Sharing expertise from both sides of the world

Sharing expertise from both sides of the world
Teachers from China observe summer school student teachers

BY JESSICA STARK
Rice News staff

About 45 high school teachers from China came to campus July 16 to observe the unique Rice University Summer School for Grades 8 through 12 offered through the Education Certification Department. As part of that program, Rice students taught six-week enrichment courses designed to give high schoolers the opportunity to explore new fields and prepare for future studies. 

	JEFF FITLOW
	Beijing-based teachers sat in on the science, math and English classes taught by the Rice students and offered feedback on teaching methods.

The Beijing-based teachers sat in on the science, math and English classes taught by the Rice students and offered feedback on teaching methods. Though the Rice student teacher works closely with mentor teachers, the visit from the Chinese teachers offered new perspectives into teaching methods and practices.

“I wanted to invite the Chinese teachers to visit to allow them to not only hear about but also to see the methods they are studying,” said Lissa Heckelman, lecturer on education certification. “And through their feedback, our student teachers will get a new perspective, a bigger picture, of the importance of their subjects and their classroom practice.”

The Chinese teachers are in town to attend a teacher-training program offered by the University of Houston and Global Unisource Inc. The University of Houston has organized a series of lectures to introduce the teachers to methods used in teaching math, science and English. 

“The visit allows both universities to use our complementary resources to provide a balanced picture of methods of teaching to teachers from abroad,” Heckelman said. “The visit also allows the Chinese teachers to share their expertise in subjects for which the teachers from both sides of the world share a passion.”

Building on K-12 commitment

This is the last week for the summer school enrichment program, which began June 9 and runs Monday through Friday from 8 to 11:50 a.m. with 10-minute breaks between classes. Courses are offered in art, English, foreign languages, mathematics, physical education, science and social studies.

The summer school program builds on Rice’s commitment to K-12 education and the Education Certification Department’s history of preparing teachers. For 44 years, Rice has been providing initial student teaching experiences for those earning Texas state certification to teach grades eight through 12.

“In alignment with the Vision for the Second Century, our vibrant education certification programs prepare Rice University upperclassmen and graduate students, some of the nation’s brightest students, to teach in public schools, especially those of the state of Texas,” Heckelman said.

This year, 16 students, 23 mentor teachers and 350 high schoolers participated in the enrichment program. The program also offers courses for high school credit which are taught by mentor teachers selected jointly by Rice and the Spring Branch Independent School District.

“As a university impacting the education of youth, we support every individual in becoming a contributing member of society, we reinforce our focus on excellence in education and we support the foundations of the university for generations to come,” Heckelman said.