Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) commits to nurture future-sharping students via transdisciplinary education. The transformation journey started from 2021, and now we offer five transdisciplinary (TD) undergraduate degree programmes. To further scale up TD education at HKBU, seven TD second majors will be launched in AY2026-27. In this talk, I will present the HKBU's model of Transdisciplinary Education and explain how we develop and implement that via the collaborative effort of a transdisciplinary team of teaching innovators. Challenges faced and the lessons learned during the exciting process of "building a flying plane" will also be shared.

Topic 1: Growing into an Innovative Teacher: A DIGA‑Based Journey of Teaching and Learning

By Dr. BAI Shurui Tiffany

This session introduces the DIGA model—Diversity, Innovation, Gamification, and Authenticity—grounded in Self‑Determination Theory to address varied student motivation and scaffolding challenges. Drawing on AI‑supported and gamified practices, it shares evidence‑based strategies and presentation tips for articulating teaching philosophy and impact in successful teaching award applications.

Topic 2: S.P.A.R.K. in Action: From Philosophy to Impact in Learner‑Centred Practice

By Dr. CHONG Yee Ling

This session offers a personal sharing of my experience applying for the President's Award for Outstanding Performance in Teaching. I will reflect on how I articulated my teaching philosophy through the S.P.A.R.K. framework and how I worked to align it with my pedagogical approaches, classroom practices, and assessments. Rather than presenting a model, I hope to share examples of connecting philosophy with evidence of student learning. Drawing on student feedback, project implementations, and authentic learning outcomes, the session will illustrate how these elements gradually came together to form a coherent narrative for the application.

Topic 3: Synergy between Research and Teaching

By Dr. ZHAN Ying

This presentation explores how integrating research and teaching can enhance your application for a teaching award. The speaker will introduce her teaching philosophy, ENABLE, by synthesizing and conceptualizing her teaching experiences. She will share experiences in establishing partnerships with mentors, colleagues, and students, as well as implementing teaching innovations through teaching development projects. Additionally, she will showcase tangible evidence derived from scientific research that highlights the impact of her teaching practices. Attendees will learn practical strategies to demonstrate the synergy between research and teaching, strengthening their award submissions and showcasing their commitment to educational excellence and scholarly integration.