Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to webeditor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat ID or add KippWhittaker or anp3rd on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

Fresh Events This Week

Beijing International School Expo, Jan 13-14
All ages. The 2018 Beijing International School Expo (BISE), hosted by beijingkids and Jingkids, provides an annual platform for parents, school leaders, teachers, and other educators to discover current trends in education and get a chance to meet and converse with many other schools located in Beijing. Free. Starts from 10am. Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel. Contact Jingkids 5941 3140 and beijingkids 5941 5379 for any questions about the event. Register at https://www.bagevent.com/event/860285.

MOPS session: Free from Worry, Jan 8

Adults. Join Beijing International Christian Fellowship for a MOPS session as Life Coach, Carnisa Berry shares with us 5 Steps to Overcome Worry. Carnisa is the founder of Berry Thoughtful Life Coaching, where she helps her clients realize that their dreams are just a thought away. She earned her Life Coaching Certification from World Coach Institute. Free. 10am-noon. Please RSVP to mops@bicf.org. Beijing International Christian Fellowship.

OASIS First Aid Training for Ayi and Parents, Jan 10
Adults. OASIS First Aid Training for Ayi and Parents is a one-day certified training in pediatric first aid. The training will be in Chinese and English, with theory and practical training. Course content covers the basics of first aid and CPR, learning about first aid kits, prevention and treatment of medical emergencies such as fever, choking and serious illnesses such as meningitis, as well as injury due to accidents like falling, drowning, burns, management of bleeding and outdoor emergencies such as bites and stings, heat stroke and more. RMB 300. 10am-1pm. Contact katja.kinnunen@oasishealth.cn or ulla@oasishealth.cn for registration. Oasis International Hospital.

Fun for the Weekend

Mindfulness Sessions @ OASIS, Jan 13
Adults. Nathalie Dorbes, Mindfulness and Stress Management Practitioner, is host to Mindfulness sessions at OASIS International Hospital each month. Join her two Saturdays a month as you learn to reconnect with your inner power and better your daily life. Under the guidance of Nathalie Dorbes, you will learn to and practice how to relax, breathe and visualise what is good for you. Reconnect your mind, body and create balance and harmony for yourself and those around you. RMB 120 (100 when paid in advance). 11am-12.30pm. Contact Nathalie Dorbes (185-1522-9495) for more information. Oasis International Hospital.

LAX: Lacrosse For Kids, Jan 13
Aged 7-14. Kids can learn lacrosse at this workshop at the Beijing City International School (BCIS), held in an indoor facility. Known as the ‘fastest game on two feet,’ Lacrosse is popular in North America and growing around the world. This program will allow kids to learn the fundamentals of the game with experienced coaches and jump right into the game. RMB 1,700. 4-6pm. Check out http://c.xiumi.us/stage/v5/2qW0K/66467942#/ for more information. Fill in the following information to register. Beijing City International School.

ICVS “Departing from China with Pets” FREE Information Session, Jan 14
Adults. ICVS pet relocation experts will share step-by-step instructions on the latest 2018 exit process, including new changes at the PRC Quarantine Bureau, winter blackout periods on pet travel, microchipping, vaccinations, rabies antibody titre testing, and other requirements to help you prepare for a smooth departure from China and an easy entry to your next destination country. Free. 11am-12.30pm. Contact 8456 1940 or marypeng@mac.com for more information. International Center for Veterinary Services.

Roundabout Temple Fair, Jan 14
All ages. Welcome The Year of Dog at the Roundabout Temple Fair this coming weekend with shopping, fun games, handicrafts, food, and some of the rich cultural traditions which are part of Chinese New Year. There are so many great activities for everyone to enjoy and fabulous festival food, wonderful performances from the Dragon and Lion dancers, displays of kung fu, and music from our young musicians. All proceeds will support Xu Huanrui and Abdu Salaam’s treatment. Free. Starts from noon. Contact 137 1877 7761 or 138 1111 7756 for more information. Shine Hills.

Comedy Night – Dwayne Perkins, Jan 14
All ages. Brooklyn native Dwayne Perkins is a young vet in the comedy game. He has earned a spot in today’s elite class of stand-up comics with several appearances on Comedy Central and on Conan. Dwayne’s Comedy Central half hour special, a culmination of his talent and hard work, was very well received and voted one of the top 25 Comedy Central specials of all time. It showcases his unique way of looking at life and his unparalleled ability to convey it in a hilarious manner. RMB 100 (students); RMB 150 (pre-sale); RMB 180 (at the door). Starts at noon. Book a seat at https://yoopay.cn/event/01290724. The Bookworm.

Composting workshop, Jan 14
All ages. For you and your kids. Make your own DIY compost bin, learn why to compost, and at the end of the event, everyone can make their own compost pile. RMB 100 without a bin / RMB 150 with a bin /  Kids under 10 free. Starts at noon. Register with Julia (Wechat ID: chenshihhan) before January 10. East Lake Villa Clubhouse Lobby.

Fresh Events Next Week

Innovative Education: K-12 International Schools in Beijing, Jan 16
Adults. Join AmCham China for an informal dinner session to hear from some of the leading innovators in K-12 learning. They will gather educators, staff, and parents, for an event where AmCham China member schools share best practices including classroom management tips, use of innovative technology in the classroom, opportunities and challenges in bilingual education, findings in child development, and how schools measure success and results. Parents and educators will also have an opportunity to mingle and network. Free. 4.30-6.30pm. Contact Evan Schmitt at eschmitt@amchamchina.org for more information and registration. AmCham China Conference Center.

Theatre for Kids: The True-Fake Monkey King, Jan 17
All ages. Based on the Chinese classic Journey to the West, the Chinese-language puppet play The True-Fake Monkey King introduces the Tang Dynasty classic to kids in a fun way. Full of action and adventure, this piece of theater teaches an important lesson while entertaining. RMB 160-280. For more information or to buy tickets, visit: http://ticket.chncpa.org/product-1042825.html. National Center For The Performing Arts.

House of Knowledge Open Day, Jan 16-17
All ages. After ten years’ development, House of Knowledge Schools and Kindergartens (HoK) has grown into an elementary school and two kindergartens, featuring hands-on learners, and a project-based approach to learning. HoK believe that a positive experience in education from an early age is essential to nurture a lifelong love of learning. Their safe and caring environment allows students to express themselves, encourages an inquiring mind and celebrates independent thinking through experiential learning. Free. 9.30-11.30am. Contact 400 650 7747 or admissions@hokschools.com for more information. House of Knowledge.

Secondary Winter Concert @ YCIS, Jan 18
All ages. Secondary students will treat their families and the wider Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) community to a showcase of the performing arts, as part of the students’ Winter Concert Series. Choral selections, instrumental soloists, orchestral arrangements, rock band rock-outs, and interpretive dances will make up a diverse selection of performances during the evening. Free. Contact 8585 1836 or info@bj.ycef.com for more information. YCIS Beijing.

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB Chatterbox, Jan 18
Adults. The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi is hosting this months’ International Newcomers Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning. Join them for this great opportunity to meet other newcomers and old-timers in the Shunyi area! Free. 10am-noon. Contact 8047 3588 or marketing@bsbshunyi.com for more information. BSB Shunyi.

MSB Open House (Nursery-Grade 6), Jan 18
All ages. The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) opens its door to prospective parents. Meet their leadership team, talk to their faculty, discover their English and Dual Language Programmes, tour their campus, visit their classrooms and have all your questions answered! Refreshments and snacks will be served. Free. 9-11am; 1-3pm. RSVP to admissions@msb.edu.cn. MSB.

Mongolian Lunar New Year Adventure Tour, Jan 15-19
All ages. This snowy adventure is sure to give you a taste of Mongolia at its most beautiful and leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Experience the Mongolian Lunar New Year and celebrate this symbolic fresh start with a spectacular adventure in true Mongolian style, with a nomadic family. RMB 2,888 per person. Contact Tuya (WeChat ID:tuya_6323) for more information.

Ongoing Events

3e Open House, starts from Jan 1
All ages. In January and March, 3e International School will host a series of Open House sessions for prospective nursery (2 years old) to kindergarten (6 years old) families to visit and tour 3e’s Lido campus. Families are invited to learn and ask questions of their experienced leadership and admissions team members to understand more about 3e’s dual-immersion bilingual program. Each open house session will provide the opportunity to meet the principal and director of research and curriculum, listen to an informative overview of the 3e program and philosophy, tour classrooms and facilities, and discuss admissions procedures. Free. 9.30-11am. Contact 6437 3344 or admissions@3einternationalschool.org for registration. 3e International School.

TLC Winter Term Weekend School, starts from Jan 6
All ages. TLC Winter Term Weekend School is back for its 14th year, offering a dynamic selection of courses in this five-week program, so whether you are looking to boost your English language skills, want to perfect your debating ability, or feed your passion for storytelling, TLC will have you covered this winter. Courses: Debating course; An introduction to entrepreneurship; Fables and fairy tales. All courses are taught in English. RMB 6,000 for full-day school, RMB 3,150 for half-day school. Contact for more info or sign up 8046 3886 or registration@hyde-education.com. The Learning Center.

Flips & Kicks Plus: Gymnastics Classes at BSB, starts from Jan 11
Ages 3+. Come join British School of Beijing (BSB) to learn new skills, have fun, make friends, and stay active! Classes will be taught in English by qualified international staff, a great opportunity to provide your kids great foundation for all sports and help create a love of sports that lasts a lifetime. RMB 2,470 (Students from the BSB receive 10 percent discount). 4-6.30pm. Please contact info@flipsandkicksplus.com or 137-1846-2044 or 158-1068-6744 for more information and registration. British School of Beijing.

Flips & Kicks Plus: Gymnastics Classes at WAB, starts from Jan 12
Ages 5+.  Come join Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) to learn new skills, have fun, make new friends, and stay active! Classes will be taught in English by qualified international staff, a great opportunity to provide your kids great foundation for all sports and help create a love of sports that lasts a lifetime. RMB1,950-2,250 (Students from WAB receive 10 percent discount). 9am-7.25pm. Please contact info@flipsandkicksplus.com or 137-1846-2044 or 158-1068-6744 for more information and registration. Western Academy of Beijing.

Flips & Kicks Plus: Gymnastics Classes at ISB, starts from Jan 15
Ages 5+.  Come join International School of Beijing (ISB) to learn new skills, have fun, make new friends, and stay active! Classes will be taught in English by qualified international staff, a great opportunity to provide your kids great foundation for all sports and help create a love of sports that lasts a lifetime. RMB2,340 (Students from ISB receive 10 percent discount). 6-8pm. Please contact info@flipsandkicksplus.com or 137 1846 2044 or 158 1068 6744 for more information and registration. Internaitonal School of Beijing.

Ideas Winter Camp, until Feb 10 
Ages 7-17. The Ideas School hosts a week-long winter camp. Kids 7-10 can stage a Broadway musical or learn more about science and math in a STEM Workshop. 11-14 year olds can choose between a Youth MBA program or a Design Thinking Workshop, while those aged 15 to 17 can try the Design Thinking Workshop or polish their rhetorical skills with public speaking and essay writing. Camps run for 14 days in two sessions. All day. For more information or to reserve, visit: http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/-tPvWxFfrdzf8HqdJHzVAQ

Photo: courtesy of House of Knowledge, Flips & Kicks Plus

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to webeditor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat ID or add KippWhittaker or anp3rd on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

3e Open House, starts from Jan 1
All ages. In January and March, 3e International School will host a series of Open House sessions for prospective nursery (2 years old) to kindergarten (6 years old) families to visit and tour 3e’s Lido campus. Families are invited to learn and ask questions of their experienced leadership and admissions team members to understand more about 3e’s dual-immersion bilingual program. Each open house session will provide the opportunity to meet the principal and director of research and curriculum, listen to an informative overview of the 3e program and philosophy, tour classrooms and facilities, and discuss admissions procedures. Free. 9.30-11am. Contact 6437 3344 or admissions@3einternationalschool.org for registration. 3e International School.

Beijing Saturday Indoor Flea Market, Jan 6
All ages. Every Saturday afternoon there’s a second-hand goods sale or exchange small indoor flea market in Xizhimen Zuanhegongguan. Come and bring what you like to sell or exchange for this weekly event, electronics, books, home country handicrafts. It’s a great place to get bargains and make friends; they may also have small auctions for fun. Free. 2-4pm. Add WeChat ID bjdnh2015 for more information.

TLC Winter Term Weekend School, starts from Jan 6
All ages. TLC Winter Term Weekend School is back for its 14th year, offering a dynamic selection of courses in this five-week program, so whether you are looking to boost your English language skills, want to perfect your debating ability, or feed your passion for story-telling, TLC will have you covered this winter. Courses: Debating course; An introduction to entrepreneurship; Fables and fairytales. All courses are taught in English. RMB 6,000 for full-day school, RMB 3,150 for half-day school. Contact for more info or sign up 8046 3886 or registration@hyde-education.com. The Learning Center.

OASIS First Aid Training for Ayi and Parents, Jan 10
Adults. OASIS First Aid Training for Ayi and Parents is a one-day certified training in Pediatric first aid. The training will be in Chinese and English with theory and practical training. Course content covers the basics of first aid and CPR, learning about first aid kits, prevention and treatment of medical emergencies such as fever, choking and serious illnesses such as meningitis, as well as injury due to accidents like falling, drowning, burns, management of bleeding and outdoor emergencies such as bites and stings, heat stroke and more. RMB 300. 10am-1pm. Contact katja.kinnunen@oasishealth.cn or ulla@oasishealth.cn for registration.

ICVS “Departing from China with Pets” FREE Information Session, Jan 6 and 14
Adults. ICVS pet relocation experts will share step-by-step instructions on the latest 2018 exit process, including new changes at the PRC Quarantine Bureau, winter blackout periods on pet travel, microchipping, vaccinations, rabies antibody titre testing, and other requirements to help you prepare for a smooth departure from China and an easy entry to your next destination country. Free. 11am-12:30pm. Contact 8456 1940 or marypeng@mac.com for more information. ICVS.

Beijing International School Expo, Jan 13-14
All ages. The 2018 Beijing International School Expo (BISE), hosted by beijingkids and Jingkids, provides an annual platform for parents, school leaders, teachers, and other educators to discover current trends in education and get a chance to meet and converse with many other schools located in Beijing. Free. Starts from 10am. Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel. Contact Jingkids 5941 3140 and beijingkids 5941 5379 for any questions about the event. Register at https://www.bagevent.com/event/860285.

Roundabout Temple Fair, Jan 14
All ages. Welcome The Year of Dog at the Roundabout Temple Fair this coming weekend with shopping, fun games, handicrafts, food, and some of the rich cultural traditions which are part of Chinese New Year. There are so many great activities for everyone to enjoy and fabulous festival food, wonderful performances from the Dragon and Lion dancers, displays of Kongfu, and music from our young musicians. All proceeds will support Xu Huanrui and Abdu Salaam’s treatment. Free. Starts from noon. Contact 137 1877 7761 or 138 1111 7756 for more information. Shine Hills.

House of Knowledge Open Day, Jan 16-17
All ages. After ten years’ development, House of Knowledge Schools and Kindergartens (HoK) has grown into an Elementary school and two kindergartens, featuring hands-on learners, and a project-based approach to learning. HoK believe that a positive experience in education from an early age is essential to nurture a lifelong love of learning. Their safe and caring environment allows students to express themselves, encourages an inquiring mind and celebrates independent thinking through experiential learning. Free. 9.30-11.30am. Contact 400 650 7747 or admissions@hokschools.com for more information. House of Knowledge.

Secondary Winter Concert @ YCIS, Jan 18
All ages. Secondary students will treat their families and the greater Yew Chung International School of Beijing community to a showcase of the performing arts, as part of the students’ Winter Concert Series. Choral selections, instrumental soloists, orchestral arrangements, rock band rock-outs, and interpretive dances will make up a diverse selection of performances during the evening. Free. Contact 8585 1836 or info@bj.ycef.com for more information. YCIS.

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB Chatterbox, Jan 18
Adults. The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi is hosting this months’ International Newcomers Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning. Join them for this great opportunity to meet other newcomers and old-timers in the Shunyi area! Free. 10am-noon. Contact 8047 3588 or marketing@bsbshunyi.com for more information. BSB Shunyi.

MSB Open House (Nursery-Grade 6), Jan 18
All ages. The Montessori School of Beijing opens its door to prospective parents. Meet their leadership team, talk to their faculty, discover their English and Dual Language Programmes, tour their campus, visit their classrooms and have all your questions answered! Refreshments and snacks will be served. Free. 9-11am; 1-3pm. RSVP to admissions@msb.edu.cn. MSB.

Mongolian Lunar New Year Adventure Tour, Jan 15-19
All ages. This snowy adventure is sure to give you a taste of Mongolia at its most beautiful and leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Experience the Mongolian Lunar New Year and celebrate this symbolic fresh start with a spectacular adventure in true Mongolian style, with a nomadic family. RMB 2,888 per person. Contact Tuya (WeChat ID:tuya_6323) for more information.

Roundabout Book Fair @ BSB Sanlitun, Jan 20
All ages. Come and visit Roundabout’s huge Book Fair at the British School of Beijing, Sanlitun. Thousands of gently used books from many categories will be on sale for prices starting as low as RMB 1. There will be fiction and non-fiction (e.g. health, biography, travel, cooking) books for children and adults, dictionaries in English, Chinese, German, French and more languages. All proceeds will help children in need. Free. 10am-3pm. Contact 137 1877 7761 (English), 137 1805 3814 (Chinese only) for more information. BSB Sanlitun.

OASIS Childbirth Workshop, Jan 20
Adults. Enjoy this morning workshop, with workshop hosts, Dr. Juliette Kinn, OB/GYN, Dr. Vasili Berdoukas, Pediatrician, and Mindfulness and Stress Management Practitioner, Nathalie Dorbes. The OASIS Childbirth Workshop is a paid class. Refreshments are provided during the class with a break midway for lunch (included in the cost) and a booklet to take home with information learned from the class. RMB 100 per person. 9am-2pm. Contact Katja.Kinnunen@oasishealth.cn for more information and registration. OASIS International Hospital.

Yoga class @ Yoga Yard, Jan 20
Join Justine at Yoga Yard and literally flip upside down to turn your world right side up. Inversions help you see the world in a different way- they help you to face your fear as you move towards the unknown, build strength and balance, and put a smile on your face as the brain releases feel-good chemicals such as serotonin and endorphins. This workshop will focus on breaking down inversions, start with a yoga practice that will prepare our body and mind (let go of fear) for going upside down. And end with guided relaxation and partner flow to achieve a deep and yummy level of release. Language: English&Chinese. RMB 380 (RMB 330 if paid by January 12^th).  1-4pm. Contact 6413 0774 or info@yogayard.com for more information. Yoga Yard.

Atelier CNY Art Workshops, starts from Jan 29
Aged 5+. Atelier Fablab offers three brand new workshops for the Chinese New Year Holidays. Workshop 1: Build your city: discover urban design thinking and create the model of a city in larger scale; Workshop 2: Van Gogh: each day the students will discover one topic related to masterpieces Van Gogh created; Workshop 3: Sculpture Masterclass: look at sculpting through the ages, and across some wildly different styles. RMB 1,800-2,000. 10am-4pm. Follow WeChat Atelierartschool for more information. Atelier Sanlitun.

Ideas Winter Camp, until Feb 10
Ages 7-17. The Ideas School hosts a week-long winter camp. Kids 7-10 can stage a Broadway musical or learn more about science and math in a STEM Workshop. 11-14 year olds can choose between a Youth MBA program or a Design Thinking Workshop, while those aged 15 to 17 can try the Design Thinking Workshop or polish their rhetorical skills with public speaking and essay writing. Camps run for 14 days in two sessions. All day. For more information or to reserve, visit: http://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/-tPvWxFfrdzf8HqdJHzVAQ

Photos: courtesy of Tuya

We’re only in the second decade of the 21st century but the changes happening in many fields worldwide have been swift and steady. Think of health; we’ve taken many great strides in producing life-saving medicines. Think of technology, and there have been rapid developments in computing, robotics, and the internet. Think of any other industry and you would be amazed by how much our society has changed compared to the status quo of one to two hundred years ago.

In this revolution, scholars in many parts of the globe have noted that there is one field that has been lagging behind: education. The domain that once produced the brains behind innovation is the same domain that has mostly resisted change in recent decades, due to rigid rules and “the diffuse system of governance [that]creates numerous veto points to limit innovation.” Hamilton Gregg, college advisor at Harrow Beijing and founder of Hamilton Gregg International Education Consulting (HGIEC), says the problem is that technology has altered the way children learn and process information, while the educational system has mostly remained traditional – for example, sticking to the usual classroom layout and university lectures.

The traditional classroom utilizes a lecture-type of setting.

“If the system hasn’t caught up to where kids are, then it’s not pushing them to develop their intellectual capacity,” Gregg says, explaining that the way children adapt and give their attention to something is different from the educational model developed in a different era.

According to British author and educational speaker Sir Ken Robinson, traditional education systems follow a “manufacturing model” based on industrialization: linearity, conformity, and batching people. In a talk at a TED conference in 2010, he challenged educators worldwide to revolutionize the way education is viewed, saying that ideas and concepts should meet the demands and circumstances of the current century (see his TED Talk video here).

“We have to recognize that human flourishing is not a mechanical process; it’s an organic process,” he says, explaining that education should be patterned on the principles of agriculture. “[While] you cannot predict the outcome of human development, all you can do, like a farmer, is create the conditions under which they will begin to flourish.”

Resistance to Change
Shifting educational paradigms is no easy feat for schools, let alone for teachers and parents. For one thing, Gregg says traditional educational systems cannot cope with the way 21st-century citizens and students focus, as they are constantly fed with information in different ways and different time frames.

Then there’s the issue of resistance in the education sector, as pointed out by scholars worldwide. Dr. Tarek Razik, former head of school at the International School of Beijing (ISB), believes that while teachers are open to change and committed to bringing the best to their students, the very profession of teaching requires them not to fail. “‘You’re asking me to teach in a different way, but I’ve never done it that way.’ Or, ‘Okay, there’s a better way to do this. What if it doesn’t work?’ [Teachers] are afraid to show vulnerability, but we all need to be able to show vulnerability as we learn new things,” he says.

Other causes of opposition include when the traditional roles of the teacher and the student are challenged, or when the reforms promote “mechanization,” resulting in the “dehumanization” of the educational process, or when the innovation is complex or fails because of ignorance, or when the disruption in the status quo triggers “feelings of insecurity” that “are regarded as an attack on professional competence and identity.”

Razik mentions that parents find it difficult to deal with the reforms because of the difference in the way they were educated. “Almost everybody’s been to school and many of our parents are extremely successful. They, therefore, are hesitant to do anything different. Forget about the whole child, forget about how happy my child is. More homework, more tests, more quizzes, more academic rigor. More successful.” At least this is what many traditional parents think, he says.

“Humans are typically resistant to change and particularly when it comes to drastic changes,” Gregg says, “and parents have to let go of the model they grew up with. For an educator to change totally, they have to rethink how to teach. And for people who get the ability to utilize technology to inspire minds, that’s the ticket [to success.]”

Sparking Innovation in Education
Many schools worldwide, including in Beijing, have begun combining multiple methods and strategies to advance innovative education systems, which the World Economic Forum (WEF) says can “provide the next generation with the skills of the future.” The WEF has also encouraged leaders to use approaches which can spark innovation in education.

Education for the 21st century does not only use technology as a platform to teach. Rather, it focuses on developing the highly valuable skills and abilities needed in a rapidly changing digital society.

Gregg explains that innovative education is a setting which combines theory and practice, allowing students to utilize information through experiential or project-based opportunities. While these learning methods have been used for a while, recent approaches have adapted them specifically for the 21st century, personalizing the learning experience of an individual.

Experiential learning, according to Keystone Academy, is “the deep learning that occurs through direct experience of doing. Keystone’s curriculum dedicates an Experiential Learning Program (ELP) week for students from Grades 4 to 10 to learn outside their campus.”

“ELP is arranged sequentially across the grade years and linked thematically to the arts and architecture of China. All travel experiences link to what [students]learn in school and help [them]build community between students, teachers, and [their]surroundings,” Keystone says.

Humanities teacher Xuebin Wang said innovative educational activities at Keystone are not just about technology, but also exploration and reconstitution of culture. “Innovative education seems like a ‘charming phase’ but in my mind, we shouldn’t let innovation make education fashionable [or trendy]. I let my students use technology just when it’s necessary.”

In his Grade 6 class, for example, Wang lets his students re-create historical stories through cartoons. Whereas in his Grade 7 class, pupils compare strides in Chinese history and culture to current events around the world. Students taking up his Chinese Civilization class learn not only about their roots, but also why they are world citizens and what they can do to cooperate with other people in addressing global issues like climate change, pollution, and violence.

Keystone Grade 8 students traveled to Dunhang, Gansu in May as part of their Experiential Learning Program

On the other hand, project-based learning provides an opportunity for students to progress their skills and acquire knowledge by working on an “authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge” for an extended period of time. In Beijing, one of the schools that make use of project-based learning is ISB, through its Futures Academy program.

“We start in Grade 7 because the kids are mature enough to do a lot of the off-campus things that we want to do. We still do parts of the Futures Academy in all grades. But to have the kids really do what we want them to do off-campus, be independent learners, there needs to be a level of maturity,” says Razik.

He explains that in most innovative educational approaches, including the project-based learning approach, teachers are viewed as a facilitator who helps students go through the processes in solving challenges or problems. But while learners are given autonomy, Razik says they still need to be taught and work under the standards and framework set in the program.

Oftentimes, mainstream education doesn’t teach other necessary ideas and skills for children, and that is what after-school programs fill in. But as well as using technology as an innovative approach to boost kids’ learning, after-school programs should help students make “conscious choices” in the role technology plays in their life, according to Mike MacKinnon, director at The Learning Center (TLC).

“The key is in helping students develop first the analytical tools that are applicable regardless of whether they are on- or offline, and then teaching them how to use that knowledge when they are online,” MacKinnon says, adding that students who have mastered these tools should be able to address problems and critical issues by engaging in discussions and using available tools to research and develop solutions.

Personalizing Education
Making basic education, let alone innovative educational approaches, available to everyone is a big challenge for governments and educational leaders worldwide. Technology can solve part of that big problem, though the future looks uncertain because of, again, the rapid changes in digital society. For example, the introduction and use of groundbreaking technologies and devices in education has excited our imaginations in how learning is developed or personalized, and how it prepares citizens for life outside of school.

Ken Robinson at the Creative Company Conference, Amsterdam in 2009.

Robinson, at his TED talk in 2010, said that there are many models that can be used to reform and transform education, but learning grows on a personal level. “It’s about customizing to your circumstances and personalizing education to the people you’re actually teaching. It’s about creating a movement in education in which people develop their own solutions, but with external support based on a personalized curriculum.”

Gregg argues that personalized education is interesting, but doing it on a systematic and massive level will make it “technologicalized,” opening a “potential to miss kids where they are.” He goes further to explain that technologies like artificial intelligence and automation can go as far as boosting learning experiences, but they don’t have “humanity or the cognitive ability, or the sensibility to understand what everything is.”

Among all these changes, it’s still up to the parents to choose the best educational opportunities for their children. “I think parents must be completely open-minded and try to understand what education means from all points of view and the multiple ways that it can be delivered, and understand the value of character development and how it happens,” Gregg says.

References
– Five Ways Teachers Can Use Technology to Help Students, www.brookings.edu
– Bring on the learning revolution! Sir Ken Robinson, TED Talk 2010
– Reducing Teacher Resistance to Change and Innovations, Hayal Koksal (Ph.D.), Director General, (Turkey), World Council for Total Quality & Excellence in Education
– Teacher resistance against school reform: reflecting an inconvenient truth, Ewald Terhard, School Leadership & Management Vol. 33 , Iss. 5,2013
– What is Project Based Learning (PBL), BIE.org

Photos: courtesy of ISB and Keystone Academy; Wokandapix via Pixabay; Sebastiaan ter Burg via Flickr (for Sir Ken Robinson’s photo)

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This article originally appeared on p 44-45 of beijingkids August 2017 issue.
Download the digital copy here.

For our column, Ask an Educator, we turn to educators, whether teachers, tutors, or principals, to answer frequently asked questions from parents. To send in your question, email jessicasuotmaa@beijing-kids.com.

This week, our question is:

“What is plagiarism? Why did my child receive a ‘0’?”

Answering for us Aaron Adams, Head of Test Prep at The Learning Center/Hyde Academy.

When a student plagiarizes and they are from a culture that does not necessarily see it the same way as the West, I usually view it as a teachable moment.  Many of my students who go to local schools tell me that plagiarism is not considered a negative act, and is sometimes even considered the proper way to do an assignment. Therefore, I would rather have these students learn about plagiarism when they are younger, and when the consequences are less severe than when they are in college and in the West.

Due to the differences between our two cultures, many of the Chinese parents and students I have worked with are surprised that plagiarism is taken to be such a serious issue. They are even more surprised when I explain the often severe punishments meted out in the West. Many international schools and all Western universities will give students a failing grade for the entire course, even for a first offense. Repeat offenses in America often are punished by expulsion from school. When this happens, a student may be blacklisted and prevented from enrolling at a new university.

When plagiarism occurs in one of my classes, I invest a lot of time in making sure students understand plagiarism, since my job is not just to educate students about the subject matter of the course, but also to prepare them for a Western learning environment. While teaching students about plagiarism can take a lot of time and is admittedly less entertaining than the regular curriculum, it is a critical part of any training for a student headed for a Western-style international school or a Western university.

If I catch a student plagiarizing, I usually give a warning the first time and make a student redo the assignment. If they fail to do so, they get a zero.  If a student did not intend to plagiarize, thinking that mixing in their own words would not result in plagiarism, I also allow them to redo the assignment. If a student plagiarizes after I have given a warning, I give the student a zero for the assignment. Although receiving a zero can be very uncomfortable for some students, I believe in the long-run it is less traumatic if children can learn to surmount these obstacles in an environment where they can practice, where the consequences are less permanent.

 Photo: courtesy of Aaron Adams

Whether to get your child some private tutoring is a question that a lot of parents face with at least one of their children during their academic life. Private tutoring can be expensive, but most parents are willing to invest if it means their child gets the extra little bit of help they need. So, the first question has to be “How do I know if my child needs extra tutoring?"

Parents need to find out from their child’s teacher how they are doing at school. They will hopefully tell you if your child could benefit from tutoring.

If your child is about to start an important year, where they will sit SATs, IGCSEs, or A-Levels, then this may be the time to seek extra tutoring in exam techniques and processes. If you feel that your child lacks confidence or independence, tutoring may help them reach their full potential.

The advantage with private tutoring is that it gives your child one-on-one attention, although it is important to ensure extra tutoring won’t put them under too much pressure.

Tutoring often works best if it’s done in conjunction with what the teacher is doing in class, and is done with their full support. Some children will benefit more from group tutoring, so it’s important to look at the options available, and decide which would suit your child’s learning needs best. 

Your kids may still be enjoying the final days of their summer camp, but it’s never too early to start thinking about private tutoring for the coming academic year. Here are just a few options for tutoring services for students, in the Shunyi area.

The Learning Centre (TLC) is an American-operated tutoring center that has run group workshops and one-on-one tutoring programs in Beijing since 2004. TLC aims to bridge the gaps between eastern and western educational systems. Their native English-speaking instructors are certified teachers and/or qualified TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) instructors from England, America, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. All of TLCs programs are designed to match the specific academic needs of the students, using a combination of resources from different educational content providers.

Those who come to TLC include:
 

• Students who are seeking to develop their English language skills, in order to learn more effectively and pass exams.
• Students seeking subject-specific knowledge, in math, science, humanities, and advanced English to help them succeed in their IB, IGCSE, AP, and A-Level programs.
   
• Students seeking to understand the admissions processes and requirements for entering Beijing’s top international schools, overseas schools, and western universities.
   

Neighborhood Talent International Education Center (NTEC) is specialized in providing international curriculum tutoring on English, Math, Science, Chinese, and IB/SAT preparation. Their English and Math teachers include native English speakers from North America, and their Chinese teachers are qualified with at least a bachelor degree in language or education. NTEC provides customized classes in order to strengthen the student’s confidence in English or Chinese as a foreign language.
Contact: Cathay View Clubhouse, No. 1 Guangtang East Road, Chaoyang District 100102 ( (8450 1789, 130 3103 8833, service@chineseneighbor.com) www.chineseneighbor.com

Halida’s Cultural Center (HLCC) has provided a community center for foreigners living in the Shunyi area since 2005. The center provides private Chinese tutoring for students, tailored to their school and the educational program they are following. They have a long history working in the Shunyi neighborhood, and have tutored many students from ISB, WAB and other international schools. They have a good understanding of the programs of these schools, and their expectations, allowing HLCC to tutor students more effectively.
Contact: 2751, Capital Paradise, No. 8 Yuyang Road, Houshayu Town, Shunyi, Chaoyang District 101300 (8046 3328) www.hlcc.asia

ISA’s Chinese Classroom has been running since 2004. They provide tutoring services to students, to help develop their spoken and written Chinese language skills, assist with homework, and help with exam preparations. Lessons are tailor-made to meet individual language levels, demands, and the goals of the student.
Contact: Opposite Beijing Vanke City Garden, Houshayu, Shunyi (138 0137 0723, easywaychinese@aliyun.com)

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Harald Groven, Olga Lednichenko, Pete (Flickr)

Jamie Loewer is a Mathematics and Science Coordinator at The Learning Center. She has been in Beijing since June 2012. beijingkids met up with Loewer to talk about Math tutoring. See Part 1 of our interview here.

What do you like most about tutoring?
I like that it has given me the opportunity to work every day with something I am so passionate about.  Not only that, but working with so many students from different grade levels has allowed me to better appreciate how all the different topics in mathematics are related to each other. I have also found it really interesting to see the different teaching styles within the different schools that my students attend.  I may have worked with students on similar content, but their teachers have taught the processes in many different ways.  The fact that I have been exposed to all these different methods allows me to work with students and find a method that works for each child.  I also enjoy that I work with students from all over Beijing, and quite frankly, all over the world!  I have met some amazing kids!  It is so interesting to learn what languages they speak and to discover all the places that they’ve traveled.

Do you assign homework?
Again, it depends on the student.  Most of the time, no.  The students are here because they need help on their homework assigned to them by their school and so I assist them with understanding the problems and helping them to develop their solutions. However, parents and even students sometimes request extra homework from me and so I will assign homework to give them that extra practice and help fix any areas that might be causing them trouble.

How do you select the materials you use with your students?
For most of my students, I have a copy of the textbook that they use in school.  This gives me a great jumping off point as to the types and styles of questions they will encounter.  Also, I work with a great staff that is continually collecting materials for all levels of math.  From here, we are able to work together to borrow and use each others materials that we know works well with the students. In the end the student’s needs dictate which materials I employ in my lessons. I will match the materials to the student so that we can make progress in the most efficient way possible.

What advice would you give to parents looking for math tutors in Beijing?
My first piece of advice would be to make sure that the center has highly qualified, experienced, and certified teachers.  Mathematics has such a wide range of content and levels that it is important that your child’s tutor be able to teach at any level.  I mentioned before that there are many, many different ways to solve each problem and it is very important that your child’s tutor knows more than one way to solve these problems.  I think experience is so important because every day of teaching, whether in a tutoring session or in a classroom, is enlightening for that teacher.  Over the years I have experienced so many different learning styles and students and I’ve had practice figuring out which method is going to work best with each student to help them achieve their goals. 

How is learning Math with a tutor different to learning Math at school?
Tutoring is all about the one on one experience.  As a student in a regular classroom, they can easily get lost in the mix of their classmates and their teacher may not be able to tell that they are having difficulty with the material.  This doesn’t happen during a tutoring session.  That tutoring time is all about the success of the individual student sitting in front of the tutor. As a professional tutor my job is to create a safe, positive learning environment, entirely crafted for the benefit of the individual student that allows me to address their unique concerns and difficulties.

Photo courtesy of The Learning Center

Jamie Loewer is a Mathematics and Science Coordinator at The Learning Center. She has been in Beijing since June 2012. beijingkids met up with Loewer to talk about Math tutoring.

What kind of atmosphere do you try to foster in your classes?
I try very hard to be an open ear and approachable for my students. I want them to feel comfortable and confident in my abilities when they are asking any questions that they have about their schoolwork.  I want them to feel comfortable to ask those questions that they might feel reluctant to ask during school and I want them to always let me know when they are not sure of something. I’m here to help!

What are your qualifications?
First, I have my master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Secondary Education.  I am a qualified and certified teacher in the state of Texas covering all academic content for early elementary up through grade eight. I am also highly qualified in the United States to teach secondary school mathematics. 

What experience do you have?
Before moving to China, I taught for the Department of Defense for one year at Fort Sam Houston.  After that, I taught secondary mathematics and science for three years in San Antonio, Texas. I have been teaching ever since I arrived in China.

What age kids to you teach?
As mentioned above, I am qualified to teach all grade levels and I currently work with students ranging from grade 5 all the way up to grade 12.

Where can tutoring sessions take place?
All of the tutoring sessions take place here at The Learning Center.

How many students do you tutor at a time?
Typically students are tutored on an individual basis with the entire hour dedicated to them achieving their learning goals. However, on occasion I have also taught tutoring sessions with two students who happen to be at the same grade level and/or studying the same content.  Also, The Learning Center offers group workshops on weekends and during our summer camps that accommodate up to eight students.

How do you prepare for class?
Each student is different.  I always have worksheets and activities available as backup, but typically students bring in their homework and classwork, and that always comes first.  It is important to make sure, as a teacher, that I know my mathematics content inside and out.  Students come into tutoring expecting someone to be not only able to explain to them how to come up with a correct answer, but also, how and why a certain theorem, formula or method of solution works to get that answer.  It is my job to fill in the gaps and help develop the students’ understanding of the content that they may have missed during their regular classes in school.  I also have access to past papers for a variety of examinations which allows me to thoroughly prepare students for the levels of testing they are likely to face. In other situations students may come to The Learning Center to prepare for specific standardized tests (like the SAT or SAT subject tests) or entrance examinations for other schools or universities. In those cases I will design a course of work that will be tailored to the student’s situation and the content will be determined depending on the student’s current level and the level they want to reach. These situations allow me to work at a pace that is suitable for the student and to deliver the material in a way that suits the individual’s learning style.

What is your teaching style?
Once again, it’s different with each student I work with.  Generally, I try to make tutoring a fun place to be.  If the student is already struggling with the content, I want them to feel more confident when they leave each time.  If the student is already quite strong in the subject area, I want to challenge them, keep them ahead of the class and develop their skills even further. I feel like it is very important to create a strong rapport with each student so they look forward to coming to their sessions.  The more comfortable they are in a session, the more likely they will be to ask those questions and raise questions about any problematic areas.

Photos courtesy of The Learning Center

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Dana is the beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Beijing in 2011 (via Europe) with her husband, two sons and Rusty the dog. She enjoys writing, photography, theater, visual arts, and trying new food. In her free time, she can be found exploring the city and driving along the mountain roads of Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu.

The Shunyi Coffee Morning by INN will meet at Starbucks (Pinnacle Plaza) on Thursday, March 21 from 10am-noon. Stop by to see old friends, meet new ones, and learn about what’s going on in our Shunyi neighborhood.

Children’s International Bilingual Academy (CIBA) will host a Spring Flea Market and Bazaar Event on Saturday, March 23 from 10am-2pm at their Gahood facility. Not only will there be a variety of treasures to purchase, but there will be kids’ activities run by CIBA teachers, baked goodies to buy, a collection location for Roundabout donations, and more! Bring the whole family! (www.ciba-beijing.com)

Looking for a weekly playgroup? Every Wednesday from 9-10:30am, Daystar Academy’s kindergarten will host a toddler playgroup for parents with children three-years-old and under. This free program will begin with free play using Montessori materials, followed by stories and songs led by Daystar teachers in Chinese and English. A snack is also provided. All parents and toddlers welcome! Contact kristinl@daystarchina.cn for more information. (www.daystarchina.cn)

Also at Daystar – two open houses coming up for parents and prospective students! Meet administrators, teachers, students and parents while touring the facility and learning about school program. Come on Wednesday, March 27 from 9-10:30am or Tuesday, April 9 from noon-1:30 (lunch provided). Please RSVP with Ms. Sue Sun at sues@daystarchina.cn.

The first week of April is spring break for many schools, and Dulwich Community Programmes is offering three camps for children ages 6-15. If your children are around for the week and have an interest in football, basketball or golf, check out what’s available by contacting dcp@dulwich-beijing.cn for registration, schedule and pricing details.

It’s not too early to begin planning for the summer, and many people stay in Beijing for at least part of the time. Why not get a jump start on academics with Beijing’s only American-operated tutoring center, The Learning Center (TLC)? From elementary through high school, accredited teachers in subjects such as English, mathematics, science, social studies and art are on hand to help students. There are also English Immersion programs, transition programs, one-on-one and group classes and much more. Contact a representative at 8046 3886 or 8046 7085, or e-mail registration@learningcenter.com.cn for more information. (www.thelearningcenter.cn).

Over the past five years the large stand-alone building on Yuyang Road (parallel with River Road, between Capital Paradise and Gahood) has been Steak & Eggs Restaurant, Oasis Restaurant, or vacant. Once again, it is vacant – another apparent gut-rehab taking place as we eagerly await something that this area could really use. What might that be? I’d vote a kids’ activity place for the pre-tween/teen age group – including a bowling alley, arcade, mini-golf or dance and party venue. Or perhaps a Kro’s Nest or other family-friendly (not expensive) restaurant. What would you like to see?

Photo by thehutch of flickr.