Nobel laureate Carl Edwin Wieman to give talk at UM

The University of Macau (UM) on 25 April will confer the degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa on the Nobel laureate in physics Carl Edwin Wieman, in recognition of his contributions to science education and research. Following the degree conferment ceremony, Prof Wieman will give a Doctor honoris causa Lecture titled ‘Taking a Scientific Approach to Science Education’. He will share his views on science education and discuss ways to increase students’ scientific knowledge.

Prof Wieman received the Nobel Prize in physics in 2001. He is a renowned physicist in the United States and an educator at Stanford University. In addition to science, Prof Wieman is also dedicated to the promotion of ‘peer instruction’. Peer instruction means students assist teachers in the classroom and work to teach each other, especially to those who need more teaching assistance. Prof Wieman has published many monographs and more than 200 scientific research papers in physics and science education. His publications, particularly those on students’ beliefs in physics and problem-solving skills, have been instrumental in promoting the development of evidence-based science education.

The ceremony and the lecture will start at 4:00pm in the auditorium of the UM Wu Yee Sun Library (E2-G012). The lecture will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation into Mandarin. Those who are interested please make online registration at https://isw.um.edu.mo/evm/faces/doRegistration.jspx?evmId=212. For enquiries, please call 8822 8072 or email to vileong@um.edu.mo.

In addition, an international academic symposium, titled ‘Stem Education Mini-Symposium: Building a New Culture for STEM Education in Asia’, will be held on 26 April in the Anthony Lau Building (E4-G062), UM. During the event, experts and scholars from the United States, Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao will have an in-depth discussion on STEM Education. The event is jointly organised by UM’s Centre for Teaching and Learning Enhancement and Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering.

Source:  Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering