SDG 4.3.2 Public events (lifelong learning)
National Changhua University of Education (NCUE), the only national university in Changhua County, not only provides educational resources for its faculty and students but also frequently hosts public lectures and community education events. These events include both regular and occasional activities, covering various age groups from children to adults and seniors. This approach allows community members and the public to participate based on their own continuing education and learning needs. We will provide detailed descriptions, along with relevant links, photos, and participant data as supporting evidence.
1. Regular Scheduled Events:
NCUE regularly organizes language learning courses, the University for Seniors Program, free online courses, the Science FUN Day, scientific research and talent development for high school students, the Educational Internship Information Platform with teacher training sessions, and induction training courses for new teachers, among other events. These offerings meet the continuing education needs of the community and the public.
(1) Language Courses:
NCUE offers ongoing community promotion and education events, providing a range of language learning courses in the afternoons, evenings, or on weekends. Languages include English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian, allowing community residents to develop second-language skills based on their learning interests.
In 2023, a total of 31 courses were offered, totaling 867 hours. A total of 347 participants completed the courses and acquired second language skills. https://lcs.ncue.edu.tw/
Please refer to Attachment 4.3.2A—Community Educational Events (Programmed Basis-1) for the course list.
(2) Chinese Language Seasonal Programs:
NCUE is an institution authorized by the Ministry of Education to recruit international students for Chinese language studies. NCUE offers Chinese language courses annually, providing learning opportunities for local foreign residents and international students worldwide. These courses are available in both in-person and online formats.
In 2023, the Chinese Language Seasonal Programs included Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter terms, along with online Chinese group classes and individual classes. A total of 182 participants completed the programs. For detailed course information, please visit our official website:
https://lcch.ncue.edu.tw/curriculum_season?lang=zh-TW
https://lcch.ncue.edu.tw/menu_curriculum?lang=zh-TW
(3) University for Seniors Program:
To provide continued learning opportunities for senior community members, NCUE has been operating the University for Seniors Program since 1995. This program encourages individuals aged 55 and above, registered in our county, to return to campus for learning and to engage in social interaction with others.
Currently, the University for Seniors Program offers two terms annually—one in the first half and another in the second half of the year. Each term spans 16 weeks, with classes held on weekdays. The curriculum is diverse, including courses in Japanese, English, calligraphy, Chinese painting, art, and computer skills. In response to rapid advancements in information technology, smartphone application classes were introduced in 2020. These courses enable senior learners to master smartphone functions such as photography, video creation, social media usage, online searches for lifestyle information, and Google Maps navigation.
To address the prevalence of scams and false information, the curriculum also incorporates anti-fraud education, equipping seniors with awareness of the latest fraudulent tactics for preventive.
In the post-COVID-19 era, NCUE has intensified our focus on hygiene and sanitation measures. Classrooms undergo thorough disinfection after each session to ensure a safe learning environment for our senior students.
In 2023, two terms were conducted, each lasting 16 weeks, offering a total of 27 classes with 798 participant completions (see Figures 1 to 6).
https://cee.ncue.edu.tw/course_detail.php?sn=852
https://cee.ncue.edu.tw/course_detail.php?sn=981
Please refer to Attachment 4.3.2B—Community Educational Events (Programmed Basis-2) for the course list.
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Figure 1. University for Seniors Program—Advanced Japanese Class |
Figure 2. University for Seniors Program—Basic Smartphone Applications Class |
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Figure 3. University for Seniors Program—Calligraphy and Ink Art Class |
Figure 4. University for Seniors Program—Basic Multimedia English Applications Class |
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Figure 5. University for Seniors Program—Calligraphy Class |
Figure 6. University for Seniors Program—Beginner Art Class |
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(4) Children's Minecraft Programming Learning Camp:
Minecraft is a sandbox game that incorporates coding and commands, enabling children to develop logical abilities and spatial awareness through gameplay. It encourages students to explore and solve problems using various elements. Since 2021, NCUE has organized Minecraft Programming Learning Camps for children during winter and summer vacations. To date, 77 children have participated in these camps (see Figures 7 to 10).
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Figure7. Children's Minecraft Programming Learning Camp—Students attentively listening to introduction |
Figure8. Children's Minecraft Programming Learning Camp—Individual guidance from teacher |
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Figure9. Children's Minecraft Programming Learning Camp—Hands-on practice |
Figure10. Children's Minecraft Programming Learning Camp—Graduation ceremony |
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(5) Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs):
NCUE has developed a range of high-quality online MOOCs courses, which are open to the public. Currently, we offer 11 courses each semester as part of our extension program. Upon payment, participants have unlimited access to course materials for 21 days (Table 1). These courses are open to primary and secondary school teachers and the public. Upon completion, participants receive a training certificate from NCUE. Qualified teachers can also obtain national teacher professional training hours. In 2023, a total of 1,089 students completed courses and received training certificates.
Table 1. List of MOOCs at NUCE
Number |
Course Name |
1 |
Introduction to Play Therapy |
2 |
Professional Ethics in Helping Professions |
3 |
Core Skills for Professional Counselors: Counseling Theories |
4 |
Learning Assessment and Guidance |
5 |
Counseling Skills |
6 |
Introduction to Expressive Therapy |
7 |
Educational Psychology |
8 |
Group Counseling Design and Practice |
9 |
Innovative Teaching Strategies and Design: Concepts and Implementation |
10 |
Taiwanese Hokkien Language Certification B2 Enhancement Class |
11 |
Parent-Child Play Therapy |
(6) Environmental Education Training Program:
In recent years, global climate change has caused significant impacts on the Earth. NCUE obtained Taiwan Environmental Education Institution Certification in December 2016, with a specialization in nature conservation and climate change. To fulfill NCUE's social responsibility, NCUE hosts annual environmental education training workshops for interested individuals, in-service teachers, and environmental educators pursuing continuing education.
The curriculum includes topics such as the past, present, and future trends of global climate change, the impacts and adaptation strategies to climate change, sustainable development strategies, environmental ethics, methods for promoting environmental education, environmental education program design, planning and implementation, and field visits.
In 2023, NCUE trained 108 environmental educators, equipping them with essential professional knowledge and skills (see Figures 11 to 14).
Course and Activity Photos: https://www.facebook.com/NCUEEEC/photos_albums
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Figure 11. Environmental Education Training Program |
Figure 12. Environmental Education Training Program—Group Design of Environmental Education Plans |
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Figure 13. Environmental Education Training Program—Field Visit |
Figure 14. Environmental Education Training Program—Visit to the Taiwan Biodiversity Research Institute |
(7) Science FUN Day:
To enhance the scientific literacy among citizens, foster a scientific mindset in daily life, and provide students from remote areas of Changhua County with the opportunities to learn high-quality scientific knowledge, NCUE organizes the annual Science FUN Day as a free event. On the Science FUN Day, a variety of engaging and fun science-themed activities are offered, allowing participants to conduct hands-on scientific experiments and experience the wonders of science. The Science FUN Day aims to encourage the public to integrate logical thinking and scientific mindset into their daily lives.
In 2023, 21 science-themed activities were featured, divided into the Science Magic Zone, the Science Adventure Zone, and the Science Exploration Zone. Through these life-oriented, interactive activities and in-depth yet understandable explanations, junior and senior high school students had the opportunity to conduct hands-on experiments and explore various fields of science. The Science Fun Day attracted over 10 partner schools, including junior and senior high schools, with more than 550 participants (see Figures 15 to 17).
News report: https://science.ncue.edu.tw/promote_detail/10/
NCUE campus news article: https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-24401,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw
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Figure 15. Hands-on experiment on the 2023 Science FUN Day |
Figure 16. Hands-on experiment on the 2023 Science FUN Day |
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Figure 17. The 2023 Science FUN Day |
(8) Scientific Research Talent Development Program for Selected Senior High School Students (Physics Group):
The Department of Physics at NCUE has been implementing this program for over a decade. It is designed for senior high school students with an interest and potential in physics, aiming to develop their physics thinking, active learning, inquiry and practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and capacity for independent research projects.
The curriculum not only strengthens students' theoretical knowledge but also includes hands-on practice, off-campus visits to science parks in northern, central, and southern Taiwan, as well as visits to related industries and museums. In collaboration with various universities, the program incorporates visits to laboratory tours at different campuses as during physics science camps, facilitating exchanges with other institutions to broaden students' perspectives.
In 2023, a total of 60 students from two classes (first- and second-year high school) participated (see Figures 18 to 21).
https://phys5.ncue.edu.tw/gifted/index.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8DaaYvdDz4
https://www.facebook.com/NcueGifted
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Figure 18. Theory Course |
Figure 19. Winter Camp |
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Figure 20. Course and Hands-On Practice |
Figure 21. Completion Ceremony |
(9) Scientific Research Talent Development Program for Selected Senior High School Students (Mathematics Group):
The Department of Mathematics at NCUE has been implementing this program for over 10 years. This program aims to nurture students with an interest and potential in mathematics from central Taiwan, including Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, and Yunlin County.
Through diverse teaching topics such as number theory, calculus, geometry, statistics, and logical analysis, the program enables students to explore and experience the multifaceted nature of mathematics. Through case explanations and interactive guidance during the courses, instructors enhance students' mathematical and logical thinking and reasoning. This approach also helps students discover the application and ingenuity of mathematics in daily life.
In 2023, the program served 43 student participants.
Program Website: http://120.107.155.233:81/high/
(10) The Educational Internship Information (EII) Platform with teacher training sessions:
NCUE began planning the Educational Internship Information (EII) platform in 2009 and launched it in 2013. The platform connects practicum supervisors, mentor teachers, and student teachers, fostering close integration and real-time communication among these three parties to enhance the quality of educational practicums..
To ensure that teachers and students are proficient in using the platform, NCUE holds regular briefing sessions each year. In 2023, the sessions held for different user groups and their participation numbers were as follows (see Figures 22 to 23):
(a) Student teacher: 1 session on July 31, with a total of 2,343 participants
(b) Practicum supervisor: 4 sessions from August 7 to August 10, with a total of 113 participants
(c) Practicum institution Staff: 5 sessions from August 14 to August 18, with a total of 763 participants
(d) Mentor teachers: 4 sessions from August 21 to August 24, with a total of 951 participants. For the first time, these were organized by educational levels, resulting in a threefold increase in participation compared to previous years. A newly compiled reference manual for mentor teachers was also provided for the training.
(e) Teacher Training University Staff and County/City Authorities: 1 session each on August 28, with a total of 55 participants
(f) National Educational Practicum Guidance Work Conference on November 10, 2023: This conference facilitated dialogue with educational practicum guidance units to understand the challenges they face in conducting practicum guidance and their specific needs for services provided by the EII platform. The goal was to enhance the quality of educational practicum guidance and meet the contemporary demands of educational reform.
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Figure 22. EII Platform Briefing Session—Online Workshop for Mentor teachers |
Figure 23. The 2023 National Guidance Work Conference |
(11) Workshops for Beginning teachers:
Since 2017, NCUE has conducted several training workshops annually for beginning teachers, focusing on their professional development and practical teaching induction. These workshops are designed for teachers who are formally appointed for the first time as full-time staff members in public schools below the secondary level in the current year. The goal is to enhance the classroom management and innovative teaching skills of these new teachers, assisting them in adapting to their teaching profession and helping them succeed in their roles.
From August 7 to August 18, 2023, training workshops for beginning teachers were held in Taiwan’s northern, central, and southern regions. The workshops included daily synchronous online sessions and two days of in-person courses. The participation numbers for each educational level were as follows:
Kindergarten: 372 participants.
Elementary School: 2,459 participants.
Junior High School: 327 participants.
Senior High School: 238 participants.
A total of 3,396 beginning teachers participated in the training workshops (see Figures 24 to 25).
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Figure 24. Oath-taking and closing ceremony for the beginning teacher workshop |
Figure 25. Course on professional learning and interpersonal relationships |
2. Public Events on an Irregular Basis:
NCUE organizes a variety of educational courses and events on an irregular basis each academic year. These include over 100 public lectures annually, programs for promoting lifelong learning, Chinese language teaching seminars, and initiatives related to University Social Responsibility (USR). Additionally, NCUE offers environmental education programs and events, professional teacher training workshops, including instructional planning training for science teachers, and cultural and artistic exhibitions, all aimed at promoting lifelong learning for the entire community.
(1) Public Lectures:
NCUE hosts many lectures and events each academic year, which are open to the public. The lecture topics cover a range of professional fields, including electronic engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, information engineering, science education, and more. In 2023, we held at least 108 themed lectures accessible to individuals outside the university.
Please refer to Attachment 4.3.1A—List of Public Lectures for the event list.
(2) Program for Promoting Lifelong Learning:
NCUE assesses the needs of students and community members and offers various types of courses on an irregular basis to promote lifelong learning. These courses cover areas such as business operations, business management, information technology, marketing, and handicraft creation, allowing community members to continue personal growth according to their interests.
In 2023, a total of 58 courses were offered, accumulating 1,700 hours of instruction and attracting 1,310 participants. Additionally, for students who are unable to attend in-person classes due to unforeseen circumstances, NCUE provides synchronous online options, allowing them to participate in the class remotely (see Figures 26 to 31).
https://zh-tw.facebook.com/ncuecee/;
https://aps.ncue.edu.tw/cee/index.php
Please refer to Attachment 4.3.2C—Community Educational Events (Ad hoc) for the course list.
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Figure 26. Community educational events—Advanced Japanese Conversation Class |
Figure 27. Community educational events—Photopolymer Plate Printing Workshop |
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Figure 28. Community educational events—CBM Infant Massage Program |
Figure 29. Community educational events—Basic Mounting and Planting Workshop for Staghorn Ferns |
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Figure 30. Community educational events—NBF Infant and Toddler Complementary Food Preparation Class |
Figure 31. Community educational events—Calligraphy and Character Aesthetics Class |
(3) Chinese Language Teaching Seminars:
NCUE regularly organizes online or in-person Chinese language teaching seminars and training courses for Chinese language teaching assistants. In 2023, NCUE held 6 seminars with a total of 162 participants. Additionally, NCUE conducted two sessions of training courses for Chinese language teaching assistants in July-August and November, each lasting 5 days, with a total of 147 participants trained. Information about the seminars and training courses is available on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/NCUELCCH
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=713088454177008&set=a.478028647682991
Table 2. Chinese Language Teaching Seminars Held in 2023
Date |
Mandarin Teaching Seminars |
January 17 |
Developing Multicultural Literacy |
October 20 |
Venturing into Indonesia: Encountering the Diverse Archipelagic Nation |
October 24 |
Taboos in Foreign Cultures |
October 27 |
MOVING: The Superpower of Understanding Korean Culture |
November 3 |
Hola! Latin American Culture and the Worldview of Spanish-Speaking Countries |
November 23 |
The Distance Between Us and Chinese Language Teaching |
(4) To fulfill University Social Responsibility (USR), NCUE integrates the professional knowledge, skills, and resources from various departments and faculties, focusing on the needs and future visions of regional or local characteristic development to strengthen local connections. Our faculty members lead students in cross-departmental and interdisciplinary projects, collaborating with the local government and industry partners to jointly promote the innovative development of local industrial clusters and community culture.
With a focus on community needs, NCUE organizes educational events related to environmental education and ecological habitats. Examples include:
Collaborating with local hospitals to implement street greening and beautification projects.
Conducting courses on horticultural therapy.
Offering courses on food and agriculture education.
Providing courses on seafood consumption.
Organizing courses on environmental education.
In 2023, NCUE held 72 environmental education courses and workshops, with a total of 2,733 participants.
USR Project Website: https://usr.ncue.edu.tw/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NCUEUSR
(5) Cultural and Artistic Exhibitions:
NCUE hosts several exhibition spaces, including the Baisha Art Center and the Art and Culture Corridor. From time to time, NCUE invites professional artists to exhibit their artworks on our campus. These spaces are also dedicated to showcasing the creative works of NCUE’s art students from different classes and groups. In 2023, a total of 13 cultural and artistic exhibitions were held. In addition to the faculty and students, the public is welcome to visit and enjoy these exhibitions free of charge (see Figures 32 to 36).
Please refer to Attachment 4.3.2D—List of Exhibitions for the full list.
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Figure 32. January 6-17, 2023 - Exhibition Poster |
Figure33. May 5-18, 2023 - Exhibition Poster |
Figure 34. May 24-31, 2023 - Exhibition Poster |
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Figure 35. December 5, 2023 - International exchange guests visiting NCUE to view the exhibition |
Figure 36. May 5-18,2023 - 2023 Graduation Exhibition—N-Day Talk- |
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