Hongkong (ots/PRNewswire) – The Yidan Prize Foundation, the global philanthropic foundation behind the world’s highest education honor, hosted the highly anticipated Yidan Prize Summit on December 4 in Hong Kong under the theme “Ideas that inspire change: solutions to advance education in the world.” point of view”.
In a rapidly changing world, it is crucial to equip all learners with creative and critical thinking skills so that they can develop into well-rounded global citizens. To discuss how we can better meet the needs of today’s learners, the 2023 Yidan Prize Summit brought together education experts, policymakers and philanthropic foundations to explore innovative ideas in research and practice – all with the potential to increase access to high-quality learning expand education.
Dr. Charles CHEN Yidan, founder of the Yidan Prize, welcomed guests from around the world and emphasized that ideas can bring about change. He said: “These visionary educators who are with us today believe deeply in the transformative power of ideas. Their shared vision leads people to recognize that all students can and must succeed. They challenge us to rethink what good classrooms and good teaching practices look like. They lead us to the conclusion that good education can be made accessible to everyone. Their actions continue to transform education and underpin their commitment to this belief.”
Joe Colombano, Office Chief of the UN Resident Coordinator in China, opened the event with a keynote address on the need for new investment and innovation in education. He reflected on what educational quality means today and suggested thoughtful questions that would form the basis for the day’s discussions. He stressed the need for education to keep pace with the changing needs of the economy and underlined the broader aims of education that go beyond mere employment – as a means for young people to achieve their full potential. Colombano pointed out that quality education is not only one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but also the catalyst for achieving all 17 SDGs.
The first panel consisted of education experts from the University of Hong Kong as well as Professor Michelene (Micki) Chi, 2023 Yidan Prize for Educational Research Laureate, Regents Professor & Dorothy Bray Endowed Professor of Science and Teaching, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University. They discussed Micki’s groundbreaking Theory of Cognitive Engagement -ICAP-, which provides teachers with a proven framework for promoting high-quality engagement in the classroom and helping to improve teaching practices from kindergarten through college and beyond. Moderated by Dr. Christopher Thomas, Director of Partnerships at the Yidan Prize Foundation, the panelists discussed how interactive, constructive and active learning activities develop student autonomy and encourage collaboration.
In the second round of discussion, Dr. Laura Savage, Executive Director of the International Education Funders Group (IEFG), with leaders who are successfully creating social change to ensure more students have access to the transformative power of education. The members of the Yidan Council of Luminaries, Dr. Rukmini Banerji, Vicky Colbert and Wendy Kopp, spoke about their shared experiences in catalyzing systems change through the influence of a shared mission and collective – and locally rooted – leadership. They spoke about the importance of foundational learning, strong partnerships with government and civil society, and how everyone – from parents to students – can become agents of change.
The afternoon discussed how innovative models of higher education can overcome barriers to accessibility and affordability. 2023 Yidan Prize for Educational Development Laureate Shai Reshef, President and Founder of the University of the People, spoke with Professor Arthur Levine, President Emeritus of the Teachers College of Columbia University, about how we can ensure that higher education meets our needs keeping pace with the changing global and digital knowledge economy. Shai spoke about the importance of harnessing the potential of open source online technology so that every qualified student can access a quality higher education.
In the final session of the day, 2020 Yidan Prize for Educational Development honorees Lucy Lake and Angeline Murimirwa discussed with Baela Raza Jamil, CEO of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi, and Ruth Kagia, former Director of Global Education at the World Bank, about radical inclusion in education. They spoke about how the key to change in and through education is to put the most marginalized and vulnerable people at the center of policy making. Panelists noted that radical inclusion is bold and unambiguous: every student must be taught and protected. Intersectionality and collaboration between policy makers and educational researchers and practitioners are non-negotiable in this process.
Celebrations for the 2023 Yidan Prize winners
On December 3, Professor Michelene Chi and Shai Reshef were officially awarded the 2023 Yidan Prize for Educational Research and the 2023 Yidan Prize for Educational Development, respectively, at the Yidan Prize Ceremony. They were recognized for their exceptional work in creating opportunities for learners to fulfill their potential. They now join the global community of changemakers in education and become members of the Yidan Council of Luminaries.
Nominate trailblazers of educational change for the 2024 Yidan Prize
Nominations for the Yidan Prize are open until March 31, 2024. To learn more about this opportunity or to nominate leaders of educational change, visit the Yidan Prize website: https://yidanprize.org/the-prize-and-nominations/nominations.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE YIDAN PRIZE FOUNDATION
The Yidan Prize Foundation is a global philanthropic foundation with a mission to create a better world through education. Through its prize and its network of innovators, the Yidan Prize Foundation supports ideas and practices in education – particularly those that have the potential to positively transform lives and society.
The Yidan Prize is an inclusive education award that recognizes the achievement of individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to the theory and practice of education.
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