Chongqing - As a tourist, you would always be grateful to have some local tell you everything interesting about your destination. If you come to Chongqing someday, you might find local children that can be your guides.
Students at the junior high level of Chongqing No.1 International Studies School in Liangjiang New Area, presented in English what they learned from Chongqing's museums, through the Project-Based Learning program at the school's ceremonial hall on October 25.
Chen Chunhui, a researcher of Chongqing Academy of Education Sciences, is introducing Project-Based Learning. (Photo / Chongqing No.1 International Studies School)
The Project-Based Learning (PBL) aims to explore a new way of teaching, "to ensure our education quality and to renovate our teaching methods," quoted from the documents released by the CAES.
The presentation was organized into different parts. Students in different groups chose their way to present their findings. Some groups did stylish choreography for their theme, while some wrote short screenplays.
Students are dancing Chuanjianghaozi, folk music derived from the Sichuan-Chongqing region. (Photo/Chongqing No.1 International Studies School)
Before the presentation, students went to Hotpot Museum, Three Gorges Museum, Jianchuan Museum, and Hongyan Museum in Chongqing to learn about Chongqing's history, construction, and food culture.
"Students had high expectations about this English project. They formed groups to prepare for their presentations. They actively searched for all information online and designed the way they presented themselves. They were happy about learning while having fun, which I think is huge progress," said Liu Zhen, the English teacher at the school.
This project provides a context for students to go outside the campus and learn knowledge through their journey.
"I think the course is very creative. I enjoyed it a lot. I practiced my English and had fun with my friends," Li Zihao, in the eighth grade, also described his feeling about the course.
Students introduced Chongqing's industrial development when dozens of factories moved to Chongqing to avoid the war in the late 1930s. (photo/ Chongqing No.1 International Studies School)
Chen Chunhui, the researcher of the Chongqing Academy of Education Sciences, praised the project, saying that the project aims to "walk outside the campus and learn English" and tries to cultivate students' cooperation and communication as a group.
As locals of Chongqing, broadcasting Chongqing culture to the world now adds a new force – the young generation.
"If I have a foreign friend, I will take him to a hotpot restaurant. Why not? Hotpot has a special flavor. It is the unique way of Chongqing city. I'm sure they will be delighted to try if they never ate them before," said Yan Shihan, an eighth-grade student.