On April 18th, Pao School welcomed representatives from the Development of Excellence in Shanghai Private School Young Teachers Programme to kick off the research project of high school’s Maths Department.
Four Pao School research groups applied to be part of program last year, and two were invited to participate in the citywide selection process. In the end, the project titled "The development of an excellent young teaching team based on the cultivation of students' mathematical modeling and inquiry ability" was chosen by experts. Encouraged by the success, five more research teams have formed to take part in this year’s annual application. Three of the five teams have already advanced to the final round and are currently waiting for the results.
The Development of Excellence in Shanghai Private School Young Teachers Programme is established by Shanghai Municipal Education Commission to cultivate outstanding young teachers at primary and secondary private schools to further improve the overall level of teaching in the sector. About 20 teams are selected in Shanghai each year.
The meeting was attended by experts from both government agencies and leading schools in Shanghai: Lu Huiwen, General Principal of the Xiehe Education Group; Ma Feng, senior professor and the High School section principal of the Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID); Chen Xingyi, senior professor and High School Mathematics Teaching and Researcher, Putuo District Education College; Huang Hua, master teacher and teaching researcher of the Shanghai Teacher Institute. Leaders of governments at all levels: Huo Yuxin, government official of the Private Schools’ Office of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission; Zhu Yong, Deputy Director of Songjiang District Education Bureau; Li Kai, Section Chief of Basic Education Department of Songjiang District Education Bureau; Gao Fenhua, head of the High School Division of Basic Education Department of Songjiang District Education Bureau. The school also welcomed a group of experienced teachers including: Yu Xiao, academic principal of Vanke School Pudong; Dai Caimei, team leader of Shanghai Songjiang District Private Rong Yi Middle School; Zhu Lihua, team leader of Vanke School Pudong, and many education experts and teachers from around Shanghai.
The seminar was hosted by Shi Lijuan, project leader from Shanghai Teacher Institute.
After a heartfelt welcome, President Xu Yongchu discussed Pao School’s education philosophy, teacher training programme, and its success in science education.
Zhu Yong, Deputy Director of Songjiang District Education Bureau, praised Pao School as the crown jewel of Songjiang Education, and encouraged the project team to take full advantage of opportunities brought by the programme.
Mr. Li Yingkai, the project team leader presented a detailed project overview. With the goal to improve students’ practical ability in mathematical application, Pao School’s Maths Department has identified two research areas, from educating the students to use modeling to see the natural world through a mathematical lens to utilising mathematics modeling in teaching and improve students' modeling skills. Through literature review, expert discussions, and teacher training, the team hopes to develop a high school mathematics modeling curriculum. After the end of the two year research period, the team plans to share their learnings and Pao School’s unique course design with other educators.
Jessica Yang, High School Head of Maths introduced the overall structure of the mathematics team. This is followed by personal sharings by other participating high school Maths teachers of the project team, including Vicky Yi, Jonathan Shen, and Jeff Zhang.
In the questions and answers session, Lu Huiwen, General Principal of the Xiehe Education Group, praised the Pao School Maths Department. With the changes of the national education strategy, China is committed to cultivating top-notch innovative talents, she commented. Lu Huiwen reminded the team to construct the research for all members to fully participate.
Ma Feng, senior professor and the High School section principal of the Shanghai High School International Division (SHSID) shared his teaching and research experience in IB extended essay. He recommended the project team to combine the research with their everyday teaching, and to imbed personal growth within the development of the school.
Chen Xingyi, senior professor and High School Mathematics Teaching and Researcher, Putuo District Education College, spoke positively about team dynamics, while acknowledging the challenge of the project. He suggested that the key to success is to improve the "mathematical modeling" abilities in project implementation. He also provided recommendations on how to build a school-based curriculum.
Huang Hua, master teacher and teaching researcher of the Shanghai Teacher Institute, gladly accepted Pao School’s invitation as expert consultant for the project. He complimented the creativity of the project team and shared keys to project’s success.
Li Kai, Chief of Basic Education Department of Songjiang District Education Bureau, believed the project team has grasped a key issue in today’s mathematics education. Songjiang Education Bureau promised to firmly endorse the project, and provide support required along the two year process.
Huo Yuxin, government official of the Private Schools’ Office of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission closed the discussion by highlighting the great importance Shanghai Municipal Education Commission attaches to project. She urged the project team, Pao school, and Songjiang Education Bureau to fully collaborate to ensure a successful project execution.
