Dr Ling Ma, Reader in Software Engineering and Director of the Joint Teaching and Learning Centre (QMUL-BUPT), School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science
In my early career, I was involved in several significant scholarship projects. The project titled "In-laboratory teaching and blended learning approach" integrates lectures, labs, and assessments into a single session, providing students with more opportunities for practice and hands-on assistance during class. The project "Cross-course collaboration between Software and Hardware modules" introduces an innovative approach at the program level, enabling students to comprehend the relationship between software and hardware modules. The primary objective of this initiative is to offer students a coherent learning experience while fostering collaboration among lecturers.
Another project I led was "Effective assessment and feedback approach," which strives to deliver immediate, constructive, and continuous feedback to students in large group coursework assessments. This approach allows students to enhance their communication and presentation skills, with individual contributions being duly recognized. Furthermore, it promotes the development of their teamwork abilities.
In recent years, my focus has shifted towards leading the Joint Teaching and Learning Centre (JTLC). The JTLC serves as a platform for promoting excellence in teaching and learning, with a specific emphasis on Transnational Education (TNE). Through the organization of annual international conferences, internal workshops, establishment of working groups, and funding of pedagogical projects, the JTLC facilitates the sharing of best practices and contributes to the advancement of teaching and learning. It is expected that the JTLC will have a lasting impact on future approaches to teaching and learning, benefiting our global student community.
The two projects, namely "Cross-course collaboration between Software and Hardware modules" and "Effective assessment and feedback approach," played a pivotal role in my achievement of the Senior Lecturer position at Queen Mary. These projects garnered numerous awards and prizes, serving as significant accomplishments showcased in my HEA Senior Fellowship application. Furthermore, my role as the director of JTLC has significantly enhanced my leadership skills. It provided me with valuable opportunities to demonstrate my capabilities and expertise in the field and this contributed to my promotion to Reader.
The impact of my own projects extends beyond personal achievements, as they have inspired and influenced my colleagues to embrace scholarship and engage in their own projects. By sharing my experiences, showcasing the outcomes and mentoring colleagues, I have been able to promote a culture of scholarship within the academic community.
Actively engaging in scholarly activities not only benefits individuals in terms of personal and professional growth but also contributes to the overall education excellence and students' satisfaction.
It is important to recognise that scholarship is a collaborative endeavour. No significant scholarship can be accomplished alone. Therefore, I strongly encourage colleagues to engage in conversations, collaborate with colleagues, and actively participate in scholarly communities. Attending conferences and workshops provides valuable opportunities for networking, exchanging ideas, and staying updated with the latest trends. Additionally, I emphasise the importance of building a scholarship profile, showcasing one's scholarly achievements, and sharing insights with others. As senior staff members, it is also crucial to offer mentorship and guidance to junior colleagues.
We aim to create a thriving scholarly ecosystem that promotes continuous learning, innovation, and the dissemination of knowledge for the community as a whole.