2024 - 杉达学院的教课回忆

Johnson Zhang

Looking back at 2024: For the sixth consecutive year, I returned to this university to share my knowledge and experience with students. However, my time here was brief, as it was essential to make way for another foreign teacher to take on the teaching role at this Sanda University. But let's just say this: I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and growth. The experience of engaging with students, guiding them through their learning journey, and witnessing their progress has been truly rewarding. Reflecting on the past year, I can see how my teaching strategies have evolved, how I have adapted to challenges, and how I have fostered a positive learning environment for my students. By establishing clear objectives for each lesson and for the overall course, I was able to provide direction to my students and help them stay focused on their learning outcomes. Setting goals not only gave the teaching process structure but also motivated students to strive for improvement and excellence. Moreover, instilling a sense of meaning and purpose in each lesson was crucial. By connecting the content to real-life scenarios, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting self-reflection, I aimed to make the learning experience more meaningful for my students. This approach not only increased engagement but also helped students understand the relevance of what they were learning. Although my attendance at educational events was not as frequent as some of my colleagues, I can still recall several memorable moments from my teaching experience. These experiences have shaped my growth as an educator and have reinforced my commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment for my students. Anyways, let's talk about my teaching experience here at Sanda University Jinhai campus. During Spring Semester 2024, I had the opportunity to teach two English courses - one major course for English major students on News Media Reading and one elective course for non-English major students on Speaking 7. My academic manager assigned and scheduled me to teach two classes of News Media Reading on Mondays and one class of Speaking 7 on Tuesdays. This teaching lineup offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities, each day presenting a distinct educational landscape. It was indeed a unique and interesting semester filled with diverse experiences and challenges. The reason was... well, on my course management login system of Sanda University, I was informed that I'd be teaching two classes for a single course, with each class dedicated solely to that one course. There is one thing I've noticed: one class stands out as being entirely different. These students are taking English as an elective, and they have distinct characteristics compared to English majors. But why and how is this class different to other English major classes? Why do I get the responsibility of teaching this one as well? As for why I was assigned to teach this class, I can only speculate at this moment. Maybe it's due to my prior experience in teaching practical English courses or my ability to adapt teaching methods to different student needs. However, I will explain later in more detail the exact differences between this elective class and English major classes, delving into the specific learning behaviors, language proficiency levels, and the unique challenges they present. I'll also explore the possible reasons behind my assignment, taking into account the university's teaching resource allocation and the overall curriculum design. This exploration will not only help me better understand my teaching task but also enable me to design more effective teaching strategies for both classes. Here are the photos of my News Media Reading students during Spring Semester 2024 at Sanda University Jinhai campus. These students are the University classes of 2021. They are whom I previously taught Western Culture during the Autumn Semester 2023. They have continued to impress me with their dedication and commitment to their studies. Despite being the same group of students from the previous semester, they have maintained a high level of academic engagement and enthusiasm for learning. These students are diligent in completing what is required in class and actively participate in class by taking thorough notes, recognizing the importance of these notes for their exams. Their strong work ethic is evident through their careful approach to classwork, reflecting a genuine interest in academic excellence. They should remember this quote: The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. This is Education 1 (f210611+f210615) class. Throughout the semester, they have been simple and unadorned, without any affectation, and are the best students in my heart and the best helpers in work. They have a strong sense of self-awareness, clear learning objectives, and put in effort.
Here, I hope to demand more of themselves and take it to the next level. I hope they continue to work hard and make greater progress in the future. I also hope and believe that they can make breakthroughs and improve in other areas! At the same time, I hope they will guard against arrogance and impatience and take every step seriously and carefully! This is Education 2 (f210612+f210613+f210614) class. They are very cultured students who are always humble and friendly towards their classmates, never neglects their studies, and always calmly handles difficulties. They can strictly abide by class discipline, and love the collective. The expression of attentively listening during class makes people feel focused and serious. As soon as the semester starts, I find that their classwork is clean and neat. It's really a pleasure to watch them doing the classwork.
However, their academic performance fluctuates, indicating that their foundation is not yet solid. If they can pay attention to methods, learn more, and ask more, that would be even better. I hope they can fully utilize their strengths, catch up and surpass other classmates, and I will feel extremely happy.
Here is the photo of my Speaking 7 students during Spring Semester 2024 at Sanda University Jinhai campus. These students are the University class of 2022. Their major is "Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages". Interestingly, despite being their teacher during this semester, I realized that I had never taught these particular students before. This realization sparked a memory - the year 2022 marked the final year of my tenure teaching English speaking to non-English majors at Sanda University Jiashan campus. This explained why I had not encountered or taught these students previously. It is noteworthy that students pursuing "Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages" are required to study English as an elective during their second year. Specifically, they engage in the elective course titled "Professional Spoken English for International Education" for a duration of at least two semesters. Reflecting on my experience with these students, I observed a mix of impressions. While some displayed impressive skills, there was still room for improvement, particularly in terms of enhancing their interactions within the classroom setting. They should remember this quote: Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. This is f222101 class. The students in this class have truly demonstrated that they exerted their utmost efforts throughout the entire semester. Their conduct within the classroom is marked by an unassuming and genuine nature, which has contributed to creating a cosy and comfortable learning environment for everyone.
Nonetheless, it must be noted that there is still scope for improvement when it comes to their level of engagement and participation during class discussions. I firmly believe that by becoming more actively involved in these discussions, they will be able to not only sharpen their speaking skills but also expand their outlooks and perspectives. This enhanced participation would allow them to explore different viewpoints, think more critically, and further enrich their learning experience, enabling them to make even greater strides in their academic growth. Spring Semester 2024 marked the final semester of my time with both classes of 2021 and one class of 2022 at the University. It was a significant moment as the upcoming Autumn Semester 2024 would see the departure of the 2021 English Major classes, who would be moving on to internships or other pursuits for their fourth and final year. This transition meant that these students would no longer have a foreign teacher guiding them in their studies. The semester was a culmination of my journey with the two remarkable classes of 2021, and it was a bittersweet moment for me. Throughout our time together, we faced challenges and weathered storms, which only strengthened our bond. Witnessing their growth and achievements filled me with pride, and I couldn't help but feel excited about the bright futures that awaited them. As I bid farewell to the 2021 classes, I hoped to encounter many of them around the campus in the next semester at Jinhai, reminiscing about our shared experiences and celebrating their successes. For the class of 2022 majoring in "Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages" with English as an elective, they too would be without a foreign teacher in the upcoming semester. However, they still have two more years ahead at Sanda University to continue their academic journey. I look forward to seeing them around campus in the next semester in which I will, and I also encouraged them to keep practicing their spoken English for their future endeavours. Autumn Semester 2024 brings a significant change in my teaching role at Sanda University. Unfortunately, I did not teach during this semester as the other foreign teacher has taken over the classes that I would typically conduct for the 2022 students. This transition is bittersweet for me; while I am saddened by the prospect of not being in front of the students and engaging with them in the classroom, it does not signify an end to my association with Sanda University. I have enjoyed my time teaching here immensely, and I look forward to future opportunities to contribute to the academic environment at Sanda University. The experience has been enriching, both for me and hopefully for my students as well. It is important to recognize that such transitions are common in educational institutions, often bringing fresh perspectives and new methodologies into the classroom. While I may not be teaching this semester, I remain committed to supporting my colleagues and assisting in any way possible from behind the scenes. My hope is that this change will lead to a fruitful learning experience for all involved, including myself as I observe and learn from my colleague's approach. Although I will be stepping back from direct teaching responsibilities during the Autumn Semester 2024, my journey at Sanda University is far from over. There are always opportunities for collaboration and involvement in various capacities within the university community. As I cast my mind back to the year 2024, a profound sense of gratitude wells up within me for all the experiences that unfolded at Sanda University. The interactions with the students were not only intellectually enriching but also emotionally fulfilling, affording me the wonderful opportunity to impart my knowledge and pour out my passion for teaching. Every single class presented its own distinct set of challenges yet simultaneously offered rewarding moments that combined to create a lively and dynamic learning environment, one that I hold dear in the depths of my heart.
The semester I spent at Sanda University was like a whirlwind, bustling with a plethora of activities. There were captivating discussions that sparked new ideas and perspectives, collaborative projects that encouraged teamwork and creativity, and those magical moments of inspiration that seemed to light up the entire classroom. It truly is a pity that my time there was confined to just one semester during this year. Nevertheless, the connections I managed to forge with the students are bound to have a lasting imprint, influencing both their lives and my own in ways that will endure over time. Witnessing their growth, seeing their eyes light up with enthusiasm for learning, has without a doubt been one of the most remarkable highlights in my teaching career thus far. Indeed, it is a bittersweet feeling through and through. That single semester during the Spring Semester 2024 at Sanda University Jinhai campus might appear fleeting in hindsight, yet the memories that were crafted therein are far from being inconsequential.
Even within that brief period, the very act of students approaching me to take photos speaks volumes about the influence I managed to exert on them and the bond that was successfully formed. Those photos are akin to precious jewels, capturing and preserving in perpetuity the instants of interaction, the beaming smiles that were shared, and the learning encounters that unfolded both inside the classroom and across the campus grounds. These students are the University classes of 2021 who are English majors whom I taught during Spring Semester 2024 at Sanda University Jinhai campus in Spring Semester 2024. These students are the University classes of 2021 who are English majors whom I didn't teach during Spring Semester 2024 at Sanda University Jinhai campus but still worth remembering. It's truly a poignant irony that the time available was so scant, yet it warms the heart to realize that I was able to etch a lasting impression on their lives and possess these invaluable keepsakes to reminisce over. Each photograph encapsulates a story, a fragment of the relationship that was carefully cultivated with those students, and they will undoubtedly serve as a delightful reminder of that exceptional semester at Sanda University Jinhai campus for countless years ahead. Then, Autumn Semester 2024 arrived. As mentioned before, I had stepped down from my teaching responsibilities at Sanda University. However, I often found myself having to return to the university for meetings with other staff regarding various matters. When I returned, I ran into some of my former students from the 2021 English major cohort and the 2022 English Elective (Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages) class. They asked me how I had been and said they missed seeing me around the campus. I replied, "I never left. I'm always here." The wonderful part was that, picking up from where we left off in the Spring Semester 2024, many students from those two cohorts wanted to take selfies with me. And here are those photos. I was delighted that they wanted to do this as a way to create shared memories. Each photo, a silent yet powerful testament, seems to whisper tales of my innermost yearnings. They carry the weight of my heartfelt desire to return to this very place and resume my role as an educator for English major students across various academic years. These images are not just snapshots; they are portals to a world where I envision myself once again standing at the front of a classroom, the chalk in my hand, and the eager faces of students looking back at me. I can almost feel the energy in the room, the shared pursuit of knowledge, and the excitement of exploring the nuances of the English language. And then there are the upper year students, on the cusp of specialization, where I could engage in depth discussions on advanced literary theories or assist them in honing their professional writing skills. These students are the University classes of 2021 who are English majors whom I taught during Spring Semester 2024 at Sanda University Jinhai campus in Autumn Semester 2024. These students are the University classes of 2022 who are English Electives from Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages major whom I taught during Spring Semester 2024 at Sanda University Jinhai campus in Autumn Semester 2024. These photos are a constant reminder of the profound impact teaching has had on my life. They stir up memories of the countless 'aha' moments shared with students, the intellectual growth witnessed, and the bonds formed over the love of the English language. With each glance at these pictures, the dream of coming back to teach, to inspire, and to be a part of these students' educational odyssey grows stronger. As the English major students at the University classes of 2021 in university draw nearer to 2025, they find themselves on the verge of concluding their academic journey with just one semester remaining until graduation. It is a poignant and bittersweet juncture for me as an educator, cognizant of the impending separation. However, I am firmly convinced that they will persistently distinguish themselves in both their academic and professional undertakings. They have been truly remarkable students, and I wholeheartedly wish them the utmost success in all their future endeavours. May our connection endure, and our relationship remain amicable.
Simultaneously, for the students at the University class of 2022 majoring in "Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages" with English as an elective, as they too approach 2025, I earnestly hope they will hold dear the advancements they have achieved in their spoken English during our shared time. This proficiency will prove indispensable if they aspire to become proficient Chinese teachers instructing foreigners. I exhort them to ceaselessly employ English in their quotidian lives and to avidly embrace every opportunity to hone and refine their verbal communication capabilities. Although it may present difficulties, they will assuredly glean copious insights from this course. For the year 2025 ahead: I am filled with a sense of expectancy regarding the prospect of returning to Sanda University to perpetuate the noble task of bestowing knowledge and cultivating the intellects of the younger generation. My ambition is to erect a more substantial edifice upon the groundwork established in 2024. This entails augmenting the curriculum with novel concepts and pedagogical strategies that strike a chord with the students. I am resolute in my pursuit to fabricate an even more effervescent and engaging classroom milieu, one in which inquisitiveness is kindled, analytical thinking is fostered, and each and every student experiences a profound sense of self-worth.
The year 2024 has indubitably been an extraordinary chapter replete with indelible and cherished encounters at Sanda University. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the fortuitous occasion of making a comeback in 2025. In unison with my students, I am eager to pioneer novel frontiers in the realm of education, frontiers that have the potency to instigate a passion for perpetual learning and self-improvement. Should fate not smile upon me, who can fathom the year in which I'll once again grace the halls of this university, where I spent so many fulfilling years teaching. Every corner of this place holds memories of passionate discussions in classrooms, of mentoring sessions that changed lives, and of the growth I experienced alongside my students. The corridors echo with the echoes of animated debates, where ideas clashed and blossomed into new understandings. In those classrooms, we weren't just teacher and students; we were a community of learners, exploring the vast landscapes of knowledge together. The growth I witnessed in myself was as profound as that of my students. Each interaction, each challenge they presented, pushed me to learn more, to be more creative in my teaching methods, and to empathize on a deeper level. We were on a parallel journey, evolving together in this nurturing environment.
The thought of not knowing when I'll be back fills me with a sense of longing and anticipation. Longing for the familiar faces, the shared laughter, and the collective pursuit of knowledge. Anticipation for the new experiences that might await, should I find my way back. The bonds I've forged here are not easily broken, and the thought of leaving this behind, even temporarily, tugs at my heartstrings. But if I do not return, who knows where my and their paths will lie ahead? For my students, it could mean missing out on the continued guidance and support that could propel them towards their dreams. The relationships we've built are more than just academic; they're a foundation for their future growth. Without my presence, they might face obstacles alone, unable to draw on the experiences and wisdom we've shared.
For me, not returning would be like closing a chapter in a book that was still being written. I would miss out on the opportunity to see them thrive, to celebrate their successes, and to be a part of their continued development. My own growth as an educator would be stunted, as I would no longer have the chance to learn from their unique perspectives and challenges. The unknown paths that lie ahead, both for them and me, are a source of both fear and wonder. It's a crossroads that makes me realize the profound impact that our time together has had and the significance of the choices I make now. Sanda University has held a special place in my heart as it has always been like my first home. It was within the halls of this institution that I had the privilege of meeting my former students, many of whom I've maintained contact with throughout most of my time. This university served as the fertile ground where countless educational and personal connections were forged. The memories of classrooms filled with eager minds, the corridors bustling with discussions, and the campus grounds alive with student activities are deeply ingrained in my mind. Each encounter with a student was a unique opportunity to share knowledge, guide their growth, and form bonds that transcended the academic setting. Over the years, the relationships I built with these students have endured. Despite the passage of time and the various paths we've all taken, the connection remains strong. Whether through occasional social media exchanges, or in person meetings, we've managed to stay in touch. These interactions not only remind me of the impact I've had on their lives but also the profound influence they've had on mine. Sanda University, thus, stands as a symbol of these lasting connections and the rich experiences that have shaped my journey as an educator.