Research Seminar - February 06, 2001

Abstract

To achieve a great contribution to research quantum and to excellent teaching is essential to both an individual and an institution. Publications and grants are the two major components of research quantum. The main factors that affect research quantum include researchers' factors such as motivation, efficiency, productivity, hard working and creativity, and the other factors such as collaboration, research students/research assistants, research groups and grants obtained.

By working on all the relevant issues, I achieved a good publication record of more than 50 refereed papers in total which include top international conference papers such as IJCAI'97, ICML'96, international journal articles, invited papers, books and book chapters.

I have successfully attracted a number of research grants in Australia and from overseas. I plan to contribute significantly to the School's research quantum in both publications and attracting research grants.

In teaching, my basic philosophy is that a good teaching mainly depends on the following issues: knowledgeable, well organization, well presentation and well assessment plus using advanced IT for teaching.

The general principles of my teaching methods are:

1. From simple to complex.
2. From easy to difficult.
3. From concrete to abstract.

My basic teaching methods include:

1. heuristic and guiding learning.
2. tackle one, understanding many.
3. theoretical + practical (lectures + workshops/tutorials).
4. Using example wherever needed.
5. thinking + doing.
6. Web page + Unit account.

My previous teaching experience include both on-campus and off-campus teaching, both undergraduate and postgraduate students, both theoretical and practical, both lectures and tutorials, both traditional teaching and the teaching using advanced IT.

Based on my achievements in both research and teaching, I believe that I can contribute significantly to both the school's research quantum and teaching excellence.