2024
ISB CHINESE LANGUAGE CONFERENCE
ISB中文教育研讨会
DAY 1 FEATURED SPEAKERS
Other Presentations
DAY2
Saturday, November 2nd
8:40 - 9:40 Keynote
12:40 - 1:40 Breakout Session 2
Beyond the Classroom: Bridging Language Learning with Culture, Family, and Community
DAY 1 | Friday, November 1st | 8:50 - 9:50
This presentation will explore the significance of connecting language learning with students’ cultural identities, family involvement, and community engagement. By emphasizing the importance of cultural relevance and integrated learning, the presenter will highlight how cultural and community connections can enhance language proficiency and deepen students' personal engagement. Examples will be shared to demonstrate some effective practices, and the audience will be invited to participate in a meaningful discussion.
Dr. Kaishan Kong is an Associate Professor of Chinese and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) advisor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She also serves as the President of the Minnesota Council on the Teaching of Languages and Cultures (MCTLC). Her research interests include second language acquisition, mediated learning in study abroad, intercultural communication, virtual exchange, and teacher training. In addition to teaching courses related to language and culture, Dr. Kong is also a teacher educator. She has taught in numerous national teacher training programs for over 15 years, such as the STARTALK Program and the CARLA (Center for Advanced Research in Language Acquisition) Summer Institute program. In addition to her frequent conference presentations, she has been invited to deliver speeches and workshops nationally and internationally. Her publications appear in various peer-reviewed journals, including the Modern Language Journal and Second Language Research & Practice. She recently co-edited a book titled “Intercultural Citizenship in language education: Teaching and learning through social action” published through Multilingual Matters, U.K. She is a certified ACTFL OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) tester and IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) administrator and interpreter. Dr. Kong received numerous awards for her work in language and culture, such as the Fulbright Scholar award, ACTFL’s Global Engagement Initiative Award, University Fellows Award, and the Wisconsin Teaching Fellow award.
DAY 1
Friday, November 1st
10:00 - 11:00 Featured Presentation
Building Dreams: The Education of A Global Citizen
DAY 1 | Friday, November 1st | 10:00 - 11:00
As an architect educated and trained in the western culture, I seek to shape a career that celebrate the difference between culture, people, place and time. Through schooling, training, traveling, designing and teaching, my own experience is a type of continuing learning process, which I try to involve my children, in a journey that crosses Asia, North America and Europe. ISB has a multi-cultural environment that encourages students to become global citizens. Linguistic, creative and sports endeavors are all indispensable elements to their growth.
James Wei Ke 柯卫
Founding Partner, Design Principal / 创始合伙人,主持建筑师
AIA / 美国建筑师协会会员
Bachelor of Architecture, University of California, Berkeley
美国加州大学伯克利分校建筑学学士
Master of Architecture, Columbia University
美国哥伦比亚大学建筑学硕士
Partner and co-founder of Chiasmus, James Wei Ke’s work focuses on architecture which reshapes the experience of public space. His work involves publications, teaching, and multidisciplinary studies on bridging the gap between space and human behavior. He has taught at Columbia University, New York institute of Technology, Seoul City University and Tongji University.
Grace Zeng
Jessica Shan
Other Presentations
DAY2
Saturday, November 2nd
1:50 - 2:50 Breakout Session 3
We Can't Improve What We Don't Measure
DAY 1 | Friday, November 1st | 1:20 - 2:20
How do we turn data into actionable information? How to foster continuous improvement mindset and use data to make decisions that improve Chinese learning outcomes? This session delves into how data can transform language instruction and accelerate student success. Participants will gain insights into a system-wide approach to data use at ISB, and how Chinese department is using data to refine instructional strategies and curriculum that lead to measurable progress in student’s language proficiency.
Grace Zeng has been serving as the Director of EY-12 Chinese Language and Culture at the International School of Beijing since 2018. In addition to her leadership role, she brings over 20 years of teaching experience in both primary and secondary education, spanning across public and international school settings. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom as she has also held positions as a K-12 Chinese curriculum coordinator, chair of the literacy initiative committee, and actively contributed to numerous international language education conferences as an organizer or presenter. Grace is passionate about linking the curriculum to evolving educational standards and harnessing the power of high-quality instruction to elevate multilingual students' learning outcomes. She is also committed to teacher empowerment, recognizing the transformative impact of equipping educators with research-aligned instructional practice in both language acquisition and language arts contexts. Grace believes that fostering teaching excellence and promoting a culture of teacher agency through continuous professional learning is the key to program success.
Jessica Shan is the EY-12 Chinese Curriculum Coordinator and Instructional Coach at International School of Beijing. Jessica holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from National University of Singapore (NUS) and further augmented her qualifications with the Certificate of School Management and Leadership (CSML) from Harvard University. Having worked in Singapore and Taiwan prior to joining ISB in 2011, Jessica has taught Chinese language and literature courses across various proficiency levels and serves as A-Level and IBDP examiner. She is an innovative and organized life-long learner who skilled in culturally responsive instruction and curriculum development, as well as linguistics, intercultural communication, and translation. She also brings a wealth of experience, spirit, and commitment to ISB’s coaching program, and is dedicated to providing best quality educational experiences for all members of the learning community.
Aaron Boyle is Director of Data and Analytics at the International School of Beijing. This is his fourth school year in the role, where he supports all school divisions and offices with systematically collecting data and drawing meaning from it to inform decisions and plans. Prior to working at ISB, Aaron worked in New York City for nearly 20 years, first as a HS Science Teacher and then the Director of Program at a non-profit organization which supported the NYC School District's alternative high schools.
Aaron Boyle
Dr. Ying Chu
Dr. Dustin Collins
Leading and Living Change Together: ISB’s Dual Language Program Transformation
DAY 1 | Friday, November 1st | 2:30 - 3:30
Dr. Ying Chu is the Head of the Dual Language Program at the International School of Beijing. A seasoned research practitioner and innovative educational program leader, Dr. Chu specializes in asset-based bilingual program implementation and evaluation, along with expertise in culturally and linguistically responsive practices. She holds a Master of Arts from Teachers College, Columbia University, and earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. With over a decade of experience in instruction, research, and leadership roles at reputable international schools in the region and renowned institutions in New York City, Dr. Chu is dedicated to exploring and expanding thinking, blending theory with practice, and fostering a culture of transformational change and continuous improvement in international schools.
Dr. Dustin Collins serves as the Elementary School Principal at the International School of Beijing. Since 2006, he has gained extensive international experience in various educational roles, including teacher, curriculum leader, and principal, in South Korea, Guatemala, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and China. Dr. Collins holds a Master of Science in International Education from Nova Southeastern University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New England. Additionally, he has completed the Psychology of Leadership program from Cornell University and earned a Certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership from Harvard University's professional education program. With a strong passion for empowering individuals to become change agents, Dr. Collins is dedicated to fostering collective efficacy within the school context and committed to using an evidence-based approach to teaching, learning, and leadership.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Dr. Kaishan Kong
DAY 1 | Saturday, November 2nd
8:40 - 9:40
ES Theater
Cultivating Global Citizens: Shifts of Mindset in Language Education
In our interconnected world, global connections have transformed the purpose of language education. Language teachers are propelled to reconsider the purpose of language education. Is language education only about producing proficient speakers? What is the role of language teachers? Intercultural communicative competence and global citizenship have emerged as essential skills for language learners in the field. Thus, culture has become an indispensable and integral component of language teaching and learning.
While many teachers are interested in teaching culture in language classes, the concept of culture can often sound abstract and overwhelming. They often wonder which aspects of culture to teach, how to access students’ understanding, and what intercultural communicative competence looks like in the language classroom. Consequently, many teachers treat culture as an additional element to the language classroom by hosting weekly Cultural Experience Days or Culture Corners. This practice, however, removes culture from its integral role in language education.
Additionally, teachers continue to position themselves as cultural knowledge deliverers without expanding their impactful teaching.
It is crucial for teachers to reconceptualize cultural teaching and their role as language educators. By recognizing the intertwined relationship between language and culture, teachers can transform their current practice and place culture at the core of their language teaching. This speech will explore the significance of centralizing culture in language education, addressing the What, How, and Why perspectives. Participants will be engaged to envision the evolving role of language educators and discover ways to cultivate intercultural communicative competence and global citizenship in students.
教学文本解读中的文化视角
吴欣歆,北京师范大学文学院研究员,博士生导师,中小学语文国家教材重点研究基地执行主任,主要研究方向为语文教材研究、课堂教学改进、学业质量评价,语文教师专业成长。兼任中国教育学会中学语文教学专业委员会副秘书长;北京教育学会语文教学研究会副理事长。《普通高中语文课程标准(2017年版)》修订组成员,义务教育语文课程标准修订组核心成员。
《教学文本解读中的文化视角》旨在梳理文本、教学文本、文本解读和文化视角的概念内涵与关联,从中华优秀传统文化、外国文化及跨文化等方面提供若干解读角度,明确解读过程中的关注点为“文化语码”,为一线教学提供操作路径与实践方法。”