Press Releases

(Hong Kong, 2 November 2020) The School of Continuing Education (SCE), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) is going to hold a two-day international conference with the theme "Wonder and Discovery: Celebrating Nature-based Early Childhood Education" on 4 and 5 December 2020. The online conference aims to set a stage for the development of nature-based education by bringing together experts from around the world and builds awareness amongst practitioners, parents and students of the changing trends in this area.

Prof. Ronald Chung, Dean of SCE said, “Early childhood is an important stage to build a strong base for life-long learning. In view of the expanding need for quality training services in early childhood education, SCE has made a firm commitment to the development of diverse teacher education programmes. The international conference is organised as a themed event to celebrate the School’s 45^th Anniversary. I believe it will benefit frontline practitioners and facilitate the professional development of nature-based education in Hong Kong.”

“Nature-based learning is rising in importance in many countries. In Hong Kong, the learning framework is on its way to be formed. Its movement has gained significant benefits from research in recent years to accelerate children's connection with nature, to awaken their curiosity and exploratory spirit, and to respect value and preserve the environment and nature,” said Dr. Amelia Lee, Associate Dean (Programme Development) cum Head of Early Childhood and Elementary Education of SCE, Chairperson of the international conference committee.

Speakers of the international conference include academics and experts from different countries and professional backgrounds, representatives from government departments and local schools. Keynote speeches and parallel sessions will be great opportunities for participants to share their experience and deepen the understanding of the subject, which helps to equip practitioners with essential skills and knowledge to conduct nature-based education.

Keynote speeches will be delivered by renowned speakers in the conference, including Prof. Claudia GIUDICI, President of Reggio Children, Italy; Ms. Jena JAUCHIUS, Landscape Architect, USA; Mr. Chuen Chi LAI, Assistant Director (Country and Marine Parks) of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, HK; Ms. Yuen Yi SO, Principal Assistant Secretary (Kindergarten Education_Policy Support) of Education Bureau, HK; and Dr. Claire WARDEN, Education Consultant, UK.

Early childhood education professionals and the general public are welcome to join the conference. Please refer to the official website (hkbusce.hk/sce45conference) for the programme details, profiles of the speakers, and online registration.

Poster of the event can be downloaded from scepr.hkbu.edu.hk/sce45conf.

Photo Caption:

Pic_1: The School of Continuing Education of Hong Kong Baptist University is going to hold a two-day international conference with the theme "Wonder and Discovery: Celebrating Nature-based Early Childhood Education" on 4 and 5 December 2020.

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