National Chung Cheng University recently announced the recipients of the 2026 Excellent Teaching Performance Award, recognizing five outstanding faculty members: Yun-Jo Lin, an associate professor in the Department of History; Hsin-Chih Tung pukiringan·palivuljung, an assistant professor in the Graduate Institute of Taiwan Literature and Innovation (jointly appointed with the Center for General Education); Ken Fujiwara, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology; Hsiang-Chen Wang, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering; and Ching Hung, an assistant professor in the Bachelor Program in Interdisciplinary Studies. Hailing from diverse fields across the humanities, social sciences, education, and engineering, these award-winning educators demonstrated exceptional teaching outcomes and a profound passion for education. Through innovative course designs, interdisciplinary implementations, English-Medium Instruction (EMI), and the fostering of student self-directed learning, they injected vibrant energy into the university's academic environment.

Yun-Jo Lin, an associate professor in the Department of History, believed that the core of history education lies not only in transmitting knowledge but also in cultivating students' critical thinking skills and historical perspectives. She integrated digital humanities tools and historical research methods into her curriculum, guiding students to utilize digital databases to explore new frontiers in historical research. By incorporating the concept of public history, she encouraged students to showcase their learning outcomes through diverse formats, including drama, live-action demonstrations, video production, and cultural and creative design. This approach successfully connected historical knowledge with contemporary society, expanding the depth and breadth of students' global understanding.

Hsin-Chih Tung pukiringan·palivuljung, an assistant professor in the Graduate Institute of Taiwan Literature and Innovation (jointly appointed with the Center for General Education), approached teaching from the Paiwan perspective of "acquiring wisdom" (kica’uwan). He transformed the Indigenous knowledge system into university course content, leading students from cultural understanding to cultural practice. With cross-cultural education at the core, he deepened learning experiences through off-campus instruction, museum visits, and tribal craft workshops, guiding students to appreciate the value of diverse cultures. Under his guidance, student teams achieved excellent results in multiple national competitions, and his long-term dedication to promoting Indigenous cultural education earned him recognition as a National Outstanding Indigenous Youth.

Ken Fujiwara, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, upheld the teaching philosophy of "leading by example." He expected students to maintain an honest attitude toward science, remain curious about research, and stay positive and optimistic when facing challenges. He actively promoted English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and obtained international professional certification, enhancing students' international communication and academic articulation skills. In terms of course design, he utilized digital tools to optimize progress management for thematic research and employed a quantified speaking mechanism to foster classroom participation and independent thinking. Furthermore, he encouraged students to present their research findings at international academic conferences to broaden their academic horizons.

Hsiang-Chen Wang, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, centered his teaching philosophy on "connecting theory with practice, flipping the classroom, and holistic education," dedicating himself to cultivating students' professional abilities and a strong sense of social responsibility. He integrated real-world industry cases into his course design and promoted project-based learning, encouraging students to shift from passive learning to proactive proposing and problem-solving. Through co-teaching, corporate visits, and industry-academia collaborations, he assisted students in aligning with industry practices. Under his leadership, student teams won awards in various practical competitions and secured numerous patents, demonstrating outstanding practical and innovative capabilities.

Ching Hung, an assistant professor in the Bachelor Program in Interdisciplinary Studies, focused on cultivating cross-disciplinary understanding and structured thinking skills in the AI era. He introduced a graduate-level seminar discussion model into undergraduate courses to encourage self-directed learning and deep critical thinking. Using mechanism design as the core of his teaching innovation, he fostered independent thinking and expressive abilities through pre-class questioning, unscripted guided readings, and classroom discussions. Concurrently, he supported students in exploring their interests and career directions through in-depth interviews, learning companionship, and club participation, helping to establish a comprehensive learning and career support network.

National Chung Cheng University stated that the Excellent Teaching Performance Award aims to recognize educators who have long been dedicated to teaching innovation, care about student learning and growth, and demonstrate outstanding achievements in course design and teaching practices. The current awardees come from various academic disciplines, showcasing diverse teaching characteristics and rich educational outcomes. They not only deepen students' professional knowledge but also cultivate essential skills in cross-disciplinary thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning.

To underscore the importance of high-quality teaching, the university presented the 2026 Excellent Teaching Performance Award at the 155th university council on June 8, 2026. President Shaw-Jenq Tsai personally presented the awards to publicly commend the five professors for their exceptional performance and contributions to teaching practices. Chung Cheng University will continue to encourage educators to refine their teaching quality through rewards, professional development, and support mechanisms for teaching innovation. Together, the university aims to sustain a high-quality educational environment centered on student learning, fulfilling its mission of cultivating talent and creating knowledge.