On April 18th, Pao School welcomed representatives from the Development of Excellence in Shanghai Private School Young Teachers Programme, who arrived to launch a research project with the high school's Chinese Department. The project is themed 'Research on Drama in Education with a Focus on Chinese Literacy'.
The meeting included experts from government agencies and esteemed schools in Shanghai, including Li Junxiu, Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Primary and Middle School Teachers Award Foundation; Jiang Hong, a senior professor and Former Director of the Qingpu District College of Education; and Gu Yanwen, Director of the Teacher Training Department at the Jinshan District Education Institute. Among the government leaders in attendance were Shi Lijuan, Deputy Director of the Teacher Development Service Department at the Shanghai Teacher Institute; and Yu Chen, head of the High School Division at the Basic Education Department of the Songjiang District Education Bureau.
President Xu Yongchu opened the event by extending a warm welcome to the visiting experts. She described Pao School's educational philosophy, its teacher training program, the school's challenges and the commitment to establishing a more expansive platform for teacher development.
The project leader, Monica Chen, presented a comprehensive overview of the initiative at Pao School that aims to boost high school student language literacy in bilingual environments by using educational theatre. This method also aims to improve teachers' understanding of language literacy, enhance teaching methods, and cultivate a team focused on learning, practicing, studying, innovating, and collaborating.
The project will focus on exploring 'Drama in Education' and 'Theater in Education' within language classrooms and Chinese Drama Clubs. It seeks to build a skilled team of young teachers in private schools. These skills include consolidating teaching experiences, organizing seminars, creating a school-focused curriculum, evaluating outcomes, and establishing a sustainable theater-in-education framework for high school language teaching integration.
Le Yingyu, the Head of the Chinese Department, thanked school leaders for their crucial support in the project's success. She affirmed her commitment to guiding teachers, fostering exploration, and developing outstanding language educators. Following this, Rochelle Ding, Bella Lu, and Rena Yue, high school Chinese teachers involved in the project, shared their personal insights.
High School Director of Chinese Academics, David Xiong, expressed his gratitude for the support from leaders. He emphasized the shared vision and determination to execute this project effectively.
Ms. Shi Lijuan offered additional details about the project and its timeline.
Project team members Daisy Wang and Sandy Min recorded and organized the guidance provided by the experts during the interactive session.
Gu Yanwen commended the project for its understanding of the core principles and importance of project-based teaching and learning.
Jiang Hong wholeheartedly endorsed Pao School's project. She emphasized that educational theater represents an interdisciplinary project-based approach to pedagogical research and practice, rather than a mere technical supplement.
Li Junxiu praised the team for grasping the project's essence and supporting teachers' professional advancement. He urged Pao School to creatively merge elements of Chinese and Western theatre.
The Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Shanghai High School, Fan Xinqiang, gladly accepted the role of expert consultant for the project. Mr. Fan praised the team's foundation and enthusiasm for the 'Educational Theatre' project, offering key exploration points and committing to support the project.
Yu Chen stated that the district education department will proactively establish communication platforms, invigorate training initiatives, offer development opportunities, and act as a steadfast supporter and comprehensive service provider.
Shi Lijuan highlighted the fact that the Private Sector Division of the Municipal Education Commission valuesthe project's execution and the formation of exceptional young teachers in the private sector. She offered recommendations and requests relevant to the effective conduct of the project research within a two-year timeframe.
The Development of Excellence in Shanghai Private School Young Teachers Program has been established by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission to cultivate outstanding young teachers at primary and secondary private schools, in order to further improve the overall level of teaching in the sector. About 20 teams are selected in Shanghai each year.
* Thanks to the High School Chinese Department for the contribution.
