Leung, a teacher with 16 years of experience, credits her own school science teacher for inspiring her passion for biology, human evolution, and immunology. Despite her talent for the HSC, she chose to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher, following in the footsteps of her mentor. Today, Leung has gained popularity on TikTok, but she acknowledges that being a teacher is a challenging and complex profession. One of the key lessons she has learned in the science of teaching is the importance of having a clear and consistent lesson structure for her students.
In her lessons, Leung incorporates a variety of strategies to enhance her students’ learning experience. She starts each lesson with a “retrieval practice” activity to reinforce content learned in the past and strengthen long-term memory. The new content she teaches is designed to have a “low floor but a high ceiling”, allowing all students to experience some level of success while also providing opportunities for deeper exploration. At the end of each lesson, Leung ensures that students understand the learning intention, success criteria, and have the opportunity for self-evaluation.
Leung’s approach to teaching goes beyond traditional methods by incorporating real-world connections and hands-on activities. She regularly invites local scientists to speak to her students, giving them the opportunity to engage with professionals in the field. In her chemistry classes, students participate in activities such as making ice-cream sandwiches with rainbow flavors and chocolate biscuits to demonstrate complex mathematical concepts. By incorporating fun and engaging elements into her lessons, Leung aims to make learning exciting and memorable for her students.
Despite the challenges of teaching, Leung remains dedicated to creating a positive and nurturing learning environment for her students. She emphasizes the importance of making learning enjoyable and engaging, as this can inspire curiosity and a desire to understand difficult concepts. By nurturing a love for science and providing opportunities for hands-on learning, Leung hopes to instill a lifelong passion for learning in her students.
Overall, Leung’s journey as a teacher reflects her commitment to excellence and innovation in education. By incorporating a combination of traditional teaching methods and modern techniques, she creates a dynamic and engaging learning experience for her students. Through her passion for science and dedication to her students, Leung continues to inspire the next generation of learners and leaders in the field of education.
