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SDG 4.3.2 Public events (lifelong learning)
National Changhua University of Education (NCUE), the only national university in Changhua County, provides educational resources for faculty and students and frequently hosts public lectures and community education activities that are open to the public. These events include both regular and occasional programs, covering a wide range of age groups from children to adults and seniors. This enables community members and the wider public to participate according to their continuing education and learning needs. We will provide detailed descriptions together with supporting evidence, including relevant links, photos, and participant data.
1. Regular Events:
NCUE organizes language learning courses, Community University for Seniors, free online courses, Science Fun Days, cultivation of science research talents among high school students, Educational Internship Information and education & training, novice teacher training courses, etc., so as to meet the needs of the community members and the general public on continuing education.
(1) Language Learning Courses:
NCUE runs regular community promotion and educational events, and offers multi-language learning courses in the afternoon or evening from Mondays to Sundays in English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. Community residents can develop their second foreign language skills based on their learning interests.
A total of 39 courses were held in 2024, with 1,398 hours. A total of 482 people completed the courses and acquired a second foreign language. http://lc.ncue.edu.tw/files/11-1010-11.php?Lang=zh-tw
Please refer to the attachment for the course list: 4.3.2A- community educational events (On programmed basis-1)
(2) Seasonal Chinese Programs:
NCUE, approved by the Ministry of Education as one of the accredited learning institutions for overseas Chinese language programs, has been dedicated to promoting Chinese language education and actively expanding platforms for international exchange. NCUE regularly offers Chinese language programs annually, providing foreign residents in the local community and learners from around the world with a professional, friendly, and diverse Chinese language learning environment. Courses are flexibly offered in both in-person and online modes based on learners’ needs and learners’ locations, earning wide recognition from students.
In 2024, Seasonal Chinese Programs in NCUE included Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter sessions, as well as diverse courses including online group classes and individual classes, catering to learners of different proficiency levels and learning objectives. A total of 186 participants successfully completed their programs in 2024. Detailed course information and the latest course offerings are available on the Language Center’s official website:
https://lcch.ncue.edu.tw/menu_curriculum?lang=zh-TW
https://lcch.ncue.edu.tw/curriculum_season?lang=zh-TW
(3) Community Senior University:
To provide continued learning opportunities for senior community members, NCUE has been operating the Changhua County Senior Citizens’ University since 1995. This initiative encourages individuals who are aged 55 and above registered in our county to return to campus for learning and gain opportunities for social interaction with others.
Currently, the Senior University offers two sessions annually, one in the first half and another in the second half of the year. Each session lasts for 16 weeks, with classes held during weekdays. The curriculum is diverse, including courses in Japanese, English, calligraphy, Chinese painting, art, and computer skills. Since 2020, in response to rapid changes in information technology, we have added courses in smartphone applications. These enable senior learners to easily master smartphone operations, learning to use smartphones for photography, video production, social media engagement, internet searches for lifestyle information, and Google Maps navigation.
Notably, to address the prevalence of various scams and false information, the curriculum incorporates anti-fraud education, equipping seniors with knowledge of the latest fraudulent tactics for preventive measures.
In the post-COVID-19 era, we have intensified our focus on hygiene and cleanliness. After each class, thorough disinfection of the classroom is conducted to ensure a safe learning environment for our senior students.
In 2024, we conducted two sessions, each lasting 16 weeks. A total of 28 classes were offered, with 882 participant completing their sessions (Figures 1-6).
https://cee.ncue.edu.tw/course_detail.php?sn=852
https://cee.ncue.edu.tw/course_detail.php?sn=981
Please refer to the attachment for the course list: 4.3.2B-community educational events (On programmed basis-2)
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Figure 1. Community Seniors University – Advanced Japanese Class – Students’ Vocabulary Exchange and Sharing |
Figure 2. Community Senior University – Beginner Smartphone Usage Class |
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Figure 3. Community Senior University – Aerobic Slow Living and Reading Class - Super Slow Jogging Practice |
Figure 4. Community Senior University – Multimedia Basic English Application Class – Teaching with English Videos |
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Figure 5. Community Senior University – Calligraphy Class – Teacher’s Guidance on Students’ Calligraphy Works |
Figure 6. Community Senior University – Beginner Art Class – Group Photo at Off-Campus Exhibition |
(4) Children’s Minecraft Programming Learning Camp:
Minecraft is a sandbox game that incorporates coding and commands, allowing children to develop logical abilities and spatial thinking through gameplay. It encourages students to explore and solve problems by using various elements. Since 2021, NCUE has been organizing Minecraft Programming Learning Camps for Children during winter and summer vacations. To date, 87 children have participated in these camps (Figure 7-10).
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Figure 7. Children’s Minecraft Programming Learning Camp – Students Attentively Listening to Instruction |
Figure 8. Children’s Minecraft Programming Learning Camp – Hands-On Practice |
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Figure 9. Children’s Minecraft Programming Learning Camp – Hands-On Practice |
Figure 10. Children’s Minecraft Programming Learning Camp – Closing Ceremony |
(5) Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs):
NCUE has developed refined online MOOCs courses, which are open to the public. Currently, we offer 15 courses as extension courses each semester. Upon payment, participants have unlimited access to course materials for 21 days (Table 1). These courses are available to non-university members, elementary and junior high school teachers, and the general public. Upon completion, participants receive a training certificate from NCUE. Qualified teachers can also obtain national teacher professional development hours. In 2024, a total of 801 students completed courses and received training certificates.
Table 1. List of MOOCs of NUCE
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Number |
Course Name |
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1 |
Professional Ethics in Helping Professions |
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2 |
Fundamentals for Professional Counselors – Counseling Theories |
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3 |
Learning Diagnosis and Guidance |
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4 |
Counseling Techniques |
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5 |
Educational psychology |
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6 |
Group Counseling Design and Practice |
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7 |
Innovative Teaching Strategies and Design: Concepts and Implementation |
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8 |
Introduction to Play Therapy |
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9 |
Introduction to Expressive Therapy |
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10 |
Parent-Child Play Therapy |
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11 |
Taiwanese (Hokkien) Enhancement Course in Language Proficiency Test for Level B2 |
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12 |
Holistic Perspective – Strategies for Inclusive Education |
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13 |
Introduction to Special Education |
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14 |
Taiwanese Pronunciation and Phonetics |
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15 |
Principles of Teaching |
(6) Environmental Education Training Program:
In recent years, global climate change has caused significant impacts on the Earth. To fulfill our university’s social responsibility, NCUE obtained Taiwan Environmental Education Institution Certification in December 2016, and in 2024, stood out among 51 institutions by being recognized as an Environmental Education Outstanding Unit (Figure 11). NCUE specializes in nature conservation and climate change. We conduct annual environmental education personnel training programs, catering to those interested in environmental education promotion, in-service teachers, and environmental education professionals seeking continuing education.
The curriculum covers topics such as the past, present, and future trends of global climate change, the impacts and adaptations to climate change, sustainable development strategies, environmental ethics, approaches to promoting environmental education, environmental education program design, planning and implementation, and field visits.
From 2017 to the present, NCUE has trained 741 participants, equipping them with relevant professional knowledge and skills (Figures 11-14).
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 – |
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Figure 13. Environmental Education Training Program – Field Learning |
Figure 14. Environmental Education Training Program – |
(7) Science FUN Day:
To enhance scientific literacy among the public and cultivate a scientific attitude in daily life, while also promoting understanding of cutting-edge scientific knowledge, NCUE organizes an annual “Science Fun Day.” On this day, we plan numerous exciting and engaging science-themed challenge games. Participants have the opportunity to conduct hands-on DIY science experiments, experience the wonders of science, and ultimately integrate logical thinking and scientific attitudes into their daily lives.
The 2024 Science Fun Day was jointly organized by NCUE’s College of Science and the Science Education Center. Through opening various laboratories in the College of Science for public visits, accompanied by guided tours led by graduate students, the public was able to understand the latest scientific research currently being conducted in each laboratory, with research findings presented in an accessible and concise manner. Additionally, Science Fun Day featured dozens of engaging science activities, allowing participants to personally explore and experience the wonders of various scientific fields through inquiry and hands-on practices. Notably, remote rural schools collaborating with NCUE in the Public Science Education Project were invited to participate, with subsidies provided for the fees of tour buses. NCUE provided a platform for showcasing the characteristics of remote rural schools, pre-service teachers’ competency education, and rural students’ learning performance, creating a more comprehensive and high-quality educational environment for rural children and achieving the educational goal of “achieving success for every child” (Figures 15-17).
Campus Headlines of NCUE: https://www.ncue.edu.tw/p/406-1000-28558,r93.php?Lang=zh-tw
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Figure 15. 2024 Science FUN Day – Scientific Experiment |
Figure 16. 2024 Science FUN Day – Laboratory Visits |
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Figure 17. 2024 Science FUN Day – Group Photo of Teachers and Students from National Chung Hsing Senior High School |
(8) High School Student Talent Cultivation Program for Scientific Research (Physics Division):
The Department of Physics in NCUE has been implementing this program for over 10 years. The program aims to select and cultivate high school students with potential and interest in physics. Through systematic curriculum and activity design, this program can guide students in developing physics-based thinking, strengthening their abilities in autonomous learning and problem-solving, and gradually cultivating their competencies in conducting independent research and practical inquiry.
The curriculum integrates both theoretical and practical courses. In addition to classroom instruction, diverse extension activities are offered, such as field visits to science parks and museums in northern, central, and southern Taiwan, as well as exchanges in campus tours and science camps with partner universities. These experiences thereby broaden students’ horizons and strengthen their understanding of the application of physics.
In 2024, two classes (first and second year of high school) participated, with a total of 59 students (Figures 18-21).
Program website: https://phys5.ncue.edu.tw/gifted/index.htm
Program Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NcueGifted
Achievement video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8DaaYvdDz4
Classroom photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Nwi5hkHfZa4BbYhTjWAWE5IrPmYU5tNe
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Figure 18. |
Figure 19. |
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Figure 20. |
Figure 21. |
(9) High School Student Talent Cultivation Program for Scientific Research (Mathematics Division):
The Department of Mathematics in NCUE has been implementing this program for over 10 years. This program aims to nurture students with interest and potential in mathematics from central Taiwan, including Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, and Yunlin County.
Through diverse teaching topics, including number theory, calculus, geometry, statistical information, and logical analysis, the program enables students to recognize and experience various aspects of mathematics. The instructors enhance students’ mathematical thinking, logical reasoning, and mathematical deduction skills through case explanations and interactive guidance during the courses. This approach also helps students discover the application and ingenuity of mathematics in daily life. In 2024, the program cultivated 51 student participants. Program Website:
http://120.107.155.233:81/high/
(10) Educational Internship Information and Educational Training:
NCUE began planning and establishing the platform “Educational Internship Information” in 2009, which has been operated since 2013. The platform connects internship supervisors, mentoring teachers, and intern students, enabling close integration and real-time communication among these three parties to enhance the quality of educational internships.
To ensure that teachers and students are proficient in using the platform, NCUE regularly holds briefing sessions each year. In 2024, the sessions held for different user groups and their participation numbers were as follows:
(a) Intern Students: 1 session with 2,005 participants.
(b) Internship Supervisors: 2 sessions with 111 participants.
(c) Internship Institution Staff: 2 sessions with 905 participants.
(d) Mentoring Teachers: 2 sessions with 1,052 participants.
(e) Staff in Universities with Teacher Education Programs and County/City Authorities: 1 session with 52 participants.
(11) Educational Internship Excellence Awards and Thesis on Teaching Materials and Methods Award Ceremony and Educational Internship Guidance Conference: On November 11, 2024, NCUE held the event. In the Educational Internship Guidance Conference, group discussions and opinion exchanges were conducted by dividing the representatives into groups according to “Universities with Teacher Education Program” and “County/City Supervisors and Personnel in Internship Institution,” to which participants were affiliated. In addition, NCUE invited keynote speakers to share their experiences regarding internship guidance. This facilitated participants’ better understanding of the challenges faced by various units in internship guidance and assisted educational practicum support units in establishing communication bridges (Figures 22-23).
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Figure 22. Educational Internship Information – |
Figure 23. Educational Internship Guidance Conference |
2. Events in Each Academic Year - On an irregular basis:
NCUE organizes various educational courses and activities in each academic year on an irregular basis. These include more than 100 public lectures every year, various types of continuing education courses for lifelong learning, Chinese language teaching seminars, and initiatives related to University Social Responsibility (USR). Additionally, NCUE conducts environmental education programs and activities, professional development workshops for teachers, including preparatory training in the field of science education and cultural and art exhibitions, all aimed at implementing lifelong learning for all citizens.
(1) Public Lecture Activities:
NCUE holds many lectures and activities every academic year, which are also open to the public. The speech topics include various professional fields such as electronic engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, information engineering, science education, etc. In 2024, NCUE held at least 103 themed lectures for those not studying on campus.
Please refer to the attachment for the event list 4.3.1A-List of public lectures.
(2) Continuing Education Program for Lifelong Learning:
NCUE investigates the needs of students and the community, and organizes various types of promotional education courses from time to time, which offer the public to continue to develop their interests. These courses cover business operations, information technology, business management, marketing, and handicraft creation.
In 2024, A total of 60 courses were held with 1,369 hours and 1,213 participants registered for them. In addition, when students are unable to attend in-person courses due to unforeseen circumstances, NCUE also offers synchronous online courses, so that they can participate in the classes (Figures 24-29).
https://zh-tw.facebook.com/ncuecee/
https://aps.ncue.edu.tw/cee/index.php
Please refer to the attachment for the course list: 4.3.2C- Community educational events (Ad hoc)
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Figure 24. Community Educational Events – |
Figure 25. Community Educational Events – |
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Figure 26. Community Educational Events – |
Figure 27. Community Educational Events – |
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Figure 28. Community Educational Events – |
Figure 29. Community Educational Events – |
(3) Chinese Language Teaching Seminars:
NCUE regularly organizes online or in-person Chinese language teaching seminars and training courses. In 2024, one seminar titled “Teaching and Living in Germany and Europe” was conducted, inviting overseas Chinese language teachers to share their teaching experiences and life in Europe, with 17 participants. Public information about the seminars and training courses can be found on our Facebook fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/NCUELCCH
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=713088454177008&set=a.478028647682991
(4) Organizing Art and Cultural Exhibitions to Provide Aesthetic Cultivation for Community Residents:
NCUE features exhibition areas, including the Baisha Art Center and Art Corridor on campus, regularly organizing exhibitions displaying external artists’ various types of artistic works. These areas also serve as venues for students in the Department of Fine Arts to present their artworks. In 2024, a total of 13 on-campus art and cultural exhibitions were held, which were freely accessible not only to faculty and students but also to the general public (Figures 30-34).
Please refer to the attachment for the course list: 4.3.2D- List of exhibitions.
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Figure 30. 2024/05/29 - 2024/06/14 |
Figure 31. 2024/06/13-2024/06/20 |
Figure 32. 2024/09/30-2024/10/16 |
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Figure 33. 2024/06/13-2024/06/20 |
Figure 34. 2024/01/22-2024/02/02 |
