Who We Are
Visiting Scholars
Li Wei-Ting (Wei): July 30 - August 18, 2024
Li Wei-Ting, a passionate educator, is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the National Sun Yat-sen University's Institute of Education. Since 2019, he has served as a full-time science teacher at Taichung Municipal Shalu Junior High School, where he has also led the Shalu Maker Education and Technology Center as its Director since 2020. His dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, with him taking on the role of a part-time lecturer at the National Sun Yat-sen University's Teacher Education Center (2023) and a reserve lecturer for the Ministry of Education's Design Thinking Cross-Disciplinary Talent Cultivation Program (2022).
Wei-Ting's proactive nature and exceptional ability to grasp and synthesize information have been instrumental in his educational achievements. His master's research focused on Indigenous science education, particularly on developing curriculum rooted in place-based learning. This involved incorporating traditional ecological knowledge from Indigenous elders and teachers to create a natural sciences program relevant to the local environment and student experiences. This approach aimed not only to enhance student learning by connecting it to their surroundings but also to cultivate a sense of place, encompassing local knowledge, identity, and practical skills.
Building upon his master's work, Wei-Ting has delved deeper into the inherent tensions between traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary Western scientific knowledge. This exploration has led him to question the very nature of science itself, shaping his doctoral research focus on the roles of history and philosophy of science in science education. He is particularly interested in how these fields can inform current challenges in science education by providing a deeper understanding of the nature of science itself.
Learn from Wei-Ting
Did you miss the research talk titled, Place-Based Indigenous Education for Sustainable Development: The Case of a Rukai Elementary School. In this talk, Li Wei-Ting, presented his research on a year-long place-based Indigenous education for sustainable development curriculum in Taiwan.
Watch a recording of the talk here!
Are you interested in the philosophy of science? Wei-Ting joined Dr. Ellen Watson (BU Faculty), Jason Braun (Science Curriculum Consultant for MB Education), and Greg Johnson (Former Science Curriculum Consultant for MB Education) on our podcast!
Past Visiting Scholars
Dr. Junichiro Koji: September 24-26, 2023
Dr. Junichiro Koji is an Associate Professor at the Hokkaido University of Education in Hakodate, Japan.
During his visit to Brandon University, Dr. Koji explored topics related to immigration, education, and politics.
Dr. Koji was highlighted as a rural researcher at the Rural Development Institute. To read more about his background and ongoing interests, visit this RDI newsletter: https://www.brandonu.ca/rdi/files/2023/10/HRR-Junichiro-Koji.pdf
During his visit to BU CARES, Dr. Koji gifted us with socks from his students from the Rainbow Hakodate Project. We are grateful for our time together and hope to stay in touch!
Marc Yvan Valade: September - December, 2021
Marc Valade was awarded the Stanley Knowles Distinguished Visiting Professorship in 2020, but the visit was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. During his time at BU CARES, Marc Valade’s project was to study the influence of local institutions such as schools and workplaces on newcomers’ social capital and adaptive skills in rural areas. This tenure also aimed at contributing to faculty life and community through various lectures, exchange activities, and services. Upon agreement with the Faculty of Education Dean, the tenure was conducted through a blend of remote-virtual and in-person work, which reflected the state of social opening and health restrictions.
In his time at the centre, he made connections with Brandon School Division and Beautiful Plains School Division, the Rural Development Institute, and the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO), hired and trained a research assistant, conducted research interviews with 29 individuals, leading to rich and varied data that reflects the settlement and adaptation experiences of immigrants from 10 different countries and different immigration pathways. Through the experiences and candid testimonies of the youths interviewed, these data shed invaluable light on the adaptation journey and challenges of newcomer students within the educational system.
Marc reflected on his experience: “I am grateful for the warm welcome by BU CARES Director, Dr. Michelle Lam, and the Faculty of Education Dean, Dr. Heather Duncan and her staff. I have rarely felt so integrated into a faculty such as during my experience at Brandon University.”
We hope you come again, and stay in touch!