Assistant Professor,
Faculty of Education
University of Macau
The Path to Physical Education Excellence
When it comes to embodying the spirit of The Chinese University of Hong Kong postgraduate success, Dr. Choi Siu Ming's journey stands out as remarkable.
Now an Assistant Professor at the University of Macau, Dr. Choi's academic path showcases the comprehensive nature of CUHK graduate programmes, where he completed not just one, but all three of his degrees – from Bachelor's to PhD in Education, specialising in Sports Science and Physical Education.
Building Academic Excellence Through CUHK
The progression through CUHK's research opportunities proved transformative for Dr. Choi. “The Bachelor degree was one of Hong Kong’s best programmes, and after that, the Master’s (MPhil in Sports Science and Physical Education) programme helped me prepare for what I should do in my research,” he reflects, describing how each stage built upon the last. “Once I had a solid understanding of research, I was able to apply that knowledge to conduct educational research during my PhD.”
What sets the Hong Kong postgraduate studies experience apart at CUHK is its hands-on approach to academic development. During his time as a postgraduate student, Dr. Choi didn't just study – he immersed himself in teaching, assisting not only his supervisor but also supporting other courses across the department. “From my Master’s degree and then onto the PhD degree, I followed a similar path,” he explains. “But what truly shaped my growth were the practical experiences I engaged with. They offered good training and played a key role in my professional and personal development.” He also enriched CUHK student life by serving as a hostel tutor, further deepening his connection with the University community.
Pioneering Physical Literacy Research
Dr. Choi's research journey aligned perfectly with global educational developments. “When I started to conduct my research in physical literacy, the timing was ideal for the field of physical education,” he explains, noting how his work coincided with UNESCO's 2015 promotion of physical literacy in their quality physical education guidelines for policymakers. His innovative approach applies the Sport Education model to enhance university students' physical literacy through physical education lessons at CUHK, demonstrating the practical applications of his research in real educational settings.
Dr. Choi (left) attended a conference where he had the opportunity to take a photo with Dr. Margaret Whitehead, the pioneer of physical literacy, alongside his supervisor, Professor Raymond Sum (second from the right) and cohort senior, Dr. Minghui Li (first from the right)
The journey from student to educator at CUHK brought Dr. Choi's research to life in the classroom. As a lecturer in CUHK’s Physical Education unit, he implemented cutting-edge teaching methods: “I applied the sport education model and game-based pedagogy in the lessons,” he explains, adding, “I used the model to help engage students in their activities.”
Support That Shapes Success
The research opportunities proved invaluable, particularly through Teaching Development and Language Engagement Grants. A substantial grant enabled Dr. Choi and his colleagues to develop comprehensive teaching materials and implement the Sport Education model in physical education lessons.
Dr. Choi (second from the left, first row) taught in a continuing professional development workshop
The Hong Kong graduate school experience was enhanced by exceptional mentorship. “My supervisor was very supportive. He was easily accessible and I could ask him questions at any time, I’d just knock on his door and he would answer me,” Dr. Choi reflects. Beyond personal guidance, the University provided crucial resources – from travel grants to library access and specialised research courses.
Building Tomorrow's Educators
The CUHK postgraduate programme included comprehensive preparation for academic careers. “During my postgraduate studies, we had workshops to learn how to teach,” Dr. Choi notes. The programme's holistic approach encompassed everything from in-person teaching workshops to online ethics training and advanced research methodology. “In our postgraduate programme, we weren’t focusing on content knowledge, but on research knowledge. So it became about how to design the study, how to conduct analysis so that we’d learn advanced research or analytical methods.”
Dr. Choi participated in a sports education workshop conducted by Professor Tristan Wallhead
Today, as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Choi implements the same principles of academic freedom he experienced at CUHK. “My supervisor gave me a lot of autonomy. So I was able to design and plan my research using the methods or analysis techniques I had learned before,” he shares.
A particular highlight of his international learning experience was collaborating with a visiting expert on the Sport Education model. Even when faced with the challenges of COVID-19 shutdowns affecting sports venues and data collection, Dr. Choi adapted his research approach and completed his thesis with existing data.
Charting Your Path in Physical Education
For those considering CUHK graduate programmes in Physical Education and Sports Science, Dr. Choi offers wisdom gained from his journey through the Hong Kong postgraduate studies landscape. The key? Crystal-clear vision and purposeful planning. “During my MPhil and PhD studies, I had a clear sense of direction – I knew I wanted to pursue research. It’s important to have a strong understanding of what you want to do from the beginning,” he emphasises.
“Research is a path to be a university teacher in a way,” he explains, highlighting how the CUHK research opportunities can open doors to university-level teaching careers. His experience demonstrates how pursuing advanced education at CUHK can transform a passion for physical education and sports science into a rewarding academic career, offering aspiring educators multiple pathways to achieve their goals.
