Aeronautic engineering instructor Lu Hongan from the Shanghai University of Engineering Science, gave a capstone presentation concluding her participation at the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s International Faculty Development Program. Aeronautic engineering instructor Lu Hongan from the Shanghai University of Engineering Science, gave a capstone presentation concluding her participation at the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s International Faculty Development Program.

Chinese instructors look to UWindsor for Canadian teaching strategies

After devoting at least six hours a day to workshops and lectures on Canadian teaching and learning strategies recently, Chinese aeronautic engineering instructor Lu Hongan gave a short presentation on her current teaching profile, and the future teacher she hopes to become.

Hongan was one of a 14 full-time faculty members from the Shanghai University of Engineering Science who completed the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s International Faculty Development Program -  a three-week, intensive introduction to innovative practices in higher education teaching and learning. The program was co-managed by Diana Kao, Associate Vice-Provost, International  Cooperation.

Hongan says though being in an English speaking country for the first time was difficult, she thinks it was helpful for her as a teacher.

“Our trainers demonstrated lots of examples that were useful. They taught us how to use research as a teaching method and how to present our complex topics in a simple way.”

English teacher Gao Yanning said the program has helped her re-discover herself as a teacher, learn about teaching methodologies within Canadian culture, as well as to learn from other participants who come from a variety of disciplines.

“Trainers here use a lot of body language, and that is different from what Chinese teachers do,” says Gao. “I think it would help me to use a bit of body language. It will help my students remember the information.”

Alan Wright, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Education and Academic Development and

Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning, says CTL has hosted more than 90 Chinese faculty members over the past three years, with two Beijing University graduates from last year’s program now on campus as visiting fellows.

“The Chinese interest in sending their teachers to Canada illustrates their eagerness to learn from other cultures.”

He says that the whole program speaks to the wonderful development of the CTL and UWindsor names on an international basis.

“We are now leaders in the realm of international faculty development.”

CTL

English teacher Gao Yanning (l.), along with 13 full-time faculty members from the Shanghai University of Engineering Science, presented their capstone presentations as part of the Centre for Teaching and Learning’s International Faculty Development Program 

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