Highlights from Kangqiao Campus
Concept-Based Teaching: Shifting from Knowledge Transfer to Deep Understanding
Supervising Principal Alex Shen led a session on Concept-Based Teaching for PS and HS expatriate teachers, focusing on moving beyond knowledge transmission to fostering conceptual connections and cross-disciplinary thinking. Participants explored:
How to design inquiry-based lessons that encourage critical thinking.
Framing learning objectives around big ideas to deepen understanding.
Applying conceptual knowledge in varied contexts to enhance student engagement.
"This session reshaped my approach to teaching. Its not just about delivering content but about helping students build cognitive frameworks that enhance their ability to learn and apply knowledge."
Subject-Specific Training: Enhancing Teaching Practices
Primary and middle school teachers participated in subject-specific workshops in Chinese, Math, English, and Comprehensive Subjects (Music, PE, Art), guided by experienced curriculum experts. Key focus areas included:
Refining learning objectives to maximize lesson effectiveness.
Developing structured unit-based instruction to ensure coherent learning progressions.
Implementing effective student assessments to improve engagement and feedback.
"This training deepened my understanding of unit-based instruction, particularly in setting clear objectives and refining assessment strategies for more impactful lessons."
University Guidance: Supporting Students in Their Academic Journey
Middle and high school teachers, alongside the administrative team, attended a University Guidance Seminar led by Vice Principal Wendy Shui, focusing on key aspects of student academic planning and international university admissions. Discussions centered on:
Personalized academic guidance tailored to students' abilities and interests.
Trends in global university admissions and strategies for international school students.
How course selection, extracurricular involvement, and personal statements impact college applications.
"This session gave me a clearer understanding of the latest university admission trends and reinforced the vital role educators play in guiding students toward their future academic paths."
Supporting EAL Students: Effective Teaching Strategies
Teachers attended a workshop led by Stephanie Tebay, focusing on strategies to support English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners in diverse classrooms. Key areas covered included:
Scaffolding techniques to break down complex language tasks and enhance comprehension.
Encouraging active participation while respecting the silent period of language acquisition.
Building academic vocabulary to help students transition from conversational English to subject-specific language.
"This session reinforced the importance of providing structured language support, ensuring that EAL students can develop confidence while keeping pace with academic content."
Digital Media in Education: Photography, Videography, and Editing
Led by You-Ting Chen, this workshop equipped teachers with practical skills in mobile photography, video recording, and editing, aimed at enhancing classroom documentation and presentation quality. Key takeaways included:
Techniques for capturing high-quality classroom visuals for lesson documentation and student portfolios.
Basic video editing skills to create engaging and educational content.
Multimedia integration to enhance lesson delivery and student engagement.
"This session helped me see how visual documentation can enrich learning experiences and improve communication between students, teachers, and parents."
Highlights from Shangyin Campus
A select group of middle school teachers attended a cross-campus professional development session at Shangyin Campus, engaging in in-depth discussions on education trends and teaching innovation.
Keynote Sessions: Cross-Cultural Adaptation & Student Well-being
Navigating Cross-Cultural Life & Mental Well-being
Speaker: Zhao Xudong (Professor at Tongji University, Director of Psychiatry & Philosophy of Psychology, Honorary Director of Tongji University Mental Health Center)
With the rise of international education, students face increasing challenges in psychological adaptation and cultural identity. Professor Zhaos session provided insights into:
The psychological impact of cross-cultural transitions on student well-being.
Strategies to foster resilience and support students in adapting to diverse educational environments.
The role of teachers in identifying and addressing emotional challenges in a multicultural setting.
Balancing Academic Growth & Student Well-being
Speaker: Andrew Tiffany (Senior Academic Consultant at National Geographic Learning, Professional Teacher Trainer)
Middle school students experience cognitive expansion and increasing academic pressure, making it essential for educators to help them balance academic success with emotional well-being. Key themes discussed:
Building strong study habits and time management skills to support academic achievement.
Incorporating emotional support in the classroom to boost student confidence and motivation.
Creating a positive learning environment that minimizes anxiety and fosters resilience.
"This session reinforced the importance of looking beyond academic performance and addressing students emotional and social development to ensure a holistic learning experience."
These thought-provoking sessions provided educators with valuable frameworks for integrating psychological insights into everyday teaching practices, creating a more supportive and adaptive learning environment.
Parallel Workshops: Innovating Subject-Based Instruction
In the afternoon, teachers participated in interactive workshops tailored to their fields, focusing on:
Interdisciplinary teaching—breaking down subject silos for more integrated learning.
Developing student autonomy—using inquiry-based and project-based learning approaches.
Data-driven teaching optimization—leveraging classroom analytics to refine instructional strategies.
"The discussions and case studies shared in these sessions gave me practical strategies that I can implement in my classroom. It was inspiring to collaborate with colleagues from different campuses!"
