Another group of teachers from Lanzhou and Lianyungang came to Iowa State University this summer to attend the second annual teacher-training program offered by the Intensive English and Orientation Program (IEOP) through Global Extension. The focus of this year’s professional development course is on classroom activities and issues related to classroom planning and implementation.

Thirteen teachers from Lanzhou Jiaotong University and six teachers from Lianyungang Teachers College were enrolled in this 4-week training program that introduced to them a range of teaching listening, reading, speaking and writing methodologies. ISU instructors for this program, Joan Chamberlin and Karina Silva; ISU instructors in the Intensive English and Orientation Program, designed the program with a focus on encouraging class room interaction, especially in large classes, and exploring some new ideas in computer assisted language learning (CALL). The program also included learner strategies and styles supported by research findings. In addition, teachers had the opportunity to observe American classrooms, and they were exposed to some practical technology teaching. The Chinese teachers were delighted by the vast journal resources available at the Parks Library. They spent a lot of their time looking for materials that not only helped them prepare for the mini-conference held at the end of the program but also benefitted them professionally.

The four weeks were not spent entirely in Ames. Teachers had the opportunity to see Dutch windmills in Pella, hang out at Clear Lake, shop at West Des Moines, and a three-day weekend getaway in Chicago. Armed with maps and tips from instructors, teachers roamed downtown Chicago and shopped for the first time at an American factory outlet. They were glad to be able to view the artwork at the Art Institute of Chicago, admire the sculptures at the Millennium Park, walk the Magnificent Mile, explore Navy Pier, and dine at Chinatown. It was an experience that they will not forget.

 The Chinese teachers also tried their hands in cooking and tasting a variety of cuisine: Mexican chilli, chips and salsa, corn bread, Brazilian dessert, and lasagna. Of course, teachers could not leave the United States without experiencing an American barbeque or eating pizza!

Chris Rozendaal, a lecturer from the English department commented: "The teachers in this program were already excellent teachers; at Iowa State, they were able to see different perspectives and approaches to teaching issues, and build even further on their skills."         

Program evaluation from Chinese teachers were extremely complimentary of the ISU instructors’ design and course preparation. Items on their wish list include: more information about American culture, literature and teaching resources, interactions with American host families, and more time to learn about new technology.

Dianjian Wang, the director of international cooperation and exchange office from Lanzhou Jiaotong University was pleased with the overall experience the teachers gained on this trip. Mr. Wang has been instrumental in assisting with recruitment of teachers from Lanzhou and has connected Iowa State University Extension to more Chinese universities who wish to send their teachers to the United States for teacher-training programs. Sok-Leng Tan who works closely with Dr. Barbara Schwarte, director of ISU’s Intensive English and Orientation Program and Mr. Wang, is looking forward to offer this program to another group of teachers from Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences next summer. For questions on this teacher-training program, please contact Sok-Leng Tan at sokleng@iastate.edu