Visiting scholar Dr. Guifang Cheng and host supervisor in the Faculty of Education Dr. George Zhou (PROVIDED BY G. ZHOU/University of Windsor)
By Kate Hargreaves
While Canadian and Chinese culture may appear very different, visiting scholar Dr. Guifang Cheng says there are more commonalities than she expected.
An associate professor in the Faculty of Educational Technology and Media at China's Liaocheng University, Cheng has been working with researchers in UWindsor's Faculty of Education since July.
Her first visit to Canada has also introduced her to local traditions, including celebrations of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and Canadian Thanksgiving.
“These two holidays made me realize that although the traditions may be different, both cultures place great value on family, gratitude and spending time with loved ones,” she says.
“I think this is a beautiful similarity between our cultures.”
Beyond the cultural experience, Cheng hopes to gain insights into Canada's education system that she can apply to her work in teacher education in China.
Her visit builds on a longstanding partnership between the University of Windsor and Liaocheng University.
“The University of Windsor and Liaocheng University signed an MOU for scholar exchange more than ten years ago,” says George Zhou, a UWindsor education professor and Cheng's host supervisor.
“Dr. Cheng's visit offers an excellent opportunity to strengthen this partnership.”
Cheng was drawn to the opportunity to exchange research ideas with UWindsor faculty and explore different approaches to teacher education.
A former middle school physics teacher, Cheng now researches how technology can improve science education.
“I look forward to working with Professor Zhou to share China’s experiences in educational development, particularly in using smart classroom technology to promote educational equity between urban and rural areas,” Cheng says.
“For example, through blended synchronous classroom teaching, we can connect a rural classroom with an urban classroom where highly qualified teachers deliver lessons. This allows rural students to access high-quality teaching without having to leave their local schools.”
At UWindsor, Cheng has contributed to several research projects with Zhou, exploring topics ranging from parental involvement in children's music education to communication, conflict and mental health in Chinese immigrant families.
Other projects examine how teachers and teacher candidates experience STEM education and technology in the classroom.
“Dr. Cheng is a well-established and diligent scholar,” says Zhou.
“One journal paper has been developed for publication since Dr. Cheng joined us in July. I expect more to come with great confidence.”
Outside the classroom and research setting, Cheng has been getting to know Windsor and its community.
“I went to the Windsor Pizza Fest, which was a fun experience and a great way to learn more about the local community,” she says.
Her daughter's enrolment in a local elementary school has also given Cheng a firsthand look at Canada's education system.
Cheng says the experience has broadened her perspective on education research and international collaboration.
“I’ve gained new perspectives on educational research and learned more about how to conduct research in an international academic environment,” she says.
“When I return to China, I hope to apply what I’ve learned here to my research, and to share these insights with my colleagues. I will dedicate myself to serving as a bridge for academic and cultural exchange between the two institutions.”