China Conference 2009
Report on the Alliance for International Education - China Gathering 23‐25 October 2009 Theme: International Learning: Learning to be International A World of Views Venue: Yew Wah International Education School of Shanghai This China Chapter Conference was held in Shanghai from 23-25 October 2009 Using the theme of the 2010 AIE World Conference in Melbourne, this year’s gathering of the regional China Chapter provided an opportunity to submit papers or working projects for feedback from peers in preparation for the Melbourne Conference welcomed everyone to the conference and noted that the initial signup to the gathering was some 63 people. Sitting in front of her at that moment were 145 people, including a significant number of Chinese teachers. She applauded the obvious growth in popularity of this gathering especially as this was only the second such event. Dr Chan then introduced the first of two Keynote speakers addressing the conference theme: "International Learning: Learning to be International – a world of views" in two plenary sessions. gave a very informative presentation on conceptions of the ‘International’ from a Chinese viewpoint and the need for Global perspectives. To this end he gave a thorough analysis of the state of education in China and the need for an International perspective in Chinese Education and the particular receptive state of China to the growth of International Schools. then explained the function of the AIE China Chapter and very rightly praised the generosity of the Yew Chung Foundation for providing such excellent conference facilities, sponsoring the conference fees and all needs. Without such support, these gatherings would be a far more difficult proposition. Dr Zhang Min Xuan, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Education Committee. Dr Zhang has a long and distinguished history in Chinese education administration. Currently he is a leading member of the Shanghai municipal education commission. Dr Zhang gave a thoroughly informative speech on how the notion of internationalism had grown in China over the past 30 years. He spoke of the very positive attitude being taken by local education administrators and teachers to fostering international mindedness in students. To this end he explored a common goals of students around the world and how Chinese students were no less interested and involved in pursuing international ideals than all similarly concerned students everywhere. He expressed that these goals were becoming more important as the per capita expenditure on education was growing every year along with the medium income of Chinese citizens. To this end they were able to afford a lot better opportunities for their children. Chinese parents were looking to take those opportunities where ever they could find them, either in China or overseas. It was a very illuminating an interesting keynote speech. Anthony Dang and Jane Harris, two of the AIE China Chapter committee members, organised a youth forum using students from local and international schools. These students assembled as a panel and were shown video clips of views on "International Learning: Learning to be International". The video clips were created by students at schools, both local and international in the Asian area. They addressed the issue by stating points of views or asking questions. These clips were shown to the panel of students who responded to them with views of their own in front of an audience of over 150 people. Basically, these students saw international learning as a cultural experience and felt that such understanding grew from engaging in and experiencing the cultural experiences of their hosts will if they were international, and the cultural experiences of others through their media and their language. This was an enormously successful function and the diverse backgrounds of the student members gave many interesting points of view. The students on the panel are to be commended for the way they rose to the occasion and spite of being somewhat daunted by the nature and quality of their audience. In the end all spoke bravely and well and put their viewpoints across with clarity and various degrees of ease. It was a truly rewarding experience for those of us in the audience to gain this point of view because we are often bound by our own expectations and need to be reminded about those of others. Congratulations must go to Anthony and Jane for such an excellent event. The Breakout Sessions: 23 papers were presented in three Strand sessions. The papers presented here were: The other part of the Strand, ‘Creative thinking’ was explored through the lens of "What it actually was and the constraints on creativity", "Could a business model be transplanted into education?", "The role of creativity in early childhood international education", " and "The relationship between program and culture". Many very interesting and thought provoking points and discussions were raised especially around the role of culture in international education both from the viewpoint of identity and the capacity for creativity. Strand Two papers presented were: In Strand Two issues of multicultural education or examined further. The main themes to arise from this strand were that multicultural education is quite a broad topic, as it not only deals with issues of different nationalities, culture, language, bias, but we also looked at the culture of the old and the new and the generation and adoption of technology. The culture of Hong Kong where families are often raised by those other than the parent shows that multicultural education differs in different contexts. The key points were that multicultural education is challenging; that transition is a norm; that international education differs in different cultural contexts; multiculturalism is all about communication and collaboration. In this we are all learners. It is through a process of synthesis and fusion that we create multicultural global citizens and global leaders. Strand Three papers were: Strand Three Questions: "Curriculum approaches, identity and creative thinking." ‐ its meaning and perception in Hong Kong" by Ms Vicky Wong. 3 cultural identity was explored by asking the questions "What is International learning?", "Why consider International learning?", "How it might be implemented through an alliance of national and international systems at both government school and teacher level", "What would constitute a trans National learning program", and "Why are the provision of mother tongue learning was so important in an international system". : Multi‐Cultural Education ‐Teacher Partnerships in Yew Chung Early Childhood Section (Hong Kong) by Ms KAM Oi Ping ‐cultural teaching in early childhood international education: The impact of social and intercultural competence" by Dr Grace Choy ‐ Discussing the construction of multicultural education in preschool education" by Ms XIA Zhuyun, East China Normal University ‐tuning of Medium of Instruction" by Ms WONG Shuk Yee, Hong Kong Baptist University 4 Higher Education Education ‐ an avenue of social mobility? by Ms Pepe PURCELL "International Learning in the Transition from Secondary to Tertiary: The Rocks on which International Learning in Yew Chung Community College is Founded" by Dr John CLARK "International Learning in the Transition from Secondary to Tertiary: Social Sciences and International Learning in Yew Chung Community College" by Mr Simon LI "Is Cultural Diversity being sacrificed on the alter of Internationalism?" by Mr Mike IZZARD "Internationalization of Higher Education and Building World‐class universities in Mainland China: a Case of Shanghai Jiao Tong University" by Qi WANG ‐making and policy‐implementing and the type of barriers to be overcome. 5 Postdoctoral trainees—A truly international currency? by Dr Andrea L. STITH, Shanghai Jiao Tong University ‐emphasize (as a commodity) their research skill‐base and de‐emphasize their role as thinkers and educators. As China’s S&T system advances, how do they consider these issues? Shanghai High School International Division: International Exposure for Local Students (SHSID) could be summarised as a very full exploration of issues surrounding how to prepare students to enter an international market, especially when issues of cultural identity and cultural practice differed. There was a strong desire expressed by all those in this strand to see that a true international currency was developed by which students could realise their aspirations and their goals. This international currency could be found in the desire of universities to enter a more level playing field as far as performance and international recognition went either from the viewpoint of the University all from the viewpoint of its products. Concern was raised about the capacity of certain cultures to control the nature of this international currency through the gateways it set up. This could be either in the form of examination standards, entry tests, or other forms of gateway provisions. How are ethical values determined? Whose ethical values are they? Is the International space a meeting place for diverse practices, etc? Should we have rules or guidelines if people want to participate? An example is the IB curriculum assessment, where there was a possible ‘code of morality’ that could have a cultural base or be an effort to not offend any such code. Is it possible to do this in a ‘liberal Notion of ‘participants’ e.g. parents ‐ conservative’ world of cultures? Do parents need educating as well as their children? How do we balance out what is needed? Parent teacher conference – three way communication is an essential commitment. Parental involvement in local Chinese schools: teacher relationship with both students and their parents is close, often much closer than in International Schools. International schools share with parents how things are going with their children – success stories. Social activities are organised to bring the three parties together. Question: ‐ parents, students, teacher, to help present student progress. In Yew Cheung Pudong the philosophy is to encourage the education of all three parties: parents, students and teachers. Engaging parents allows for transparency. Isn’t it a good thing that we have parents that have a different way of thinking from their children? Isn’t it possible that this will help create ‘critical’ discussion? Administrators are part of the ‘international’ education community, it is important to include this role to gain understanding. This is linked to the idea that in international schools there are three basic systems: administrative system, learning management system – not clearly defined, personal learning experiences. Critique of the teacher, student relationship in an IB school. It identified that there was a fundamental difference in the way Westerners and Easterners view their role. There was a cultural conflict in that the Eastern view allowed for a 24 hour care package for the students. The teachers were considered guardians of the children. They guided them through their educational experience almost like a parent. Parents placed their faith in teachers as a legitimate guide for their children. However, the Western view did not include a 24 hour care package. In fact caring for the students took place within particular hours. Free time was considered as time separate from and not to be shared with students and their families. There is a movement to make IB to be the ‘international’ power house curriculum, however, why? When talking we seem to accept the IB as an international programme. However Mike raised a lot of questions around the issue of assessment: Who is doing the assessment? It could be argued that IB curriculum assessment is not culture free, it is limited by the people who are in control of the assessment procedures, etc. IB is only one programme there are many others that are available for our international schools. Learning to be ‘international’, it’s in questioning this that we become ‘international’ minded. Critical thinking is essential not just for our students, its important for all parties, including teachers. Question: What do we want the students to have before they go to University? Admission officers look through all the applications. Do we need to make sure that the students can continue their learning wherever they go? The idea is to prepare students to ‘survive’ socially, academically, culturally and economically. What would be in this ‘survival kit’? Perhaps the ability to conceptualise and critique where they are; being able to produce a personal statement that reflects ‘critical thinking’; the need to show that as credible ‘university’ students or potential market workers they possess the skills and knowledge that universities require. Included is the ability to use these skills and knowledge appropriately when needed; ensure that they are able to present themselves in an appropriately ‘unique’ manner [X factor], ability to solve various types of problems. Ten rocks raised in John Clark’s paper. In previous years an individual could have one occupation for a long time, however this is changing students will have various occupations in their life time. This is possibly reflective of the ever changing composition of society. Strand Three: Conclusion: The second annual gathering of the Alliance for International Education Introduction: 7 participants were each asked to write one question at the end of the session that they would like to think about based on what was discussed. The questions are listed here…. This gathering turned out to be a great success. The issues raised and the quality of the submissions were thought provoking and well received. It was excellent to have so many local school teachers involved; evidence of the growth in the wish to participate in considering the growth and the future of International Education. It augers very well for the future of the AIE China Chapter. Again, our sincere thanks to the Yew Chung foundation for it’s support and organisation. It is our intention to publish as many papers as possible on our website. Dr Betty Chan, Director of the Yew Chung Education Foundation and Chair of the AIE China Chapter Prof Hu Ruiwen, President of Shanghai Academy of Educational Science Dr Gary Morrison, Assistant Director of Yew Chung Education Foundation and Vice Chair of the AIE China Chapter The Youth Forum - "International Learning: Learning to be International – A World of Views "