Teaching Innovation and Enhancement
- Bridging the Learning–Practice Gap and Strengthening Practical Competencies
To address the gap between academic learning and practical application, department-level industry orientation courses were offered to first-year students, with approximately 77% of all departments participating. From the sophomore to senior years, 30 industry-aligned courses were implemented, featuring lectures by industry professionals and corporate visits, engaging a total of 1,666 enrollments.During Academic Years 2023–2024, a total of 203 internship courses, including Industry–Academia Exchange and Industry Internship, were offered. The Summer Practical Learning Experience Program for University Students reached a record high in 2024 with 145 participating cases, the highest in the program’s history. Participation increased from 269 students (2023) to 271 students (2024), reflecting strong endorsement and support from faculty and students.
- Strengthening Self-Directed and Interdisciplinary Learning
A new initiative—the University Student Independent Learning Special Project Course—was launched, allowing third-year and above undergraduate students to propose individualized learning goals; five courses were implemented. Between 2023 and 2024, a total of nine inter-university general education MOOC courses were recognized for credit, with 666 enrollments. A total of 14 course clusters were offered across Academic Years 2023–2024, involving approximately 3,378 students.A newly introduced dual-instructor co-teaching model engaged eight faculty members and 70 students in 2024.
- Cultivating Digital and Bilingual Competencies
A cross-university digital teaching faculty community consisting of 16 instructors was established. Across Academic Years 2023–2024, a total of 17 digital-themed workshops were organized, with 265 teacher participants. In 2023, 40 teams (98 students) from the university participated in the Ocean Cup Programming Competition. In 2024, students earned second place and honorable mention awards in the National Collegiate Smart Innovation and Interdisciplinary Integration Competition. School-wide English competitions attracted 100 participants in 2023 and 164 participants by July 2024. The university supported faculty participation in the British Council Cambridge EMI Teacher Certification Course, with 33 teachers completing certification. In addition, 17 bilingual teaching workshops were organized, 13 EMI courses were paired with international student teaching assistants, and three EMI academic learning community projects received subsidy support.
- Improving Teaching Quality and Instructor Support
The number of faculty learning communities increased by 47.6% in Academic Years 2023–2024 compared with 2022. A total of 147 classroom observation sessions were conducted, and the number of observing instructors increased significantly by 209 participants. By 2024, 230 units of digital teaching materials had been developed through incentive programs.
Twenty faculty members received awards for adopting open-licensed textbooks during Academic Years 2023–2024. In 2024, the university received the Taiwan Open Education Excellence Award – Open Education Digital Teaching Resources Utilization (School Category).
The Distance Learning Course Incentive Guidelines were established, supporting course digitalization in three phases and encouraging faculty to redesign instructional content for online delivery. Distance learning courses increased from zero to eight between 2023 and 2024.
University-developed MOOC courses have received Excellent and Superior honors in the Open Education Outstanding Course Award for three consecutive years, affirming the high quality of course content.
Fulfilling Social Responsibility
- Deepening Teaching Practice and Social Engagement (USR)
In 2023, 32 faculty members participating in social practice initiatives received flexible compensation totaling NT$5.88 million. The university received the Grand Prize and two Model Awards in the 2023 Global Views USR Awards and a Model Award in the 2024 Global Views USR Awards.
- Strengthening Resource Sharing
Four teacher communities connecting high schools and universities were established, organizing 12 workshops with a total of 962 participants. University students conducted 56 tutoring sessions for disadvantaged local high school students.
The university also implemented marine science popularization training programs, with 665 participants in the introductory level and 171 participants in the advanced level.
Industry–Academia Collaboration
- Cultivating Key Talent in National Strategic Fields
In 2023, 29 teachers and students completed the Intelligent Maritime Professional Talent Training Program and obtained the HEPTA-Sat international certificate. In 2024, the Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite Communication Simulation Course and ROV Underwater Unmanned Vehicle Practical Course were offered, with 27 participants completing the satellite simulation program.A total of 51 participants received certification through the Carbon Inventory Workshop and the Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Carbon Neutrality Skills Training Program.For two consecutive years, the university’s candidates for the Class 1 Deck Officer and Class 1 Engineering Officer Examinations achieved pass rates significantly higher than the national average.To encourage student development in sustainability, 27 students received subsidies in 2024 to participate in workshops on green energy, SDGs, ESG, and carbon sequestration, totaling NT$192,950.
- Partnering with Industry to Advance Innovation and Sustainability
The university signed an Industry–Academia Collaboration MOU on “Sustainable Ocean and Circular Resources” with Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn). In addition, the university collaborated with the National Land Management Agency and CECI Engineering Consultants to participate in the 2024 Ministry of the Interior Hackathon, winning the Gold Award.Between 2021 and 2023, the number of faculty members involved in industry–academia projects exceeding NT$10 million increased by 1.22 times, while the number of such projects increased by 1.92 times.In 2023, the university implemented a Class B Seafarer Training Program, in which 18 trainees completed 292 hours of academic and practical training and obtained Class B certification.
Enhancing the Public Value of Higher Education
- Strengthening Student Support and Counseling
The Subsidy Program for Underprivileged Students has raised a total of NT$16.16 million to date. Between 2023 and 2024, 233 digital learning support projects for underprivileged students were carried out; 66.6% of participants reported reduced part-time work hours and improved learning outcomes.A new Academic Progress Incentive Program was introduced in 2023, benefiting 64 students. Among them, 85.4% used the subsidy to cover living expenses and 66% used it to acquire new skills or enhance language proficiency.The number of indigenous students increased by 1.19% in the 2024 academic year. Between 2023 and 2024, 55 indigenous cultural activities were held, involving 871 participants.
- Promoting Gender Equality
Launched in 2023, the Women in Marine Technology Inspiration and Talent Development Program produced a 10-episode podcast series reaching the global Chinese-speaking community, garnering approximately 5,000 listens and 50,000 views of the accompanying online text. The university also hosted the 2024 Women Seafarers Forum.
Internationalization – Administrative Support System
- Enhancing International Human Resources and Administrative Services
The Office of International Affairs improved its website structure and translated key regulations and documents to enhance access and comprehension for international students and faculty. Two English-language introductory videos were produced to help incoming students familiarize themselves with university resources before enrollment.
- Creating an International-Friendly Campus Environment
Four support systems were established to assist international students from admission to graduation, increasing the new student data collection rate to over 70% and reducing data processing time by 85%, thereby shortening students’ adaptation period. Paper-based procedures for event registration were reduced by over 90%.A dedicated online section for international faculty and researchers was created, and enhanced guidance is provided to support international students seeking employment in Taiwan after graduation.
***Project Highlights***
1. https://ctl.ntou.edu.tw/p/412-1105-13336.php
2. https://ctl.ntou.edu.tw/p/412-1105-13337.php
3. https://ctl.ntou.edu.tw/p/412-1105-13338.php
4. https://ctl.ntou.edu.tw/p/412-1105-13339.php