Welcome Page Biography Resume and CV Multimedia Work Samples


Mr. Roy Y. Chan chats with William P. Leahy, President of Boston College

Perspectives on U.S. Higher Education

As I meet new students at Boston College, I often hear a variation of students’ desire to change the world after college: “I want to be doctor (like Dr. George Huntington) and to combat Huntington’s disease.” “I want to be a nurse (like Margaret Sanger) and to provide access to birth control in Sub-Saharan Africa.” Although these are wonderful goals students should develop while in college, I believe that undergraduate students must spend more time trying to be like Dr. Huntington or Mrs. Sanger instead of wanting to do like Dr. Huntington or Mrs. Sanger.

Ever since freshman year, I have always believed that colleges and universities have the capacity to change each student in both small and big ways. My prior educational experiences, while at the University of California at Irvine and the University of Hong Kong, have contributed to the shaping of my understanding on the importance of social justice and inclusion at both American and Chinese higher education institutions. Unfortunately, due to the on-going tension between marketization and academization in higher education, I believe that many colleges and universities worldwide have now become an engine of inequality, often skewed into unrealistic goals and frequently misinterpreted as a singular act or event. What is more reluctant, however, is the stigma of mediocrity and sub-par expectations that higher education has created for marginalized working-class and poor families.

Instead of accepting Darwinian exercise of the "survival of the fittest", I believe that many higher education institutions have overlooked the importance of holding students accountable for their own learning and their own success, particularly those in developing nations. To enumerate, I believe that higher education providers in third world countries (e.g., Cambodia, Ecuador, Ghana) have failed to prepare students to compete for the global knowledge-based economy. I believe that leaders of higher education must establish innovative policies and programs that would improve the life chances of young people in marginalized communities. Reality dictates that these differences will never be entirely accommodated and that a perfect equality is difficult, if not impossible. However, I believe that raising the bar of expectation within college learning while providing the means to clear that bar, is not out of the question but an entirely reasonable goal.

Professor Nicholas Wolterstorff of Yale University once stated: “Higher education institutions must not just teach about justice – though we must; I mean we must teach for justice. The graduates whom we seek to produce must be one who practices justice” (p. 24). Consequently, I believe that if I want to enact change in the field of international higher education, I must be equipped; I must grow; I must learn how to change it. The change that I might incur with this perspective is minute, or perhaps microscopic, likely to go entirely unnoticed. However, I believe that the change I might incur to a student who realizes his/her full potential in college is something I believe is worth investing as an educator or scholar. 

This I believe – is good enough to say that I want to be a change in the world. To change the world requires knowledge, skills, and dedication, which is why my current school motto of Boston College is Ever to Excel. 

 
Mr. Roy Chan stands next with Vice-Chancellor and Professor Lap-chee TSUI, President of The University of Hong Kong.

My Philosophy Statement
be Industriousness and be Enthusiastic!

Higher Education provides an opportunity to experience the richest expressions of both mind and soul. It is capable of communicating the most profound thoughts and deepest emotions, granting access to the essence of what makes us human.  It is essential that I be given an opportunity to experience this enrichment, regardless of socioeconomic status, background, or any other factors of the past. Priority must be given to not only preserving and encouraging my education, but also maintaining a consistent level of excellence within  education programs at all levels. Furthermore, education must always serve as a means to an end, the end being enriching and empowering others to succeed in life. I have a wonderful privilege and responsibility in going to class everyday, and I hope to utilize every minute of that throughout my post-secondary experience.

Wooden_Pyramid-2[1]

This is how I live out my life.

"Success is the peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

 ~ John R. Wooden, 10 time NCAA World Championship as UCLA head coach


=

My Teaching Evaluations at UCI - University Studies 2

Fall Quarter 2008: Click Here

Winter Quarter 2009: Click Here

Complied by UCI Electronic Educational Environment(EEE).

My Resident Assistant (RA) Evaluations at Boston College

Fall Semester 2013: Click Here

Students Comments and Testimonies about Roy Chan

"Mr. Chan is able to demonstrate to the class what is needed in college. He is also a fun person and very enjoyable. He loves the things he does. He is really passionate about the things he teaches."

"He is very friendly and outgoing and really interested in you as a person. He has a planned schedule of what to do during the discussion time, and is willing to mix it up or do something else if the students feel the time would be better used doing something else."

"I like how he wanted to create a connection for everyone by doing icebreakers everyday."

"Mr. Chan is extremely personable and tries hard to make class interesting, in contrast with some of the lectures. He is also very intelligent and well spoken and I hoped that discussion would be a bit longer so that the students could get to know him more. He is very engaging as well and keeps the student's attention."

"He was good at sending out emails and responding to them. It was very easy to communicate with him. He knew the course material well, knew all of the students, and was friendly."

"Fair grader, made the class exciting by playing games while incorporating information."

"He was helpful and communicates well with students."

"Was always talkative and asked how I was doing - actually cared what the answers was."

"Very friendly, explains information really well."

"You are so upbeat and positive."

"Easily accessible and responsive to questions."

"I love running into you on campus. You have such a great attitude and outlook on life."

"Very enthusiastic and friendly to students."

"Very nice person. Great Guy!"

"Roy! You're always so full of life. I love being around with you."

"You are funy and silly."

"You're the man, Roy!"

"You are sucha kind person and always have a warm smile on your face."

"He's funny!"

"I really enjoy Roy's initiation and optimism."

"You are so outgoing! That is awesome!"

"I like your positive attitude in life...it is very refreshing!"

"Roy...you are amazing, keepy up the good work."

"Roy! I like your website!!"

"Roy's dedication to the study of ideas and the ideals of liberal arts forms an excellent foundation for whatever he plans to do in the future. He obviously have the talent and determination to make a success of whatever the future holds for you. Roy and his family should be very proud of the academic record he have completed here at UC Irvine."  ~ Dr. Judy Shoemaker, Director of Division of Undergraduate Education Assessment and Research Studies


Perspectives on Teaching English Internationally

1) International Teaching Employment

2) Evaluating An Overseas Opportunity

3) What Is A Teaching Method

4) Building Trust In A Foreign Language Classroom

5) Communicative Acitivities And Games For Learning


Welcome Page
Biography
Resume and CV
Multimedia
Work Samples
Contact Me
News
Credentials
Perspectives
Sponsors
Philanthropy for America
  
Site Map