"Developing Transpositioning Capacities for Educational Futures in the 21st Century Through Co-Learning" by Professor Li Wei, University College London

The captioned distinguished lecture, delivered by Professor Li Wei, Director and Dean at UCL Institute of Education, Chair Professor (Chair of Applied Linguistics) at University College London, was successfully held on July 18, 2024. Professor Li is also appointed as Hung Leung Hau Ling Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences at HKU in 2023-24.

The lecture began with opening remarks by Professor Yang Rui, Dean of Education. Professor Yang praised Professor Li Wei’s accomplishments in bridging the gap between Chinese and international academic discourses, thereby fostering greater collaboration and understanding between these two often divided scholarly communities. Professor Yang also highlighted the growing importance of the Westward movement of Eastern knowledge, and emphasised that the ability to adapt and embrace transformation was absolutely crucial in this dynamic world.

In the lecture, Professor Li Wei explored the concept of transpositioning and provided examples through illustrations of digital communication and the experiences of individuals who navigate multiple languages across different countries. In addition, a case study of classroom interaction was presented to demonstrate transpositioning through co-learning in practice. Participants were encouraged to consider how institutional systems and practices, such as education, should adapt to the ever-changing demands of life in liquid modernity and how they can enhance the transpositioning capacities needed for the 21^st century. This lecture underscored the significance of educators cultivating their transpositioning abilities, enabling them to move beyond traditional roles and norms, and embrace greater flexibility and creativity in their pedagogical practices.

Professor Kevin W. H. Tai, Assistant Professor of the Faculty’s Academic Unit of Language and Literacy Education, moderated the Q&A session which followed the lecture. Professor Li Wei engaged the audience with insightful and thought-provoking responses. This distinguished lecture served as a platform for intellectual exchange and fostered a meaningful discussion which explored new approaches to education in this rapidly evolving world.

The video recording of this lecture is now available on our website: https://web.edu.hku.hk/event/detail-page/lecture-july2024.