Activity Review | Shaw Conversations Ⅺ—Lunch with Dr. Peng Yongchang

The spring breeze stroking the face, the grasses growing tall and the nightingales flying in the air. On such a fine day, the once-in-a-month Shaw Conversation was held as scheduled. This time, Shaw College invited Dr. Peng Yongchang from School of Humanities and Social Science (HSS), to have lunch together with the students while discussing about history and general education (GE) courses.

This time, Master of Shaw College, Prof. Janny Leung also joined the lunch and there she talked and shared aspirations with the students.

During the lunch, Dr. Peng shared with the students his experiences on study skills and techniques. For example, if students take more courses, some of them may be flustered when reviewed the final examinations—consequently resulting in a less efficient reviewing. Facing this kind of situation, Dr. Peng said that, as students, we ought to think and reflect on the connection between every course that we learn, and build a frame of knowledge. To establish ties or connection between the knowledge; or to master the subject via a comprehensive study of surrounding areas. In this way, it can increase the efficiency when we study and review the knowledge.

Dr. Peng also emphasised the importance of general education courses that he taught. General education could broaden the knowledge and horizon of individuals. Moreover, in the process of learning general education courses, our way of thinking will be constantly changing and upgrading, allowing us to think more independently and be more capable of judging.

Some students also asked about the difference between the history in high school and the general education courses that they are learning now. To this question, Dr. Peng said, the history courses in general education focus more on the historical production process and production methods, and mainly target at exploring deeper contents. Learning history can be very helpful in shaping our values and methods of looking at problems. This is the biggest difference between general history and high school history.

Time flied fast when the attendees talked happily with the guest. What do you acquire during this Shaw Conversation?