Sharing is Learning -Teachers’ takeaways from the China NODE (National Online Development of English Teachers) CPD Project

Fraser Bewick has over 20 years’ experience of English language teaching, training and consultancy in areas of ELT and English-medium Higher Education in the China context. Fraser has worked across both private and public Chinese education sectors and has participated in and managed education projects for the British Council in Guizhou, Yunnan, Jiangxi, and numerous other provinces. He was also the lead foreign author and consultant for the PEP Primary textbook series currently used in public schools across China.

Xinyu Zhang is an English teacher from the Affiliated Foreign Language Middle School of Xinzhou Teachers University. She graduated from Hubei Normal University with a Master’s degree in English Curriculum and Teaching Methodology. She has more than 8 years’ experience of English teaching.

Presentation: Various applications of mind maps in reading

Abstract: During the NODE project, in her lessons she tried different kinds of games that practice reading, and in particular the use of mind maps were successful. Xinyu will share helpful examples.

Qing Guo is an English teacher from No.5 Middle School. She graduated from Shanxi Normal University, majoring in English Education. She has 3 years’ experience of teaching English. 

Presentation: The improvement of students' enthusiasm in class

Abstract: According to the lessons practice and experimentation, Qing Guo has developed techniques for improving the enthusiasm of her students. She has used numerous activities and games in her class and would like to share some ideas with other teachers. 

Guanjun Zhai started his teaching career in middle school in 1980 and retired in 2016. In 1998 he went to the USA as an Exchange Teacher to teach the Chinese language in La Crosse, Wisconsin for one year. For 7 summers from 2007-2015, he was invited by CEAIE to support the Fulbright-Hays History & Culture Seminars in China, and has participated 7 times in CEAIE sponsored English teacher training projects as a trainer. In 2008, he was awarded the title of “Academic Leader” in Henan Province. He was also previously employed as a “Visiting Professor” by Luoyang Normal College.

Presentation: 21st Century Skills (the 4 C’s) making you a qualified teacher in this very century 

Abstract: Communication needs language. With English we can communicate with almost anyone, from anywhere, at any time. And such collaboration helps us achieve bigger things, go farther, and reach higher. Critical thinking brings us closer to success and creative thinking lays the foundation of our innovation.  

Renxiang Tian is currently studying in the SCAPE research unit of the Faculty of Education at Hong Kong University (HKU), supervised by Dr Kobakhidze, Nutsa and Dr TAI, Kevin W H. Prior to this, he was a head teacher in the largest private school for migrant children in Guizhou province for more than ten years. His career roles have switched between being a private institution entrepreneur, an English curriculum developer, and an English teacher over the years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Dalian University, sponsored by a National Scholarship, China. He also completed his Master’s in Education at King’s College London, with a distinction, funded by the Chevening Award.

Presentation: Experience of participation in the NODE program of 2022 – 2023. Highlighting evidence from three teachers and teacher educators.

Abstract: This presentation will focus on the challenges of participation in international online training programs for EFL teachers from China. The presentation will shed light on the practice of localisation and implementation of international online CPD program in the context of China and other parallel contexts.

Chenglian Guo graduated from Southeast University in 2006. She teaches in Yeya Middle School, Guiyang and leads English lesson preparation there. In her teaching, she adheres a philosophy that teaching should reach the soul and provide ‘a love that waters the seeds of hope’. She has previously won second prize in an English subject competition and first prize in a teacher's skills competition.

Presentation: The presentation will share changes and developments after learning on the China NODE project and highlight some changes of awareness.

Abstract: Key areas covered will include A. Changes of Awareness: changes in the role of the teacher, looking at student-centered teaching, how to teach and learn, changes in the classroom, building relationships between the teacher and students. B. Exploring the difficulties encountered in practice

Qiong Li has taught English for over 20 years and previously won first prize in the Hubei provincial teaching contest. Previously, Qiong has also hosted several provincial research projects within different topics in compulsory education and has participated in several exchange programs with international education partners.

Presentation Inspiration and perspectives on what learning is through participation in NODE

Abstract: Through NODE, she explored new ideas for learning as a teacher. She will share her thoughts in two parts. One is what NODE has shown us on what learning is for teachers. The other is how we have been improving as teachers through NODE.

Jemima Hughes has been working in the field of English language teaching for more than 20 years across Africa, Asia and Europe. She has worked for organisations such as the British Council, the European Union and the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Office designing and delivering teacher education projects that aim to strengthen the teaching and learning of English. She has carried out monitoring and evaluating activities in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Sudan and Vietnam. She holds three post-graduate qualifications in ELT, Applied Linguistics, and Educational Research.

Presentation: Activity book handout / ELT-Consultants summary

Sharing an overview of the NODE project from design to evidence.

Abstract: What it takes to focus in on culturally appropriate themes and localize content. Jemima will share the steps to develop NODE and how feedback from teachers and trainers fed back into the design of the materials.