Dr Alex Lam

Diocesan Boys’ School Primary Division

I am deeply honoured to receive the “Best Mentor” award from the Faculty of Education at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the importance of giving back to the new generation of teachers. As an English language teacher, I’ve always believed that our success is measured not only by our ability to help our students master the English language, but also to inspire and guide future educators, as my mentors did for me.
I saw the opportunity to mentor a student teacher during his teaching practicum as a chance to share the wisdom and support I had received from my previous teachers. From the very beginning, I was committed to providing comprehensive guidance, ensuring that he had the tools and confidence needed to excel in his role.
Our journey began with lesson planning and goal-setting, the start of any kind of effective teaching. Together, we carefully crafted lesson plans, focusing on clear lesson objectives. I emphasised the importance of setting clear lesson goals, designing interactive activities, and anticipating potential challenges. By breaking down each lesson into manageable segments, we ensured that every class had a clear direction and purpose.
The transition from planning to execution is often the most challenging phase for new teachers. To ease this transition, I encouraged him to observe my lessons closely. We discussed various teaching strategies and classroom management techniques. By modelling these practices, I tried to demonstrate that effective teaching is a dynamic blend of preparation, improvisation, and flexibility to students’ needs.
Mentorship goes beyond professional guidance. It is about building a supportive and trusting relationship. I tried hard to create an open and safe space for him to express his concerns, ask questions, and share his experiences. By fostering mutual respect, we were able to navigate the challenges of the practicum together. It was heartening to see him grow not only as a teacher but also as an individual, ready to face the complexities of the classroom with resilience and enthusiasm.
Receiving this award has made me reflect on the broader impact of mentorship. It is a reminder that our effort as mentors has a ripple effect, influencing the mentee and the countless students that they will go on to teach. It is a privilege to play a part in shaping the future of education, one student teacher at a time.
To conclude, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to CUHK for this recognition, especially to Prof. Arthur Tsang for the mentoring opportunities, and all the administration staff involved in making this a successful case of mentoring. It reinforces my belief in mentorship and its transformative power. To all the aspiring mentors out there, I encourage you to embrace this role with passion and dedication. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Thank you.