How does ISA Liwan help students transition smoothly into international courses? How do our teachers guide students to boost their confidence, open up, and take charge of their learning? This Transition Camp carefully planned and implemented a comprehensive, multi-level transitional international curriculum that covers core learning subjects and methods, using heuristic and inquiry-based teaching methods to spark students’ curiosity and thirst for knowledge, and helping them warm up to the opportunities and challenges of international education.
In the University Guidance course, teachers guided students to reflect on the importance of college counseling and its connection to high school life, encouraging them to write down their target universities. The teachers then introduced the overall planning of high school studies, the key focuses for different grade levels, and the tasks that need to be completed. Through group discussions, students delved into the factors needed for university applications, gradually forming a clear concept for their future academic planning.
In the Speech and Debate class, our teachers used a series of profound topics to guide students in their thinking and simulated impromptu public speaking activities in real-life scenarios, enabling students to gradually learn how to express their viewpoints clearly and accurately and effectively persuade others. They were divided into groups to prepare proposals and engaged in a heated debate on how to spend $5 million to improve facilities in the Liwan District. Ultimately, one group stood out with their creative and well-thought-out library renovation proposal, earning the recognition and applause of the entire class. The activity setting not only honed students’ critical thinking and teamwork skills but also sparked their concern and enthusiasm for community development.
For students who were less fluent and confident in English, ISA Liwan's English teachers designed fun and enriching English speaking and memory games in the speech and debate class to develop their speaking skills and confidence. The students applied the IB Learner Profile goal of "critical thinking" learned in daily homeroom classes and practiced how to express agreement and disagreement fluently, providing reasons and examples to support their opinions.
The introductory course on Econimics & Business Management gave students a preliminary understanding of basic business concepts and ways to add value. Through a combination of group discussions and video learning, students explored the mechanisms of business operations and the factors of success. This course not only broadened students' horizons but also provided inspiration and support for their future career planning.
To address the language proficiency required for studying abroad, the Transition Camp offered specialized English learning courses, including test-taking strategies analysis, pronunciation training, vocabulary training, and signal word techniques, aimed at helping students understand and adapt to exam requirements in advance, enhancing their test-taking skills, and providing strong support for improving their English proficiency.
Improving students' academic research skills has always been one of the key goals pursued by ISA Liwan’s teaching team. However, mastery is not achieved in a day; improvement requires a sufficiently professional and patient teaching team.
In the Academic Writing class at the ISA Liwan Transition Camp, teachers guided students step by step to explore what academic writing entails. Starting with a comparison of news articles and television advertisements, considering their specific audience, tone, and purpose, students deeply experienced the various stages of the academic writing process, packed with useful information, leaving them thoroughly satisfied!
