Dr. Koo Hok Chun, Dennis
( Founding member of HSA)
Dr. Koo Hok Chun, Dennis, is a highly esteemed educator with an impressive career spanning nearly 40 years. Throughout his professional journey, he has held various pivotal roles, including serving as a lecturer at the Grantham College of Education, a curriculum officer in the Education Department, a school principal, and a teacher educator at the Education University of Hong Kong. Dr. Koo has made invaluable contributions to the field of education in Hong Kong.
Prior to his current roles, Dr. Koo dedicated over 15 years to teaching at the Hong Kong Baptist University in the School of Continuing Education, where his commitment and excellence were recognized with the prestigious "Outstanding Long Service Award" in 2008.
With a passion for nurturing future educators, Dr. Koo has served as a distinguished guest lecturer at the Education University of Hong Kong for 15 years. Through his mentorship, he has empowered over 2000 pre-service and in-service primary school and kindergarten teachers, earning widespread admiration and respect from his students.
His remarkable achievements and significant impact on education in Hong Kong were acknowledged by the esteemed Chinese magazine "Chinese Today Press." In 2022, Dr. Koo was rightfully honored as one of the "Most Outstanding Figures in Shenzhen, Macau, and Hong Kong."
A fervent advocate for lifelong learning, Dr. Koo's academic pursuits have taken him across esteemed institutions worldwide. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Exeter University, a Master's Degree from Bristol University, a second Master's Degree in Research Studies from Durham University in the UK, and culminated his academic journey with a Doctor of Education degree from Brittany University in France, graduating with distinction.
The article titled "Huasheng Channel : Hong Kong Spirit"( 華聲全媒體: 香港精神 2024) features an interview with Dr. Koo Hok Chun, the Chairman of Northcote College of Education Past Students’ Association and a guest lecturer at the Hong Kong Educational University.
"Building moral character and cultivating talent, illuminating Hong Kong." From kindergarten education to university education, his dedicated efforts can be seen everywhere; from nurturing students to training teachers, he has left his mark on the community. He nurtures hearts with love, transforms people with kindness, and integrates the spirit of Hong Kong into education, inspiring minds. Dr. Koo, the Chairman of Northcote College of Education Past Students’ Association is notably a model in the education sector of Hong Kong.”
1. Dr. Koo has been working for the Education Bureau for twenty years.
He worked as a School Inspector conducting inspection in about 60 secondary and primary schools. He considers it a challenging and rewarding career in promoting quality education in Hong Kong.
He aims at promoting curriculum development and diversified learning and teaching resources. He was a critical friend of schools, helping them identify their strengths and areas for improvement to achieve sustainable development through external school reviews and focus inspections.
2. Dr. Koo was the principal of a primary school for six years.
Quality schooling is increasingly dependent on leadership - particularly the quality of the educational leadership of the principal.
Dr. Koo has firm belief that all students can learn, love and care for others. Besides, he values diversity, collaboration, sharing and team spirit, commitment and dedication to education, passion for continuous learning and excellence.
During his service as the Principal, he was devoted to the core areas of school leadership including strategic direction and policy environment, learning, teaching and curriculum, staff and resources management, quality assurance and accountability.
He succeeded in enhancing the quality of the school and transformed it from a subsidized school to a Direct Subsidy Scheme School. It has since become one of the popular schools in Hong Kong.
Dr. Koo champions several specific initiatives in Hong Kong education, including:
1. Holistic Education
Specializing in learning theories and in particular advocating postmodernism for a comprehensive approach that develops not only academic skills but also generic skills such as problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking which better meets the challenges of the 21st century.
Dr. Koo is a mathematician specializing in mathematics learning theories. He has conducted large scale research on mathematics education. He has taught mathematics in secondary schools and universities for over thirty years.
2. Music and Art education
Howard Gardner’s theory stresses that music can enhance cognitive skills, improve memory and foster emotional expression. It can also serve as a powerful tool for communication and cultural expression.
Both music and art can stimulate brain development, enhancing skills such as critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. They can provide a safe outlet for self-expression and healing.
Collaboration projects such as taking part in orchestras and performances can unite individuals promoting teamwork and shared experiences.
Dr. Koo and his family are devoted to music learning and performances. They specialize in the piano and violin and give performance almost every year in HK Cultural Centre, HK City Hall and Shatin Town Hall.
3.Teacher Training and Development
Emphasizing the importance of professional development for educators to enhance teaching quality and adapt to evolving educational needs.
Lecturing in universities to enable students and teachers to gain professional qualifications. Courses taught include mathematics education, leadership and management, effective curricula, research methods and conducting research.
4. Community Engagement
Encouraging collaboration between schools and the community to foster a supportive learning environment and promote social responsibility among students.
Dr. Koo has served St. John Ambulance Association as a member of the Education Committee for over 20 years. He conducts lesson observation for trainers, giving them advice on teaching strategies. He also takes part in the assessment of trainers and plays the role of examiners.
5. Innovative Teaching Methods
Supporting the integration of modern teaching techniques and technology to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Dr. Koo is also an expert on Small Class Teaching in Hong Kong adopting a variety of effective teaching techniques and assessment methods. He has visited hundreds of schools and kindergartens to give advice to teachers to promote the quality of education.
6. Mentorship Programs
Establishing initiatives that connect experienced educators with new teachers to share knowledge and best practices.
7. Focus on Early Childhood Education
Advocating for improved resources and training in early childhood education to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning. He has taught many courses including Curriculum in kindergartens in Hong Kong, Project Work, Scientific and Mathematical Explorations for Young Children and The Professional Teacher in the Development of ECE.
Through these initiatives, Dr. Koo aims to inspire and equip both students and teachers, fostering a vibrant educational system in Hong Kong.