Taiwanese educators sharpen teaching in English skills during visit to ASU

Learning new English instruction methods and making friends at the ASU English Medium Instruction Faculty Institute
 

ASU Global Launch provided customized teacher development in a two week English Medium Instruction (EMI) Faculty Institute for 20 Taiwanese education professionals to learn how to communicate and instruct their students more effectively in English.

The 19 university professors from a variety of disciplines and 1 administrative officer came to ASU with the purpose of creating more student-centered classrooms in English Medium Instruction contexts. EMI means teaching academic subjects through the medium of English in countries where the first language of the majority of the people is not English.  

The professors hail from National Sun Yat-sen University, National University of Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung Medical University, National Chi Nan University, National University of Tainan, Tainan National University of The Arts, National Pingtung University, National Taitung University, and National Chiayi University.

"The strategies I learned, including student-centered teaching, active learning, ICQ, CCQ, pair sharing, and snowball discussion, have been transformative for my EMI skills and attitude. Your team's expertise and dedication created a supportive and engaging environment that has benefited my professional development. I am deeply appreciative of your commitment to enhancing global education and am inspired to share these invaluable strategies with us. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication. Your efforts are making a significant difference in the lives of us," said Chen-Li Huang, from the National Taitugn University.

"Your informative EMI workshops, meticulous campus tour planning, individualized and inspiring class observations, and prompt email replies and support have been transformative for many, including myself.[...] It is Global Launch which reminds me of my role as an English educator to offer innovative and cutting-edge ways for language learners to launch their new lives," added Cathy/Yi-hung Liao, from the National Pingtung University.
 

The EMI Faculty Institute attendees observed ASU courses in their specific disciplines, participated in workshops on student-centered teaching and learning strategies and toured various educational sites at ASU, like the Luminosity Lab, Thunderbird, Dreamscape, Biodesign Institute, Center for Negative Carbon Emissions, Makerspace. The group also explored Phoenix metro, getting a taste of Arizona culture, by attending a Diamondbacks baseball game and visiting the Phoenix Art Museum.

"The visit to the specialized units here at ASU really stood out to me during the course. The use of virtual reality (VR) to teach foundational subjects to reduce student failures and dropouts was particularly fascinating. Those visits really drove home how much the university cares about its students and their success. Your effort in putting together the curriculum and coordinating all the activities is truly appreciated," said Jui-Huan Chen, from the National Sun Yat-sen University.

The EMI Faculty Institute was a great success due to the tireless work, effort and dedication of everyone involved in its development and implementation. Valuable teaching skills were shared and new international friends were made. Whether learning to teach English or teaching other subjects in English, periodic skill review and training helps educators connect with students and provide the best instruction possible.

Explore your options to teach English with Global Launch at Arizona State University.