2017 Sino-US Education Exchange Forum

On June 6, 2017, our guests from America arrived at Taipinglu Primary school in a drizzling morning to attend the 2017 Sino-US Educational Exchange Forum co-held by BTC.

Principal Walt Shaffner and his colleagues were given a warm welcome by the school's teachers and students.

Students introduced themselves and their school to American guests.

After a short break, the American guests came into the auditorium where students were already waiting.

Students gave the guests warm applause, and then they sang an English song for the guests.

The forum was hosted by Mrs. Ma, director of Taipinglu Primary School. First she introduced to students Principal Sun Tingchun, Principal Walt Shaffner and then director Wang Peng from BTC. They later gave exciting speeches on the purpose, principle and point of this forum, presenting blessings for the school and the children.

Student sent gifts to the American guests -sourvenirs of the school and three scrolls of his watercolor painting works.

Classroom Presence

Different Forms for the Same Subject

To demonstrate the differences and similarities in Chinese and American way of teaching, as well as to present the idea of "diversed methods of teaching the same subject", teaches of both sides gave fabulous math lessons to two groups of students.

Students rose up to salute their teacher.

Students in their own thoughts.

"Is there anyone who'd like to share his idea?"

Students stepped on the platform to present thoughts to their classmates; everyone gained encouragement and approval from the teacher. Everyone learned a lot after the first class.

At the beginning of the second class, the American teacher waited at the door to welcome her students. All the children were surprised to see the
rearranged classroom . After a question was asked, students gathered together for a small brainstorm.

Students became excited after the American teacher gave each group a pack of snacks as tools.

Despite their difficulties with language, under the assistance of the interpretor, students were able to participate actively. Some even talked to the teacher in English.

Children became brave enough to express themselves in simple words.

All the students waved their hands to encourage those who spoke his idea. Wonderful time flies and soon the second lesson finished.

After two lessons, teachers and experts from both sides sat together to exchange their own ideas at a deeper level.

Chinese teachers were asking questions to American experts.

Each one of the questions was answered by American experts in a professional way.

At 1:00 p.m. ,Mrs.Karissa Ramos put forward a speech on her own idea of teaching.

Mrs.Karissa Ramos got support from Chinese teachers.

Mrs.Karissa Ramos talked about her interesting way of teaching angles in America, and all Chinese teachers imitated her motions.

Mrs.Karissa Ramos showed approval after hearing from some teachers about their confusion and ideas on teaching.

Teachers and professors gathered together in hot discussion.

At 15:00, with a gentle smile, Principal Shaffner stepped on the platform to deliver speech on his own life and his enthusiasm on teaching.

Principal Shaffner introduced his families for the audience, and their support to his career.

Principal Shaffner explained his experience with American education history, his ideal of teaching, and his working method as a principal.

Snapshot from micromovie "Don't be hurry, I'm here with you" shot by Taipinglu Primary school.

Principal Shaffner was amazed by the school's own movie, and he went to talk to the girls in that movie.

Principal Shaffner shook hands with the girls, extending his blessings on their futures.

Campus Visit

Chinese teachers explained for the American guests the history of the school.

Principal Sun described how much the school contributed during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Then we came to the garden owned by all students - the "one-meter " garden.

The American guests showed compliment to the garden, they even took out their cellphones for pictures.

From the windows of the classroom aside, bashful children peeked at the guests curiously. When Principal Shaffner came to them and said hello, they answered back with big smiles.

After visiting the garden, Principal Shaffner received a cucumber grown up in the garden.

On his way to the school orchestra, Principal Shaffner accidentally came into a room where two boys were practicing trombone.

Boys were astonished by the sudden appearence of Principal Shaffner.

Principal Shaffner listened quitely to these two boys' performance.

Out of his enthusiasm for music, Principal Shaffner handed over the instrument and began to play it.

Children of the orchestra were in a rehearsal when the American guests arrived.

The orchestra played
Swan Lake
and
Snake Charmer
for the guests; everyone was moved by their wonderful performance.

Principal Shaffner encouraged the orchestra to keep on playing.

Principal Shaffner and other American experts took a picture with the orchestra.

When visiting the aerobic club, Principal Shaffner took pictures of the children.

At the end of the forum, both Chinese and American school leaders and experts took pictures with the student representitives. Everyone smiled with great joy and satisfaction.

Organizer:Beijing Broaden & Top-Trans Communication Center