In order to enrich the students’ extracurricular life, promote the construction of campus culture, and stimulate students’ enthusiasm for learning English，2024 Sias English Corner Phase One was held at the French Garden on September 13. With the theme of “Changes in Learning in the AI Era”, the event was jointly organized by the Student Affairs Office, Administration Office of Sias Residential Colleges, Boya Residential College, and Boya BO English Club. Dr. Shawn Chen, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Professor Lucy Lu, Provost and Vice President of Sias University, Ms. Bai Meng, Director of the Student Affairs Office, Director of the Department of Student Affairs of the CPC Sias Committee, Dean of the General College of Residential Colleges, Professor Zhu Yaoxian, Dean of Boya Residential College, Professor Chu Jinjin, Dean of the School of Foreign Languages, Dr. Matt Schenk, Dean of Kansas International School, Mr. Li Hu, Director Assistant of the Department of Information Construction and Management, Ms. Chen Xiaolei, Deputy Secretary of the General Party Branch of Zhixing Residential College, Ms. Wang Li, Deputy Secretary of the General Party Branch of Zhishan Residential College, Mr. Yu Liang, Deputy Secretary of the General Party Branch of Siqi Residential College, Ms. Guo Ziwei, Deputy Secretary of the General Party Branch of Boya Residential College, Mr. Shi Dejie, Deputy Secretary of the General Party Branch of Boyi Residential College, Mr. Zhao Zhipan, Deputy Secretary of the General Party Branch of Qixian Residential College, and other administrative leaders of relevant functional departments, professional schools, and residential colleges, as well as international students and Chinese student representatives, gathered together to enjoy this exchange feast full of wisdom and vitality.
At the beginning of the event, Dr. Chen delivered an opening speech. He pointed out that in Sias, you can take the first step bravely and say goodbye to “dumb English”; in Sias, you can communicate face-to-face with foreign teachers and feel the charm of multiculturalism; in Sias, you can find like-minded friend and start your language discovery together. At the same time, students are encouraged to communicate boldly in every place, actively exercise their self-ability, meet mentors and friends, and leave good memories of learning and friendship.
Taking personal experience as an example, Professor Lucy Lu introduced“the three P principles” in learning, namely Passion, Participate and Practice. “Passion” is for learning and life, not just improving a certain language ability. “Participate” is for seizing every opportunity to participate, and enjoying the process to the fullest without worrying about language, grammar and other issues. “Practice” is for actively participating in activities such as English Corner,just like what Sias students are doing now. Professor Lucy Lu said, “by implementing ‘the three P principles,’ I believe that everyone will improve to varying degrees in the short term. However the journey of learning is endless, we should all persevere in doing it.”
After listening to speeches from the leaders, the host gave a detailed introduction to the theme, process, games and feedback of this English Corner. Panel discussions started around three topics raised, following on-site selection of panel leaders. In the “I am a Diplomat” discussion session, each group selected representatives to communicate with other groups to break mindset boundaries, during which the “Best Group,” “Best Diplomat” and “English Star” were selected. From unfamiliar to familiar, each student used AI as a medium to fully feel the charm of English.
During the sharing session, students asked Dr. Chen two profound questions: What is it like to work for the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) and what is his vision for the future of Sias University? Dr. Chen shared that, “Although the work requires a lot of effort, it is very meaningful to organically integrate the essence foreign education with the characteristics of the Chinese nation, excellent traditional culture and local education. Through actively introducing overseas high-quality education resources, advancing education concepts and management experience, adhering to innovation, more opportunities can be accessed for Sias students. In today's era of rapid development of science and technology, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and big data, young students should embrace them to adapt to the future. While Sias should also carry out reforms in education methods and teaching contents, it should bring an educational form that integrates Western and Chinese knowledge systems to students with the help of AI. For young people in the new era, you are not only witnesses to this change, but also participants of it.” Dr. Chen hoped Sias students can bravely embrace science and technology, actively learn cutting-edge knowledge, cultivate innovative thinking, be proactive to seize every opportunity, and write perfect chapters for their lives.
2024 Sias English Corner Phase One has been successfully concluded at Boya Residential College, but this is only a new beginning. The bi-weekly Sias English Corner will serve as a platform for students to demonstrate good oral skills and enhance their self-confidence, and at the same time reflect their thinking on current affairs, demonstrating the students’ excellent critical thinking ability and cross-cultural literacy.
Dr. Shawn Chen, Founder and Chairman of Sias University, Delivered the Opening Speech
Professor Lucy Lu, Provost and Vice President of Sias University, Delivered a Speech
Dr. Shawn Chen Interacted With Students
Prof. Lucy Lu Interacted With Students
Event Activities
Group Photo
