Can you name a teacher who has made a difference in your life?
"To Sir, with Love" is an event established to recognize outstanding and dedicated educators at SEU. Early last month, SEU announced that a group of exemplary educators throughout the school had been nominated for the final of "2021 My Favorite Teacher". It's worth noting that Dr. Zhao Xueyu, one of those candidates, is nominated as "My Favorite Teacher of the School of Foreign Languages".
Dr. Zhao Xueyu, working at the School of Foreign Languages of SEU, has been reputed as "Zhishan" young scholar at SEU and the "Innovative and Entrepreneurial" Ph.D. in Jiangsu Province. She has been specializing in research on international test comparisons, test adaptations and translations, and cultural and linguistic issues in international large-scale assessments.
Excerpts from the
# interview #
Why did you choose to be a college teacher?
And why did you teach at SEU?
When I decided to study for my doctorate, I was thinking about becoming a professor like my mother after graduation. Five years later, I was offered a faculty position by SEU even before my defense. I was deeply impressed by Dr. Chen Meihua, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages, with her kindness and warm words in the interview. This is such a dream offer that I have no reason to turn it down. I really appreciated it, and I had been long looking forward to working at this prestigious university.
How do you find teaching at SEU?
I have to say that I enjoy every moment of teaching in the classroom, and of course, I also love to conduct research and publish papers. Due to the nature of my job, sometimes I would have to work at night or on weekends. I have been extremely grateful for all the support that I have received from the deans and supervisors, and also from my family. For one thing, the deans and supervisors always tried to reduce my workload so that I can spend more time with my babies and family. For another, my parents and husband have spared no efforts to take care of my little girls so that I can work quietly in my office.
I don't think it's easy to learn how to balance work and family life. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every person and family must find specific solutions to their issues depending on their own preferences and needs. Essentially, only when one sufficiently meets family commitments and adequately perform responsibilities at work at the same time, can the balance between work and family be achieved. There is nothing wrong with working hard to get ahead, but do not forget the value of the things and people that really matter.
What's your teaching philosophy?
I consider teaching philosophy as a tool to guide my daily decisions, and I use it to shape my participation in a larger context. Besides, I regard my teaching philosophy as a doctrine that defines my working method. Moreover, it also plays a part in continuously clarifying my roles and responsibilities in the world of teaching. I firmly believe that education is the key to a better environment for all human beings. As an educator, I'm dedicated to helping students to develop a more positive attitude towards learning and therefore meet with success in school and society while respecting their personal needs and interests. What's more, it is my responsibility to assist all students in becoming responsible and developing self-advocacy skills so that they may live up to their maximum potential.
What's the major challenge you are facing during your teaching practice?
The most challenging part that I am facing right now is that most of my students are too quiet and too modest.
What are your expectations or goals for your future teaching practice?
In my efforts to achieve my teaching goals, I came up with the following principles and I am gradually refining my principles as I become a more experienced instructor.
1. As an instructor, I should set up goals for students' meaningful learning experiences.
2. As an instructor, I should take on my responsibility of knowing my students.
3. As an instructor, I need to understand that students learn by engaging in authentic activities.
4. As an instructor, I should integrate care into my teaching.
5. As an instructor, I should be aware that the successful teaching entails proper adjustments on the basis of students' reactions.
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Ellen in My Eyes
Ellen always encourages us to send her our writing assignments, which will be polished meticulously by her in class, thus improving our writing skills greatly. Also, she often shares a majority of illuminating English articles with us, enabling us to read extensively.
—Pang Xuan
I like Ellen for many reasons. The way she teaches is very interesting. Even when we have a lot of doubts or questions, she never gets upset with us. She is most remarkable for her loving nature because she always calls us kids and cares about us.
—Zhuang Zhe
Every student is trying to talk in English in spite of the awkward sentences they may use. However, Ellen taught us never to laugh at others' mistakes. By doing so, we have made great progress in our spoken English. Now, we are able to talk in English with more confidence.
—Cao Yuxuan
Ellen in My Eyes
Editor's Note
"Teachers are like candles, burning themselves to illuminate the lives of others." Teachers play a vital role in shaping our lives. They teach us more than just science, math, and languages. They also teach us to live. Therefore, we ought to work harder and feel grateful for teachers like Ellen in our lives, who guide us to a bright future.
To Sir, with Love
Source of Contents: Dr. Zhao Xueyu
Written by Pang Xuan
Proofread by Eric Song, Melody Zhang
Edited by Luo Xinyi
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