D. & Miller, L. Managing Self-Access Language Learning(pp. 91-100). Hong Kong: City University of Hong Kong.
  3. Morrison, B. (2011). From the thrill of drilling to the dangers of scaffolding. In Everhard, C.J., Mynard, J. & Smith, R. (Eds.) Autonomy in language learning: Opening a can of worms (pp. 145-7). Canterbury: IATEFL.
  4. Morrison, B. (2006). Mapping a self-access language learning centre. In Lamb, T.& Reinders, H. (Eds.) Supporting Independent Learning: Issues and Interventions. Frankfurt: Peter Lang.
  5. Morrison, B. (2002). The troubling process of mapping and evaluating a self-access language learning centre. In Benson, P. & Toogood, S. (Eds.) Learner Autonomy 7: Challenges to Research and Practice (pp.71-85). Dublin: Authentik.
  6. Morrison, B. (1999). Evaluating a self-access language learning centre: why, what and by whom?In Bruce Morrison (Ed.).Experiments & Evaluation in Self-Access (pp.123-135). Hong Kong: HASALD.
  7. Morrison, B.& Cheung, R., (1998). The development of a system for the management of computer-based educational resources in a self-access language learning environment.In Chow, V.W.S. (Ed.) Multimedia Information Systems in Practice (pp. 233-244). Singapore: Springer-Verlag.
  8. Morrison, B. (1997). How do you use it?InBoswood, T. (Ed.), New ways of using computers in Language Teaching (pp. 7-11). Alexandria, VA: TESOL.
  9. Morrison, B.(1997). Bringing it all together: the development of an integrated computer language learning network.InChow, V.W. S. (Ed.), Multimedia Technology & Applications (pp. 200-210). Singapore: Springer Verlag.
  10. Morrison, B., Fitzgerald, S., and Morrall, A.(1996). Catering for Individual Learning Styles: Experiences of Orienting Students in an Asian Self-access Centre. In Autonomy 2000: the Development of Learning Independence in Language Learning (pp. 55-69). Bangkok, Thailand.
  11. Morrison, B. (1996). Using radio news. In Gardner, G. & Miller, L. (Eds.) Tasks for Independent Language Learning (pp. 85-87). Alexandria, VA: TESOL.
  1. Morrison, B. (2005). A Framework for the evaluation of a self-access language learning centre. In Reinders, H., Anderson, H., Hobbs, M., and Jones- Parry, J. (Eds.) Supporting Independent English Language Learning in the 21st Century: Proceedings of the Independent Learning Association Conference – 2005(pp. 1-17). Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
  2. Morrison, B.& Heuring, C. (1998). Getting them in and keeping them in!In Dimmitt, N.J. & Stroupe, R.R. (eds.)The 18th Annual Thai TESOL International Conference (Selected Proceedings) (pp. 21-24). Hat Yai, Thailand.
  1. Morrison, Bruce, Julia Chen, Linda Lin, & Alan Urmston (Eds.). (2021). English Across the Curriculum: Voices from Around the World. The WAC Clearinghouse; University Press of Colorado. https://doi.org/10.37514/INT-B.2021.1220.
  2. Morrison, B. (Ed.) (2011). Independent Learning: Building on experience, seeking new perspectives. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.
  3. Morrison, B., Green, C. & Motteram, G. (Eds.) (2003). Directions in CALL: Experience, Experiments & Evaluation. Hong Kong: English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
  4. Morrison, B., Gardner, D., Keobke, K. & Spratt, M. (Eds.) (2001). ELT Perspectives on IT & Multimedia. Hong Kong: English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
  5. Morrison, B., Cruikshank, D., Gardner, D., James, J. &Keobke, K.(Eds.)(1999). IT and Multimedia in English Language Teaching. Hong Kong: English Language Centre, Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
  6. Morrison, B. (Ed.) (1999).Experiments & Evaluation in Self-Access Language Learning. Hong Kong: HASALD.

Others

  • Supporting and developing English literacy practices in the disciplines - Hong Kong University Grants Commission Collaborative funding HK$3.28million. (Team member)
  • Online Support for academic writing for the engineering curriculum - Hong Kong University Grants Commission Collaborative funding HK$6.37million. (Team member)
  • Online Project for the Improvement of University Speaking (OPTIMUS) - Hong Kong University Grants Commission Collaborative funding HK$2.37million. (Team member)
  • Meeting the challenges of English-medium higher education: The undergraduate experience of the new Hong Kong curriculumHong Kong General Research Funding HK$675,000. (Co-investigator)
  • The Further Development and Implementation of the DELTA: A Web-based English Language Diagnostic Assessment and Tracking System for University Students in Hong Kong ­ - Hong Kong University Grants Commission funding (HK$3.4m). (Team member)
  • Developing measures and support for English language related Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme outcomes, and evaluating achievement of these outcomes by individual students and the BBA Programme as a whole – PolyU funding HK$280,000. (Joint project leader)
  • Web-based English language learning and exit portfolio system - Elearning Development & Support project, PolyU funding (HK$319,000). (Project leader)
  • Design, development, trialling, and implementation of an inter-institutional learning/exit e-portfolio - Hong Kong University Grants Commission funded, inter-institutional initiative (HHK$10m allocated to project, HK$1.1m to ELC, PolyU). (Project Management Group member)
  • Meeting the challenges of studying at an English-medium university in Hong Kong – PolyU funding HK$230,000. (Project leader)
  • An investigation into the academic vocabulary knowledge of PolyU students­ - - PolyU Teaching Development Grant (HK$110,100). (Project leader)
  • Video showcasing of good ELC learning & teaching practices – PolyU funding (HK$70,000). (Project leader)
  • Integrating the administrative systems of the CILL, SEP, GILLS & WAP on-line – PolyU funding (HK$25,000). (Project leader)
  • A study of the implementation of the World Wide Web as a research facility in the English Department  -  PolyU Departmental Research Grant (HK$50,000). (Project leader)
  • An examination of the use of a range of multimedia computer applications within a self-access language learning environment - PolyU Departmental Research Grant (HK$12,500). (Project leader)
  • An on-line writing assistance service: developing independent and critical revision ability in student writers - Hong Kong University Grants Commission Learning & Teaching Development Grant (HK$90,000). (Team member)
  • A preliminary examination of the study styles and strategies of users of the Centre for Independent Language Learning as reflected in their learning journals - PolyU Departmental Research Grant (HKHK$11,000). (Project leader)
  • English language learning for study and professional purposes: using CD-ROM multimedia with World Wide Web support - Hong Kong University Grants Commission Learning & Teaching Development Grant (approx.HK$150,000). (Team member)
  • English Language Learning and teaching on the Internet: establishing a Hong Kong-wide “Virtual” Language Centre in a World Wide web environment - Hong Kong University Grants Commission Language and Teaching Development Grant (HK$3m). (Team member)
  • Integrating multimedia into language learning in the English Department - PolyU Departmental Learning & Teaching Development Grant  (HK$34,600). (Project leader)
  • Development of a website to assist all third-year students with the writing of their Final Year Project. – PolyU funding (HK91,000). (Team member)
  • EAP instruction in Hong Kong universities: Bridging the gap between school and tertiary English Medium Instruction at International EAP Conference, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, China, 29-30 March, 2019.
  • English language learning beyond the formal curriculum at School of Foreign Languages and Culture, Chongqing University, China, 26 April, 2018.
  • A look under the bonnet: How the English Language Centre at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) supports a PolyU student’s academic study and future career at Symposium on Strategies and Resources for Supporting and Encouraging Students to Self-study English on and off Campus, Graduate School of International Cultural Studies. Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan, 3 March, 2018.
  • University students’ conceptions of the “good” teacher: What do Hong Kong tertiary students think? at Shantou University, Shantou, China, 19 May, 2017.
  • Susan Sheerin’s self-access state of the art paper at Hong Kong Association for Self-Access Learning and Development Seminar, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 18 February, 2016.
  • Closing panel discussant at English Language Centre Symposium 2013, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 3 June 2013.
  • Learning and using English in the Hong Kong tertiary context: Some issues and implications at Language Centre, Hong Kong Baptist University, 11 March, 2013.
  • Panel discussant as English Language Leadership Symposium, University of Macau, Macau, 15-16 June, 2012.
  • Closing panel discussant at English Language Centre Symposium 2012, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong, 1 June 2012.
  • What is a self-access centre in 2012? at Hong Kong Association for Self-Access Learning and Development Seminar, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 9 March, 2012.
  • Closing panel discussant at English Language Centre Symposium 2011, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 3 June 2011.
  • Language education with regard to the impact of the 3-3-4 academic structure on self-financed sub-degree programme Units at Joint Quality Review Committee seminar, City University Telford Campus, Hong Kong, 21 January, 2011. 
  • Plugged in? A case study of how IT is really used in a tertiary language centre in Hong Kong at 12th KAMALL-APAMALL Joint International Conference 2009, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea, October 24, 2009.

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