Knox College Students Teach in China

Chinese students surround Joseph Firman, one of 15 Knox students
who taught English in China in December. "The Chinese really wanted exposure
and practice with native English speakers," said Stephen Schroth,
one of the Knox faculty who led the class visit to China.

Knox College students proved to be effective teachers during a recent visit to a Chinese university.

On completion of a term-length course, "Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages" last fall, the Knox students traveled to Anhui, China, in December. Under an agreement between Knox and Anhui University, the Knox students taught English to undergraduates at Anhui University.

"After not too many classes, the faculty at the university invited their graduate students into the classrooms to observe how the Knox students teach," said Steven Schroth, assistant professor of educational studies. Going with the students to Anhui were Schroth; Diana Beck, professor of educational studies; and Shuyan Shipplett, lecturer in Chinese.

The 15 Knox students were divided into five teams -- each team of three students taught about thirty Chinese undergraduates. Schroth and Beck gave presentations to graduate-level students at Anhui.

"It was a working trip, which greatly reduced the cost for the students," Schroth said. "Anhui University provided both room and board."

Following centuries of education based largely on memorization, "the Chinese government is very interested now in the American style of teaching that is more student-centered," Schroth said. "Unlike education in the U.S., Chinese educational policy is set at the national level, and the Chinese have decided that they need to be more innovative and creative. They're interested in our task-based and project-based methods."

The Knox students quickly won praise from Chinese educators, Schroth said. "The Chinese professors brought in their graduate students to watch how the Knox students teach."

One thing the Knox students did not do, in advance of going to China, was take a crash course in Chinese language. "The Chinese really wanted exposure and practice with native English speakers," Schroth said. "Still, a number of our students picked up very quickly on a basic 50 to 100-word Chinese vocabulary."

Knox's initial agreement with Anhui University was approved in January 2008. The two institutions are looking at additional academic exchanges and other activities, said Lawrence Breitborde, Knox's Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

In addition to teaching, the Knox group spent four days sight-seeing in Beijing and other locations in China. "One of the highlights was our trip to the ancient village in Anhui province where they filmed 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'," Schroth said.

Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 47 states and 48 countries. Knox's "Old Main" is a National Historic Landmark and the only building remaining from the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Chinese students hold placards spelling out "Welcome" to greet arriving Knox students and faculty.

Above, three students lead a class at Anhui University; below, a Chinese souvenir photo of the Knox students and faculty. Photos courtesy Shuyan Shipplett, front row at right.