Project-based Mentoring Scheme

Project-Based Mentoring Scheme

l This is a mode of Problem-based Learning (PBL) which aims to enhance student learning and development through non credit-bearing student group projects in the Department of Biology and Chemistry.

l This scheme is financially supported by a Teaching Development Grant (1999-2002) of the University Grants Committee.

Background and Objectives

The project-based mentoring scheme aims to enhance students… learning interest through student-centered activities to facilitate their understanding of the significance of the role of biology, chemistry or environmental science in their lives, with special reference to the Hong Kong society. This scheme also aims to develop students… life skills which are beneficial to their future career. Year One students are the target group because they usually experience difficulties in their transition from the secondary school to a university learning environment.

The main trust of this scheme is through the undertaking of group projects by students based on their initiatives to develop, execute and present their projects. Results of these student-centered, project-based activities can be presented in the form of seminars or publications (such as informative leaflets, bookmarks, which can be distributed to schools or the public) exhibitions, competitions and workshops,. Through these projects, students can develop an observational and analytical mindset and learn how to learn. Their learning interest in biology, chemistry or environmental science would be enhanced and sustained. This project would also facilitate the students… development in interpersonal communication, team building and time management skills, which are essential life skills.

A mentoring system involving Year Two students as Student Mentors is implemented. Under the supervision of the Project Coordinators, the student mentors can provide encouragement and guidance to student mentees in their projects, with academic staff as technical advisers. Staff from different units within the university are also involved in the technical supervision, life skills training, learning strategy development, and electronic/printed materials production.

Student Projects undertaken in 1999, 2000 & 2001

The first project-based mentoring scheme was undertaken during the summer of 1999. In each of these years, 4-9 project groups formed by Year One students took part. Each group consisted of 4-7 mentored by a student mentor from Year 2. Each project group was supervised by 1-4 academic staff of BCH as the project supervisors.

Projects undertaken are listed below:

PBMS 1999

- Air Pollution and Related Health Problems

- Snack Science

- Wastewater Treatment of Metal-Related Industry

- The Ingredient and Medical Function of ¨Chinese 24-Ingredient Herbal Tea〃

- Arthropods-Behavior associated with their Nests

- Microorganisms in the Carpet Dust of CityU Library

PBMS 2000

- Chemical Analysis of Duzhong Bark and Leaves with respect to their Medicinal Values

- Chemical Analysis of Five Common Alcoholic Beverages in Hong Kong

- The Diversity of Mushroom at Tai Po Kau Nature Trail

- Foraging Behavior of Piranha with respect to Colour, Smell & Movement of the Prey

- Growing Narrow-leaved Green Amaranth at Different Densities Using Organic Farming Fertilizers

- Investigation of the Air Quality inside Selected Tunnels of Hong Kong

- Locomotion of the Mudskippers

- Marine Fish Culture in Hong Kong

- Quality of Drinking Water in City University of Hong Kong

PBMS 2001

- Response of Mimosa pudica to Touching and Humidity

- Antibacterial Property of Wasabi

- The Effect of Different Feeds on the Growth of Goldfish

- Quantitative Analysis of Bacteria in Drinks

Please refer to the following webpage for details of the project and share with the students their experience and thoughts on PBMS

http://www.cityu.edu.hk/webct

Photo Gallery

Final Presentation of the Pilot PBMS Projects (20 September 1999)

Open Day Exhibition of the Pilot PBMS Projects (30-31 October 1999)

PBMS 2002

This year we had opportunities to undertake projects in overseas countries. We organized fieldtrips to Malaysia, Xiamen and Norway. The students spent a week in these countries carrying out the projects and worked with students from the universities in the respective countries. Students were able to work in habitats which are not found in Hong Kong, such as the tropical rainforest in Malaysia, the Xiamen Habour in China and the Oslofjord in Norway.