[Henry Ruan]

Here are a few takeaways from this session.

1. I really appreciate the sharing of teachers from all over. I learned a lot. Many thanks!

2. Prof. Dube mentioned "open mind" in the session. I agree that keeping an open mindset is what we should teach. Narrow mindset is a sign of weakness. 

3. I cannot understand that policians here fear about the rise of China. Why cannot we focus on improving ourselves and make us stronger?  Maybe we can't anymore? Any reason behind? I think that we (Americans) lose the confidence that we used to have. Is this a sign of declining? Destroying others to make us strong is not a good strategy. Making the world a better place to live for all is! Maybe that is my fantasie.

4. Does it still exist a non-propaganda media? I am just wondering. 

Thanks.

[Henry Ruan]

Thanks Prof. Dube for presenting briefly the Chinese history in an faily objective way. It provides a foundation of understanding China's past and now. When I discuss with my students on any events in history, all views are appreciated. Then I encourage students to explore how and why. It is important to have a historical perspective. It is equally important to "put yourself in other people's shoe". Students need to build confidence in their thinking from their own cultural backgrounds. This is also part of approach of inclusive instruction as I understand. Of course, I also remind my students that the world is complicated so that they can survive better. "Teaching students to try to get a fuller idea of what may lie behind a policy is both hard and necessary." I strongly agree with that. Thanks! 

[Henry Ruan]

Hi, I am Henry Ruan (阮勇强) and I teach Chinese language and culture to high school students in Connecticut. I also taught in another high school in NYC for over 20 years. Promoting cultural understanding and providing different perspectives are always key elements in my teaching. It is also an important part of inclusive instruction. Hopefully, this approach in teaching will allow my students to become a lifelong learner and contribute to "making our world a better place to live". Looking forward to learning and sharing in this pogram. 

[Author]

Posts