The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Teacher Development Exchange Project, celebrated in Shanghai, marked a significant stride in educational collaboration. Organized by the Soochow University New Era Teacher Fund and the UNESCO Teacher Education Centre (TEC) in Shanghai, the project was a hub for sharing China’s educational successes with participants from various BRI countries. This event symbolized a new chapter in strengthening pedagogical cooperation and cultural exchanges.
Centered on the theme “Better Teacher, Better Education,” the initiative aimed to foster an exchange of teaching methodologies and experiences among educators from BRI countries. The primary goal was to establish a non-governmental platform for educational cooperation, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration in education.
This 14-day event underscored the importance of teachers in delivering quality education and highlighted the need for their continuous professional development. Discussions revolved around enhancing teacher training programs, integrating innovative teaching methods, and supporting educators’ career progression. The event also stressed the significance of teacher performance evaluations and the balance between professional and personal life.
Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the BRI, the project welcomed 26 education professionals, including administrators, university educators, researchers, school principals, and teachers from 17 BRI countries like Hungary, Singapore, Uzbekistan, Chile, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Laos. These participants shared their insights and expertise, contributing to the project’s richness.
The program included a variety of engaging lectures and interactive workshops, alongside immersive cultural experiences. Participants visited elementary schools and the Soochow University in Jiangsu Province, gaining first-hand exposure to the Chinese education system and its cultural underpinnings.
Zhu Yongxin, vice chairman of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, emphasized the project’s role in building a shared future for mankind through educational collaboration. This initiative represents China’s efforts to enhance educational exchanges with BRI countries, fostering mutual understanding in the fields of education, science, and culture.
Ning Bo, the project manager at TEC and professor at Shanghai Normal University, highlighted the project’s objective to showcase China’s achievements in basic education and faculty development. The TEC, a UNESCO Category 2 Center established in 2017, is instrumental in this endeavor, alongside other educational centers in Beijing and Shenzhen.
Guo Xiaoyue, manager of the Soochow University New Era Teacher Fund, pointed out that the project serves as a platform for mutual learning and understanding of Chinese educational development. It has laid the groundwork for a lasting international educational exchange network, fostering connections and resource sharing among the participating countries.
The project also aims to invite Chinese educators to engage in pedagogical exchanges and training in the respective countries of the participants. This reciprocal approach is expected to deepen cooperation and share China’s successful education practices on international forums.
One of the notable participants, Bulgan Zorigoo from Mongolia, shared how the project had a profound impact, promoting collaborative learning and professional growth among educators. The diverse backgrounds of the educators provided a unique perspective on global education challenges and solutions. Visits to Chinese schools and universities like Renmin University’s Suzhou campus offered invaluable insights into various educational systems and practices, enhancing cross-cultural understanding.
The project focused on pedagogical approaches that encourage student engagement and improve learning outcomes. It emphasized the role of teachers in creating inclusive classrooms and supporting a diverse range of student needs.
This enriching experience holds the potential to transform education in Mongolia and other participating nations. By fostering international collaboration and exposing educators to varied teaching methodologies, the project has empowered teachers to enhance their professional skills and implement innovative strategies in their classrooms.
The connections established during the project promise ongoing communication and collaboration, strengthening education systems globally. These connections are set to facilitate joint research projects, knowledge sharing, and future collaborations among the participating nations.
As the project’s impact echoes across the participating countries, the organizers are committed to creating further opportunities for international educators. This initiative aims to globally embrace new teaching approaches and shape the future of education for generations to come.
READ MORE: