Jun Yan’s Post

A Profound Evening at the British Library with Chinese Poet Yu Xiuhua Last night, I had the privilege of attending "Writing in the Clouds, Living in the Earth," an intimate evening of poetry and dialogue with the Chinese poet Yu Xiuhua at the British Library Pigott Theatre. Crossing linguistic and cultural barriers, Yu Xiuhua's journey is characterised by her profound lyrical prowess and emotive depth. Despite facing significant personal and societal challenges, her voice in poetry remains unflinchingly bold and inspiring. Her works, which delve deep into themes of homesickness, family, and the raw realities of disability, reflect a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience. With her powerful statement, '‘I don't need to love myself anymore," Yu reminds us that everyone deserves to be seen and heard. Her beautiful poems have been translated into English and recently introduced to the UK, where they stand as a vivid reflection of her life and a strong voice for the marginalised. By sharing excerpts from her upcoming dance-theatre production "Ten Thousand Tonnes of Moonlight," Yu's groundbreaking performance with professional dancers invited us into her world of thought and emotion, exploring themes of love, beauty, and women's societal roles. Her expression and creativity demonstrate a resonant force that transcends language and culture. During her fireside talk, joined in conversation by Yuan Yang, author of the forthcoming 'Private Revolutions: Coming of Age in a New China,' Yu’s dialogue was infused with her characteristic humour and wisdom. As Romain Rolland famously said, "There is no one who reads; there are only people who read themselves in books, discovering and examining themselves." Last night was a profound reminder of the mirrors that literature offers us into our souls and societies. It was a truly powerful experience that I am grateful to have witnessed. As Yu's poem reminds us, "In the spring, we need to sing." Let's look forward to her upcoming poetry collection, 《后山开花》 (The Hill Behind Blooms). #PoetryNight #Chinese Literature #YuXiuhua #BritishLibrary #CulturalEvent #Inspiration

The Cambridge Festival's "How Will #AI Affect the Democratic Process?" event at the historic Cambridge Union was eye-opening and a privilege to attend, offering a unique opportunity to engage with some of the most passionate speakers and debaters on such a critical topic. Held in what is arguably the world's most historic union, the debate featured insights from Dr Ella McPherson, Dr Melisa Basol, PhD, Dr Jonnie Penn, and Chris Stokel-Walker, with Professor John Naughton navigating the complex terrain of democracy's future in the age of AI. The discussion delved into the nuanced ways AI could transform voting and elections, examining the fine line between leveraging AI for beneficial purposes and the potential for its misuse. The prospect of AI-driven political campaigns using sophisticated language models to influence voter behaviour on an unprecedented scale was fascinating and somewhat alarming, highlighting the paramount importance of maintaining the integrity of information. Visiting the Cambridge Union, known for its vibrant history of fostering debate and discourse, added a layer of profoundness to the experience. It was exhilarating to be part of a discussion that not only addressed the theoretical implications of AI on democratic processes but also called for actionable solutions to mitigate risks while enhancing the positive impacts of technology. The panel's innovative suggestions for safeguarding democracy left me optimistic about navigating the challenges ahead. It underscored the vital collaboration needed between technological and political leaders to ensure AI serves to reinforce, not erode, the foundations of democracy. This event reminded us of our critical role in this ongoing dialogue. It encourages further reflection and discussion on how AI's personalisation of information might challenge and enrich our democratic practices. As we look to the future, we must consider balancing these technological advancements with the principles of democracy, ensuring a thoughtful approach to both the opportunities and threats posed by AI. #Democracy #FutureOfElections #AIEthics

The Power of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) in Education I recently attended an enriching seminar on CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) hosted by the Aston Centre for Applied Linguistics (ACAL) in collaboration with Bohunt School. This seminar, led by head teacher Neil Strowger of Bohunt Education Trust and Jia Li, Head of Mandarin at Bohunt, delved into the innovative implementation of CLIL in education, particularly highlighting Bohunt's pioneering role and successes since 2010. Here are my key takeaways: 1. Broadened Learner Profiles: The CLIL approach fosters learners who are resilient, independent, and adept at problem-solving, enhancing communication and collaboration skills crucial for future success. 2. Increased Motivation and Achievement: It was evident that CLIL significantly boosts student motivation and academic performance, thanks to engaging and diverse learning experiences that foster a strong sense of achievement. 3. Future-oriented Learning: CLIL plays a pivotal role in helping students envision a future where language skills open global doors, underscoring the value of multilingualism in personal and professional growth. 4. Creative and Inclusive Curriculum Design: A standout insight from the seminar was the practical application of CLIL in subjects like drama, art, and PE. Focusing on kinaesthetic learning, these areas provide creative avenues for integrating language learning and enhancing engagement and effectiveness. The seminar demonstrated the transformative power of CLIL in fostering a dynamic, engaging, and future-ready learning environment. These insights have inspired me to explore innovative teaching methodologies to enrich my students' educational experiences. #OnlineFamilyEducationClasses #school #clil #language_learning #language_teaching #Content and language-integrated learning #Maindarin Chinese #Innovation

The Spring UK Mandarin Teacher Training with Mr. Su Liqun was an empowering and transformative learning experience celebrating language, culture, and heritage. Mr. Su, a renowned writer and educator, led us on a profound journey deep into the heart of Mandarin, uncovering its significance and inspiring us to appreciate the natural order and balance inherent in the Chinese worldview. Through his guidance, we learned about the interconnectedness of "heaven, earth, and humanity" (天，地，人) and how these elements form the foundation of Chinese agricultural civilization. Drawing upon the timeless wisdom of Confucius and Laozi, Mr. Su eloquently conveyed the intricate harmony of the universe as depicted in the "Yijing · Hexagram Sequence." He inspired us by portraying Chinese characters as living relics of China's historical odyssey, imbued with deep meaning and significance. For example, "仁“ means a person plus another person equals a relationship, representing a simple yet noble form of cooperation. The training showcased the adaptability and richness of Mandarin sentence structures, exploring the artistry of language through declarative, contextual, and artistic structures. By integrating these profound insights into our teaching practices, we can ignite a passion for Mandarin and Chinese culture in our students, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the richness of the Chinese language. #MandarinEducation #ChineseLanguage #CulturalUnderstanding #LanguagePedagogy #educationalinsights #languagelearning #culturalheritage #MandarinTeacher

🚀 **InnovED Panel Insights: Shaping the Future of Entrepreneurship Education I recently attended an engaging panel hosted by InnovED at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. The discussion featured insights from leaders like Jason Theodor and Martha Jez, focusing on the intersection of education and entrepreneurship. Key Highlights: 1. Scaffolding Skills Development:** The panel underscored the importance of scaffolding entrepreneurial skills within universities and K-12 schools, advocating for integrating AI and design methodologies. 2. Inclusivity in Learning: Martha Jez highlighted the significance of inclusivity, advocating for tailored mentorship and removing barriers to learning, aligning with the goals of Fair Chance Learning. 3.AI's Role in Education: The potential of generative AI to revolutionize entrepreneurship education was a hot topic, with discussions on how it can foster creativity and support self-directed learning. Actionable Insights: 1. **Coaching Models:** Development of coaching frameworks to support mentors in guiding entrepreneurs. 2. **Targeted Programs:** Establishment of communities like the Black Founders Network to nurture specific groups. 3. **Curriculum Integration:** Inclusion of entrepreneurial skills in the K-12 curriculum to foster early innovation. 4. **Barrier Examination:** Identification and dismantling of systemic barriers to entrepreneurial access. 5. **Educator Engagement:** Creation of opportunities for educators to connect with the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The association with OISE, a leader in educational research, enhances the credibility of these insights, ensuring they are informed by the latest in pedagogical innovation. The emphasis on inclusivity resonates with global efforts to democratize entrepreneurship education, making it accessible to all. As we reflect on these takeaways, it's evident that the future of entrepreneurship education is one that embraces diversity, leverages technology, and fosters a global mindset. What are your thoughts on these insights? How can we collectively work towards a more inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial landscape? #EntrepreneurshipEducation #InnovED #OISEUnivToronto #Inclusivity #AIinEducation

Excited to have attended an enriching event hosted by Gillian Tett, the provost of King's College, University of Cambridge , where graced with poetry reading by the talented Stuart Lyons, an acclaimed winner of the 2020 Stephen Spender Prize for poetry in translation, brought to life the enchanting poetry of famous Chinese poet Xuzhimo, penned a century ago. Xu's poems stand out for the unique blend of English elegance and Chinese sensibility, earning him the title of the most English of Chinese poets. Listening to these beautiful poems in English and Chinese again brought back memories of my seven years of studying modern literature in China. Feeling gr The event was made even more memorable by the great company of Inna Kulakova who dedicated nearly six years to studying Chinese, and Professor Jiang Yuqing from Shenzhen University; their insights and appreciation for Xu's poetry added depth to the discussion and made my walk near River cam all the special. Feeling grateful for these moments of connection and the endless depths of literature that continue to unite us cross cultures. #Xuzhimo#Poetry Translation #Chinese Literature # University of Cambridge #kingscollege #

🎉 Excited to share that I've completed a three-day training program with the Chinese Proficiency Test UK Committee and the Association of Chinese Teachers in the UK. Learning from esteemed experts in China and the UK and networking with peers was truly enriching. Looking forward to my next journey to continue teaching Chinese in the UK, equipped with these new insights and strategies! #ChineseLanguage #LanguageTeaching #ProfessionalDevelopment #Education #ContinuousLearning

Great news to share! I have officially become a registered Post-Primary Chinese Language Teacher with the Teaching Council of Ireland. These past 8 years teaching in Ireland have been an amazing journey.I am so thankful for the support of my colleagues, mentors, and, of course,my incredible students. Here’s to many more years of teaching and learning together! #learninganddevelopment #PostPrimaryeducation#TeachingCouncilIreland

Great to gain new insights into the history of Chinese pronunciation and adjudicate areas of current controversy. Discoveing the current results of ongoing research on Han dynasty , using the digital humanities techniques of graph theory in the TCD Chinese language workshop. #trinitycollegedublin #Asian studies #lifelonglearner #chineselanguage