Past Events
Dec 3, 2024
Compassionate Systems HK Learning Community : Uncover Assumptions & Discover Leverage Points
CEL organized the workshop themed “Uncover Assumptions & Discover Leverage Points”. This workshop delved into the "Systems" aspect of "Compassionate Systems," introducing participants to two core tools: the Ladder of Inference and the Systems Thinking Iceberg. Participants gained hands-on experience with these tools, learned through examples of their application in primary and secondary school environments with both students and adults, and discovered methods for integrating them into their own communities for academic and well-being benefits.
Jul 17, 2024
“Cultivating Conditions for Innovation in Education” Sharing by CEL Team
CEL led a 3-hr session in the “Middle Leaders as Edupreneurs and Innovators” module for the Master of Arts in Leading Innovative Learning Organizations (LILO) at the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK).
Three experiential activities were designed for LILO students to reflect on the individual mindsets and group conditions that support innovation:
(1) A Check-In Practice – to establish a safe and brave space where connection and innovation can thrive;
(2) A Toy Dissection Game – to embrace a systems thinking and making thinking visible mindset while seeking for innovation opportunities
(3) Types of Teacher Dialogue Exercise – to reflect on ways to engage in a more inquiry-based dialogue for collaborative inquiry and collective impact.
Jun 14, 2024
Principal Roundtable Convening
In this Principal Roundtable convening, school leaders from our Partner Schools shared notable recent developments and discussed strategic updates on CEL’s key initiatives. The session featured reflections on the recent Compassionate Systems training, a forward-looking discussion to envision the next phase of the EIE project, and an exploration of collaborative opportunities in GenAI and digital innovation.
Nov 23, 2024
Making Thinking Visible Workshop #1
(【讓思考可視化 工作坊一】Making Thinking Visible 101 導論：如何培養學生思考能力？)
In the introductory "Making Thinking Visible (MTV) 101" workshop, CEL and Flipped Education Hong Kong (FlipEduHK) collaborated to demonstrate how Hong Kong educators can cultivate students' core thinking skills—critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving—through the application of Project Zero thinking routines. This session established a foundation for subsequent MTV workshops by presenting key MTV principles and tools. It highlighted diverse examples from frontline teachers who shared their experiences applying thinking routines in both classroom settings and staff professional development sessions.
Nov 27, 2024
Principal Roundtable
School leaders from our Partner Schools gathered for their final roundtable of the year to share key learnings from recent innovations, including cross-school study trips and new initiatives in global classrooms, values education, and interdisciplinary learning. The convening also featured an interactive virtual workshop with Ms. Maggie Lin of Twin Oaks Education on integrating Project-Based Learning with Making Thinking Visible. Leaders received strategic updates on CEL's growing initiatives, including the expansion of Cultures of Thinking practices through the EIE Alliance and the launch of the Compassionate Systems Community of Practice to support schools in embedding the framework.
Jun 23, 2024
Once Upon a Time in HKDSE (《公開試當真》) Movie Viewing and Dinner Discussion
In partnership with Youth Global Network (YGN), CEL invited education leaders to a special charity premiere of the documentary, “Once Upon a Time in HKDSE.” The film provided a poignant look into the intense pressures of the public examination system by chronicling one student's challenging journey, serving as a powerful catalyst for conversation.
Following the screening and a sharing session with the film's director, CEL and YGN convened a group of education leaders for an invitation-only dinner discussion. Joined by the three co-founders of YGN, the dinner created an intimate space for a deeper dialogue on the film's themes and for brainstorming practical ways to extend this critical awareness about student well-being to the wider education community.
Apr 19, 2024
Li Po Chun United World College Visit
In collaboration with Li Po Chun United World College (LPCUWC), this school visit provided CEL-affiliated educators with an immersive experience of the college's unique approach. Participants observed classes, engaged with students from diverse backgrounds, and toured the campus. They gained insights into LPCUWC's innovative program, which emphasizes education outside the classroom through cultural, action, and service-related activities. This visit served as a first step towards potential collaboration between LPCUWC and CEL network schools.
Founded in 1992, LPCUWC is part of the United World Colleges movement, promoting peace and sustainability through education. The college empowers students to become global citizens and changemakers.
Feb 28, 2024
EIE Alliance (EIEA) Learning Community
The community-driven EIE Alliance (EIEA) Learning Community event aimed to strengthen diverse school connections and continue the cross-pollination of ideas for inquiry-driven innovation within the EIE community. EIE fellows, who had participated in cross-school study groups, co-led the event alongside the CEL team, sharing insights gained from exploring and implementing the concepts of Making Thinking Visible (MTV) and Global Competence (GC) within their respective school environments.
Participants engaged in activities such as sharing artifacts to convey their personal experiences of connecting with the broader world and participating in collaborative discussions on student work to deepen their understanding of MTV. The event also served as a platform for EIEA schools to share and discuss the ongoing implementation of EIE learnings, and to brainstorm future directions for integrating MTV and GC into current practices to nurture a thoughtful learning environment.
Feb 22, 2024
Principal Roundtable Convening
In this Principal Roundtable convening with school leaders from our eight Partner Schools, we shared the notable developments of each school and discussed the latest updates of CEL’s initiatives. Additionally, schools that took part in Project Zero’s “Cultures of Thinking in Action'' online course (Oct - Nov 2023) shared about their learnings from the course, which CoT mindsets they will further deep dive on and actions they plan to take.
Nov 20, 2024
“Why should Systems Change be Compassionate?” – Exploration with Dr. Mette Boell
CEL convened a select group of senior leaders from foundations, NGOs, and schools for an exclusive exploration with Dr. Mette Boell, Co-founder of Compassionate Systems, to delve into the critical question: "Why should systems change be compassionate?" Drawing on her interdisciplinary background, Dr. Boell explained why many change efforts fail, arguing that true transformation requires attending to the inner workings of human beings. She made a compelling case for a broader societal shift that places the well-being of children and the planet at the center of change initiatives, challenging leaders to adopt collaborative approaches to address the complex crises of our time.
Nov 19, 2024
The Failures of Well-being & The Power of Generative Social Fields with Dr. Mette Boell
CEL invited well-being expert Dr. Mette Boell (Research Director at MIT Systems Awareness Lab and Co-founder of Compassionate Systems) to Diocesan Boys' School Primary Division for a talk on “The Failures of Well-being & the Power of Generative Social Field.” The event explored four well-being failures: distractibility, loneliness, negative self-talk & depression, and loss of meaning & purpose in life.
Nov 11-15, 2024
CEL visit at Dulwich College in Singapore
CEL visited Dulwich College Singapore in November and saw how Compassionate Systems shapes their teaching across all levels—from preschoolers expressing emotions to IB students analyzing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion policies.
Oct 31, 2024
Compassionate Systems “Connection before Content” Learning Community
CEL organized a workshop themed <Compassionate Systems HK Learning Community: Connection before Content>. The workshop mainly focuses on Check-in and Wheel of Emotions, two important Compassionate Systems tools. CEL invited educators to share their experience and stories of practice. The workshop aimed to inspire the participants to explore ways to try them out with your community.
Oct 7, 2024
Compassionate Systems Community of Practice (CoP): Kick-off Convening
To officially launch the year-long Compassionate Systems Community of Practice (CoP), CEL convened educator teams from the eight participating primary and secondary schools for a full-day kick-off event. Held in a retreat-like setting on Lantau Island, the convening was designed to allow participants to disconnect from their daily routines and build a strong foundation for their collaborative journey of deep learning, practice, and mutual support.
The highly experiential day was structured around the four domains of the Systems Awareness Mandala. Through a blend of contemplative practices, collaborative games, and an outdoor challenge, participants explored core concepts such as "cultivating growth versus driving change" and the Creative Tension between their vision and current reality. The convening culminated in dedicated planning time for each school team to map out their first innovation cycle, establishing a strong sense of commitment and shared purpose for the journey ahead.
May 15-17, 2024
Compassionate Systems Introductory Training in HK
The Center for Systems Awareness, in collaboration with CEL, hosted its largest workshop to date in Hong Kong, bringing together over 200 educators from Hong Kong and around Asia. This hands-on workshop introduced participants to the "Compassionate Systems Framework," which integrates tools and concepts from living systems dynamics, organizational learning, contemplative traditions, and social and emotional learning.
The Foundations I - Introduction to Compassionate Systems Framework workshop aims to develop leaders to foster collaboration and promote compassionate systemic change across various structures. Serving as a strong foundation for cultivating a community of compassionate systems practitioners in Hong Kong, this workshop supports the necessary transformations in schools and education systems to ensure their relevance for today's students and society.
Apr 27, 2024
“Envisioning Innovation in Education” (EIE) Forum
The “Envisioning Innovation in Education” (EIE) Forum brought together 100+ educators and stakeholders for an immersive experience showcasing the outcomes of the 3-year EIE project. The “Envisioning Innovation in Education—Hong Kong” book was introduced by the Project Zero team, who shared snippets of the picture of practices and lessons learned that was captured in the book.
EIE Forum also facilitated a deep dive into experiential learning practices across three phases of the EIE project: Envision, Inquire, and Innovate. Each phase offered participatory activities such as dissecting a toy to encourage system thinking, the “10-cent Design Challenge” to explore documentation in learning, and sharing transformative educational stories to illustrate practical applications of inquiry-driven innovation. This culminated in a panel discussion that emphasized the integration of thinking routines and the importance of narrative in the education field, inspiring participants to consider adapting these innovative approaches in their own teaching contexts.
Apr 24, 2024
“Envisioning Innovation in Education” (EIE) Workshop 2:
“How Might We Foster Students’ Thinking Skills for Deeper Learning?”
In the 3 years of the EIE project, participants were exposed to non-traditional and enjoyable approaches to professional development. These experiences have not only facilitated personal growth for educators, but also informed their teaching and learning practices, deepening their understanding of students and emphasizing the belief that “Teachers are also Learners”.
At this workshop, participants reflected on the “Four Types of Teacher Dialogue” in their context, recognizing the value of inquiry-based talk in the education field. Following this, participants experienced the power of collaborative inquiry with colleagues by engaging in the activity of “Looking at Student Work together”, which highlights the importance of understanding student’s thinking through careful observation and considering different perspectives. EIE Alumni, including Ms. Caroline Li from Marymount Secondary School, Ms. Virginia Wong from St. Francis of Assisi’s College, and Mr. Daniel Ng from HKCCCU Logos Academy, shared their experience in facilitating study groups and learning communities to co-learn with their colleagues.
Apr 23, 2024
“Envisioning Innovation in Education” (EIE) Workshop 1: “How Might We Foster Students’ Thinking Skills for Deeper Learning?”
Making Thinking Visible (MTV) was one of the most popular concepts that EIE schools have adopted for innovation, using thinking routines to foster students as deeper thinkers & self-directed learners. At this workshop, participants experienced the power of thinking routines by using the “See-Think-Wonder” tool to examine the Hong Kong MTR Map. This process uncovered details, sparked rich discussion, and inspired participants to try out thinking routines with students and colleagues. Following this, participants reflected on the 10 mindsets for fostering Cultures of Thinking (CoT). This PZ framework advocates that we should not only nurture students’ thinking skills, but also create environments conducive to deeper thinking. EIE Alumni, including Mr. Fan Tsun Long from St. Francis of Assisi’s College, Mr. Stanley Mak from Marymount Secondary School, as well as Mr. Chris Ho and Mr. Marco Wong from Fanling Kau Yan College, shared their stories of how they have integrated MTV and CoT into their practices with students and colleagues.
Mar 23, 2024
Cultivating Leadership in Education (CLE): “F5” Convening
The "F5" Convening, symbolizing a refresh of the status quo, brought together Shapers to reflect, share insights, and plan for the future. Facilitated by John Kim from Harvard Business School (HBS), the convening featured an HBS case discussion on performance-driven work, an open consultation session supporting Neurodiversity Association HK, and discussions on collaborating with non-education leaders. Shapers addressed strategic questions in areas such as leadership, innovation, student development, and engagement with the wider education system.
As the first year of CLE initiative concluded, the Program Team presented their vision for the future, including the formation of Shaper-led organizing committees. This sparked further discussions among Shapers regarding CLE's next steps. The convening concluded with a wrap-up session and a dinner gathering, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among Shapers.
Mar 22, 2024
Cultivating Leadership in Education (CLE): Consultation with Prof. John Kim
Prof. John Kim from Harvard Business School generously offered consultation sessions for Shapers of the CLE initiative. These sessions were designed for Shapers to further develop their Action Circle pursuits or address personal leadership challenges related to systemic issues in Hong Kong's education landscape. Rather than providing direct answers, Prof. Kim facilitated discussions to help Shapers identify the right questions and explore effective strategies for driving positive change in education.
Jan 31, 2024
Cultivating Leadership in Education (CLE): Chinese International School Visit
In collaboration with Chinese International School (CIS), this school visit offered Shapers and their companions an inside look at CIS's pioneering "Visible Well-Being" approach, witnessing how they skillfully embed resilience, self-understanding, and relationship-building into all aspects of school life. We toured the campus, interacted with students, and had an insightful dialogue with the leadership team to unpacked CIS's innovative educational model.
Founded in 1983 as a small "East meets West" international school in Hong Kong, CIS has grown to a community of 1,500 students. CIS empowers students to pursue excellence, service, and stewardship, supported by passionate educators and a global alumni network.
Jul 5, 2024
Compassionate Systems HK Reunion Event
Following the three-day introductory training in May, CEL convened a reunion for participants to deepen their connections and learnings. The event provided a dedicated space for practitioners to reconnect, reflect on their key takeaways, and share stories of how they have begun to integrate Compassionate Systems into their personal and professional lives.
Through guided journaling, small-group dialogues, and an exploration of the Systems Awareness Mandala, participants collectively reflected on their journey and identified aspirations for the future. The reunion concluded with a collaborative brainstorming session to shape the future development of the Compassionate Systems community in Hong Kong, reinforcing the network of support among local educators.
May 18, 2024
Compassionate System HK: Half-day Forum
Following the Foundations I workshop, the Center for Systems Awareness and CEL hosted a half-day forum to address the growing youth mental health crisis in Hong Kong. The forum provided a space for participants working in youth-related fields to check in more deeply with themselves, connect with others, and explore ways to cultivate well-being on individual and systemic levels.
Leveraging Compassionate Systems tools, the forum encouraged participants to delve into their own well-being and collaborate to develop strategies for fostering resilience and promoting mental health among youth and their supporters. The event aimed to create a supportive network of professionals committed to addressing the youth mental health crisis through a compassionate and systemic approach, while also helping participants avoid burnout in their crucial work.
Jan 16, 2024
Compassionate Systems HK Learning Community: HK Stories of Learning & Practice
In recent years, many HK educators have embarked on their Compassionate Systems learning & practice journey on individual, classroom & school levels. In this Learning Community session, a diverse group of educators from HKMA David Li Kwok Po College, Marymount Secondary School & St. Stephen's Girls' College shared their stories on how they are taking Compassionate Systems into practice since taking part in the Introductory Training last October. Details about the first-ever Introduction to Compassionate Systems Training in HK in May 2024 was also discussed.