One key of my teaching approach is to require students to organize, visualize, and analyze different kinds of data in their assignments and group projects. I often direct students to various sources of datasets that are of their interest. In the guiding process, I suggest under-explored questions that can be answered by these datasets. These skills of data analysis are indispensable for students’ success in jobs inside and outside of the academy.
Another key of my teaching approach is to include teaching material that promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization. I always include literature and examples of non-Western countries. Very often, these non-Western cases can widen students’ horizons and generate new perspectives. On the other hand, when I deliver lectures related to Western countries, I ask students to consider whether underrepresented social groups behave differently and how. By doing so, students will put themselves into the shoes of these underrepresented groups, which can deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
I value one-to-one interaction with students and try to become their mentor. Throughout the semester, I routinely ask students to send me drafts of their presentations and essays, so that I can provide them with structured feedback in person. More broadly, the universities that I taught enrol a substantial number of international students. For this reason, I am fully aware that students with different backgrounds have diverse learning cultures. Moreover, even though I believe careful research design and clear writing are essential, I always advise students to research a puzzle that is important and of their concern. So far, I think my teaching approach is a success, which can be reflected from the awards and evaluations that I received.
Courses Taught
Lecturer at School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University (Aug 2023 – Now)
Graduate Course: Autocratization in Global Politics
Undergraduate Course: Democracy or Dictatorship (with Sebastian Popa)
Lecturer at Department of Political Science, Western University (May–Jun 2023)
Graduate Summer Course: Autocratization in Global Politics
Lecturer at Geschwister Scholl Institute of Political Science, LMU (Oct 2019–Jan 2020)
Undergraduate Course: Populist Parties and Anti-Establishment Politics across Europe [course evaluation (in German)]
1st Year Undergraduate Seminar: The Political System of China [course evaluation (in German)]
Undergraduate Course: Module on Introduction to Comparative Politics
Teaching Assistant at Department of Government and Public Administration, CUHK (Sep 2014–May 2017)
* I received exemplary teaching assistant award in every academic year [certificates]
GPAD 3040: Democratization, Ma Ngok
GPAD 2395: Asian Comparative Politics, Stan Wong Hok-wui
GPAD 2300: Understanding Human Rights, William Smith
GPAD 1077 Critical Debates in Hong Kong, Wilson Wong Wai-ho
GPAD 1070: Government & Politics of China, Reza Hasmath
GPAD 1055: Parliamentary Practices & Procedures, Prof. Jasper Tsang Yok-sing & Prof. Pauline Ng Man-wah
GPAD 1020: Fundamentals of Government, Ma Ngok