Project of Multi-level Competition-Based Learning with International Learning Exposure

Achievement:

Awards

• Poster Session Best Presenters Award in ICEMT 2025
• Merit Prize in Innovation & IT at the 11th Hong Kong University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition
• Silver Award at the 8th Global Competition on Design for Future Education

Publications:

Under review

•Early Dyslexia Screening Through Handwriting: A Trustworthy XAI-Enhanced Deep Learning Framewor
Author(s): STURM Leo Matthiasa, Justin LAU , Yuk Ming Tang , MW Gedaa

•Metaverse Acceptance Study for Hong Kong University Students (on submitted)
Author(s): Justin Lau, Yuk Ming Tang

Published

•Revolutionizing sign language education: A Metaverse-based sign language education platform powered by AI (Abstract Presentation)
Author(s): Suet Yi Tse, Hoi Sze Chan, Yun Jie Hei, Chun Hin Choi, Chit Wong, Pan Yi Lam, Chi Pong Tsui, Wai Kit Wong

•Transforming Dyslexia Care: AI-Powered Diagnosis and Personalized Intervention for Early Learning Success (Abstract Presentation)
Author(s): Leo Matthias Sturm, Zi Fu YIN, Jianing MAO, Chit Wong, Hoi Sze Chan, Chi Pong Tsui, Wai Kit Wong

Event Background:

This event stems from a commitment to empower secondary and university students through competition-based learning (CBL), which has been shown to boost motivation, creativity, self-esteem, and learning outcomes. By combining mentorship, targeted training, and exposure to international conferences, the initiative promotes experiential, real-world application of knowledge while cultivating students’ attitudes, skills, and knowledge (ASK). Rooted in networked and constructivist learning theories, it emphasizes collaboration, communication, and collective intelligence through team projects that link learners with educators, industry mentors, and researchers. To operationalize this, the event organizes a joint research competition where mixed university–secondary school teams develop projects, with winning teams advancing to submit papers and present at international conferences.

Event Objectives:

This event is designed to create and implement a comprehensive, multi-level competition-based learning framework that connects university and secondary school participants. Its goals are to:

1. Develop a scalable model of competition-based teaching and learning that bridges theory and practice across different learner stages.
2. Foster sustained collaboration between university and secondary students to build collective intelligence, spark creativity, enhance problem-solving, and strengthen teamwork.
3. Integrate research-informed teaching practices into undergraduate curricula and extend these practices to secondary education.

Through mentorship, structured project work, and iterative feedback, the event aims to boost engagement, deepen disciplinary knowledge, and cultivate transferable skills such as communication, leadership, and reflective practice—grounded in constructivist and networked learning principles.

Student Feedback:

Students Shine at International Academic Conference

Our students recently participated in a multi-level, competition-based learning conference with international exposure at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where they gained valuable experience and shared their project work. They described the conference as an exhilarating and enriching experience that broadened their perspectives by allowing them to engage with renowned scholars from top universities. For many, the biggest takeaway was realizing the vastness of academic research and the importance of global collaboration.

Project Reflections and Growth

A central part of the students’ experience was their project-based learning. The students expressed that their teamwork was fantastic and smooth, highlighting clear work distribution and good communication. They felt inspired by their teammates and found that working together reduced their workload and led to creative new ideas. The support from external speakers and mentors was also invaluable. These experts provided new insights and helped them refine their projects and presentations. This mentorship helped the students improve their soft skills, including research, teamwork, and public speaking.

Key Takeaways and Future Improvements

During their presentations, the students received impressive feedback. Judges praised their innovative methodologies and noted the potential for their apps to be developed further. This feedback was highly motivating and validated the effort they put into their work. Looking ahead, students shared what they would improve for future presentations. Several mentioned a desire to be more interactive with judges and the audience to make the Q&A sessions more engaging. They also planned to prepare more rigorously for technical questions and simplify jargon to ensure their presentations are accessible to everyone. Overall, the students left the conference feeling motivated and well-equipped with new skills for their future academic and professional endeavors.

Event Timeline:

Poster Presentation: