NCUE is one of the three normal universities in Taiwan and serves as a key institution for continuing education of secondary school teachers in the central region of Taiwan. NCUE offers annual in-service teacher training courses to help primary and secondary school teachers enhance their professional knowledge and skills.

Furthermore, to fulfill NCUE's social responsibility and support the development of high-quality talent in Changhua County, NCUE has developed various vocational training programs as part of our extension education offerings. NCUE also collaborates with the local government and corporate organizations to conduct in-service talent training programs for business professionals.

We will provide detailed descriptions along with relevant links, photos, and numerical data as supporting evidence.

1. Regular Vocational Training Courses:

NCUE regularly organizes professional development courses each year, including second specialty courses for primary and secondary school teachers, professional training in science education, and advanced leadership training for principals and directors. These programs aim to enhance the teaching skills of primary and secondary school teachers and the professional competencies of school leaders.

Furthermore, among universities in Taiwan, NCUE pioneered the establishment of the first Community Counseling and Human Development Service Center. This Center specifically serves the local community and hosts annual professional training workshops for psychological counselors.

In the area of business talent development, NCUE has long-standing partnerships with the local government and corporate organizations, offering training programs for second-generation business leaders and elite female executives in enterprises.

(1) Vocational Training for Secondary School Teachers:

In alignment with the Ministry of Education's policies and the professional development needs of secondary school teachers, NCUE regularly offers second specialty courses and professional enhancement programs for in-service teachers across different disciplines. These programs are designed to support the professional growth of in-service teachers, provide them with new teaching insights, and enhance their instructional skills.

In 2023, we offered a total of 62 courses in various fields, including Taiwanese Hokkien Language, Information Technology, Living Technology, Bilingual Teaching, Scouting Education, and Special Education. The training amounted to 2,844 hours, with a total participation of 1,651 attendees (see Figures 1 to 6).

Please refer to Attachment 4.3.3A—List of Executive Education Programs and Vocational Training (On Programmed Basis) for the full course list.

Figure 1. Vocational training for teachers—Living Technology as Second Specialty Class	Figure 2. Vocational training for teachers—Living Technology as Second Specialty Class
Figure 3. Vocational training for teachers—Taiwanese Hokkien Language as Second Specialty Class	Figure 4. Vocational training for teachers—Bilingual Teacher Enhancement Class
Figure 5. Vocational training for teachers—Information Technology as Second Specialty Class	Figure 6. Vocational training for teachers—Scouting Education as Second Specialty Class

(2) Training Program for Principals and Directors of Primary and Secondary Schools on School Management Competencies:

As the only secondary school teacher training institution in central Taiwan, NCUE is committed to fulfilling its social responsibility. Since 2020, NCUE has organized an annual Training Program for Principals and Directors of Primary and Secondary Schools on School Management Competencies, with each program lasting four months.

NCUE invites renowned scholars from Taiwan's education sector, principals from primary, secondary, and university levels, as well as heads of educational institutions as lecturers. The program provides a comprehensive platform for primary and secondary school administrative leaders to gain insights into current educational development trends and engage in mutual exchange.

To date, NCUE has trained 68 high-level administrative leaders from primary and secondary schools (see Figures 7 to 10).

2023 Course Brochure: https://aps.ncue.edu.tw/cee/guidedoc/8649-1.pdf

Figure 7. Education Innovation Forum	Figure 8. Experience Sharing by Senior Principals
Figure 9. Group Scenario-Based Discussion	Figure 10. Certificate Awarding at the Completion Ceremony

(3) Professional Training in Science Education for Primary and Secondary School Teachers:

Professor Hsiao-Lin Tuan from NCUE Institute of Science and Education is leading the National Program for Enhancing Inquiry-Based Curriculum Design and Implementation Skills of Science Teachers in Primary and Secondary Schools, commissioned by the K-12 Education Administration of the Ministry of Education. The program has five main objectives: (a) Develop a pool of skilled seed teachers in inquiry-based teaching; (b) Train seed teachers to become inquiry teaching coaches; (c) Connect inquiry seed teachers and coaches nationwide to establish an inquiry teacher community network; (d) Promote inquiry-based curricula across schools in Taiwan; (e) Enhance students' inquiry competencies.

(a) In line with the Ministry of Education's guidelines and to enhance the design, implementation, and reflection skills of science teachers in primary and secondary schools, NCUE regularly organizes training events for these teachers. These events include introductions to inquiry-based practices under the new curriculum guidelines, as well as workshops on inquiry-based curriculum design and implementation. The aim is to strengthen the professional knowledge and skills of primary and secondary school teachers in inquiry-based teaching.

In 2023, NCUE conducted 8 training sessions, totaling 102 hours, with 413 participants (see Figures 11 to 14).

Figure 11. September 9, 2023 - Online Workshop on Program Overview	Figure 12. October 14, 2023 - Workshop on Phase II Inquiry-Based Curriculum Implementation (Central Region)
Figure 13. November 18, 2023 - Workshop on Phase III Inquiry-Based Curriculum Implementation (Central Region)	Figure 14. November 15, 2023 - Workshop on Phase III Inquiry-Based Curriculum Implementation (online)

(b) Self-Organized Group: As participants engage in the workshops, they voluntarily form groups for additional inquiry-based teaching training tailored to their specific needs. Beyond the three-phase workshop model, NCUE offers further opportunities for self-organized activities, with advanced and coach-certified teachers serving as speakers. This approach also supports our goal of developing teacher leaders.

In 2023, NCUE held 5 self-organized group sessions, each lasting half a day, totaling 18 hours of training, with 164 participants in total (see Figures 15 to 18).

Figure15. March 18, 2023 - Online Observation and Discussion of Inquiry-Based Teaching	Figure 16. May 6, 2023 - Online Lecture on Integrating TPACK with Natural Science Inquiry
Figure 17. May 13, 2023 - Online Lecture on How to Develop Inquiry Questioning and Critical Thinking Skills? Starting from Artificial Intelligence	Figure 18. August 2,2023 - Full-Day Lecture on Examining Secondary School Inquiry-Based Teaching through the Lens of Elementary School Curriculum

Table 1. Overview of Self-organized Groups in 2023

Date	Location	Activity name	Number of Participants
March 19	online	Self-organized Group 1: Observation and Discussion of Inquiry-Based Teaching	39
May 6	online	Self-organized Group 4: Integrating TPACK with Natural Science Inquiry	22
May 13	online	Self-organized Group 5: How to Develop Inquiry Questioning and Critical Thinking Skills? Starting from Artificial Intelligence	59
May 27	online	Self-organized Group 6: Digital Inquiry into Atmospheric Pressure—Communication and Conveyance in Scientific Inquiry	18
August 2	NCUE	Self-organized Group 7: Examining Secondary School Inquiry-Based Teaching through the Lens of Elementary School Curriculum	26
Total			164

(4) Community Psychological Counseling Professional Training Courses:

In 1994, NCUE integrated resources from the Department of Guidance and Counseling to establish the Community Counseling and Human Development Service Center, pioneering a university-based service aimed at community members in Taiwan. Initially, the Center built its reputation through promotional activities and gradually formed referral and collaborative ties with community entities such as hospitals, courts, and social welfare organizations.

The Center was established to provide guidance and counseling services and to strengthen community support. It offers psychological counseling to community members and provides practical training and mentorship for professional psychological counselors.

In addition to offering psychological counseling services, the Center organizes annual professional seminars and training workshops, providing practical training and mentorship for counselors.

In 2023, NCUE conducted 15 workshops and training sessions, with a total attendance of 265 participants (see Table 2).

Website: https://humanweb.ncue.edu.tw/p/426-1021-11.php?Lang=zh-tw

Course Brochure: https://humanweb.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1021-23939,r506.php?Lang=zh-tw

Table 2. 2023 Community Psychological Counseling Professional Training Courses

Date	Program	Hours	Participants
September 16, 2022 – January 13, 2023	2022 Counseling Internship Enhancement Workshop	27	6
May 13, 2023	Counseling Practice under Legal Regulations: A Workshop on Counseling Practice from the Perspectives of the Gender Equity Education Act, the Psychologists Act, and the Student Guidance and Counseling Act	6	27
July 4, 2023	2023 Lifelong Journey: Workshop and Seminar on Career and Body Counseling Reflection and Development	13	75
November 4, 2023 – January 16, 2024	Catching the Wounded Souls: 2023 a series of Psychological Workshops of Multidisciplinary in Trauma Healing (12 Sessions)	81	157
Total		127	265

(5) Development of Industrial and Commercial Talents in Changhua County:

Located in Changhua County, NCUE collaborates with the Changhua County Government and private enterprise groups to assist local businesses in talent development, enabling them to stay current and achieve sustainable operations. In 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, NCUE organized training programs such as the Young Entrepreneur Development Academy—Training Program for Second-Generation Elite Entrepreneurs, the Women's Academy—Female Leadership Training Program, and the E-commerce Academy—E-commerce Talent Training Program.

Each program offers 54 hours of training, aimed at developing second-generation successors and female leaders for Changhua County's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These programs equip participants with management skills, innovative business strategies, digital marketing, and negotiation skills.

In response to the demands of the digital era, the curriculum also includes specialized topics such as AI applications and big data analysis.

In 2023, the programs centered on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) corporate sustainability as the core theme. The curriculum covered topics such as digital financial innovation in the post-pandemic era, financial planning for sustainable business operations, and the transition of SMEs toward a green economy. The programs also included practical insights into ESG implementation, challenges, and solutions. These initiatives aim to help SMEs in Changhua County plan strategically and identify new business opportunities.

To date, 379 participants have successfully completed these training programs (see Figures 19 to 22).

2023 NCUE campus news article on Women’s Academy: https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-24283,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw

Figure 19. Executive education programs: 2023 Women’s Academy—Female Leadership Training Course	Figure 20. Executive education programs: 2023 Women’s Academy—Female Leadership Training Course, group discussion
Figure 21. Executive education programs-2023 Women’s Academy—Women Leaders Training Course, group photo at the opening ceremony	Figure 22. Executive education programs: 2023 Women’s Academy—Women Leaders Training Course, group photo at closing ceremony

2. Vocational Training Event on an Irregular basis:

NCUE regularly organizes various vocational training courses on an irregular basis throughout the year, covering topics such as management training, specialized educational courses, laboratory equipment operation, and second language enhancement programs.

NCUE also hosts green energy education seminars, forums on short-term goals in science education, forums on educational foresight and trends, forums on smart microgrid technology, and more. These events incorporate ESG-related issues to equip seed teachers from primary and secondary schools with professional knowledge in their fields.

(1) Vocational Training Events for the Public:

To promote lifelong learning and enable the public to continuously enhance their workplace skills, NCUE offers vocational training courses tailored to the needs of community members and local industries. These courses cater to various professional groups, including corporate leaders, employees, professionals in technical fields.

The training programs cover a wide range of vocational skills, including management training, specialized educational courses, laboratory equipment operation, second language enhancement programs, and professional skill development activities.

In 2023, NCUE conducted a total of 102 classes, amounting to over 2,552 hours of training. These programs assisted 2,012 participants in advancing their knowledge and skills (see Figures 23 to 24).

Please refer to Attachment 4.3.3B—List of Executive Education Programs and Vocational Training (Ad hoc) for the course list.

Figure 23. Vocational training for non-university attendees— Class B Certification Program for After-School Arts and Childcare Instructors	Figure 24. Vocational training for non-university attendees—Certification Program for Labor Relations Specialist

(2) Green Energy Education Seminar:

NCUE is implementing the third phase (2024-2025) of the University Social Responsibility Implementation Project: Sustainable Changhua: Green Energy Perspective in Education, Technology, and Economy, which is promoted by the Ministry of Education. This project integrates learning content on energy and power in living technology with Changhua County's distinctive wind and solar power resources.

With professional support from NCUE and the expertise from teachers at the technology center, we collaboratively develop curricula to promote green technology education. NCUE organizes teacher enhancement training workshops and professional growth activities, extending the curriculum to cover technology topics for elementary schools. This initiative supports primary and secondary schools, businesses, and disadvantaged groups in Changhua region in transitioning to green energy.

In 2023, we organized various events including the Forum on Energy Management System Technology Development, the Keynote Speech on Modern Renewable Energy Grid Protection, the Smart Microgrid Seminar, and the Workshop on Green Energy Wind Power Generation. We also established a professional community to foster networking and collaboration among industry professionals. These events attracted nearly 90 participants, who gained a deeper understanding of green energy and explored topics such as smart grids, renewable energy, energy storage technology, and the Internet of Things (see Figures 25 to 26).

Figure 25. The Forum on Energy Management Systems Technology Development

Figure 26. The Keynote Speech on Modern Renewable Energy Grid Protection

(3) Short-Term Goals in Science Education Forums:

On December 22, 2023, NCUE held two sessions of the Short-Term Goals in Science Education Forum, inviting representatives from fourteen science education centers and four Ministry of Education science education projects. Experienced project representatives served as panelists, sharing their insights and experiences in project implementation.

The forum was divided into two main themes:

The first theme, Interdisciplinary Resource Integration and Utilization in Science Education, centered on sharing experiences of integrating and utilizing interdisciplinary resources within projects. The goal was to support inquiry-based and hands-on practice teaching, enhancing both teaching practices and student learning.

The second theme, STEAM Interdisciplinary Teaching, offered insights into designing and implementing STEAM interdisciplinary courses at high schools and universities. Discussions focused on how different centers can advance STEAM interdisciplinary curriculum design and implementation in the future, aiming to achieve short-term goals in science education.

The training lasted 4 hours, with a total of 42 participants across the two forum sessions (see Figures 27 to 30).

NCUE campus news article: https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-24723,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw

Figure 27. December 22, 2023 - Morning Session: Interdisciplinary Resource Integration and Utilization in Science Education	Figure 28. December 22, 2023 - Morning Session: Interdisciplinary Resource Integration and Utilization in Science Education
Figure 29. December 22, 2023 - Afternoon Session: STEAM Interdisciplinary Teaching	Figure 30. December 22, 2023 - Afternoon Session: STEAM Interdisciplinary Teaching

(4) Ecological Homelands and Urban-Rural Sustainability: A Changhua Ecological Art Project:

NCUE has been tireless in implementing University Social Responsibility (USR). The Department of Fine Arts, emphasizing local community care, has developed a series of community care courses. These initiatives include:

Training 27 seed teachers for primary and secondary schools.

Offering horticultural therapy certification courses, resulting in 22 individuals earning certification.

Additionally, NCUE trained 8 individuals in video documentation and drone operation for ecological fieldwork, with 4 of the trainees winning USR competition awards and all 8 receiving course completion certificates. Furthermore, NCUE organized local talent development programs, training a total of 48 community ecological tour guides (see Figures 31 to 34). These efforts reflect our dedication to developing local talent and promoting ecological awareness within our communities.

Figure 31. Horticultural Therapy Experience: 2023 Summer Workshop for Primary and Secondary School Teachers	Figure 32. Horticultural Therapy: 2023 Horticultural Therapist Certification Course
Figure 33. Horticultural Therapy Experience: Summer Community Parent-Child Workshop - Hands-on Practice	Figure 34. Beginner Drone Workshop: Video Editing and Ecological Video Production

(5) 2023 Annual Symposium of Taiwan Vocational Rehabilitation Association:

The Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Counseling at NCUE, the first of its kind in Taiwan, is dedicated to training professionals in rehabilitation counseling. It aims to equip students with professional knowledge and skills to address the life, educational, and vocational needs of individuals with disabilities, promoting their equal participation in society.

On July 20, 2023, the Institute held a symposium titled Implementing the Concept of Reasonable Accommodation in Vocational Rehabilitation Practice. The symposium featured a U.S. scholar who shared experiences in implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This provided participants with a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between the U.S. and Taiwan in their approaches and concepts regarding the protection of rights for disadvantaged workers.

The symposium attracted 80 participants across Taiwan, facilitating valuable exchanges on developments in this field.

NCUE campus news article: https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-23537,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw

(6) Educational Foresight and Trend Forums:

In 2023, the College of Education at NCUE, in collaboration with other departments, organized several forums on educational foresight and trends. These forums encompassed fields such as education, special education, guidance and counseling, and rehabilitation counseling.

Each session featured a scholar from Taiwan or abroad, who served as a panelist. These scholars shared their experiences, current situations, and future directions in their respective professional fields. Through dialogue and exchange, these forums encouraged attendees to engage in deep reflection and introduced fresh insights on a range of professional topics.

NCUE campus news article:

https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-24280,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw

https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-24571,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw

https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-24646,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw

https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-9520,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw

https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-9148,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw

Figure 35. November 14,2023 –Educational Foresight and Trend Forum: A career journey and reflections of a social worker with disabilities	Figure 36. November 17,2023 –Educational Foresight and Trend Forum: Innovation in teacher training and Outcomes of educational research in Taiwan

(7) Smart Microgrid Technology Forum:

On March 2, 2023, NCUE hosted the Smart Microgrid Technology Forum at the Baoshan Campus to share advancements in smart microgrids technology. The advancements were the outcome of a collaborative research and development effort among NCUE and five other universities.

With contributions from industry, government, and academia, effective resource management and utilization in R&D have led substantial outcomes. The smart microgrid system is now operational at the Baoshan Campus, supporting both research and educational purposes.

The project’s exceptional achievements have been recognized with two 2022 Future Tech Awards from National Science and Technology Council (see Figures 37 to 38).

Promotion on external platform: https://www.taedt.com/custom_129036.html

Event video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sclzim3Dc4g

NCUE campus news article: https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-9449,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw

Figure 37. March 2, 2023 - Smart Microgrid Technology Forum	Figure 38. March 2, 2023 - Smart Microgrid Technology Forum, microgrid site tour at NCUE