She once taught Chinese overseas and, upon returning to China, chose to take root at WIS. Not only does she focus on language instruction, but she also emphasizes cultural experiences, hoping that students will find interest in the classroom and grow through practice.
She is also a versatile individual. She has hosted the school foundation’s charity gala and annual meetings, is skilled in piano and dance, and always maintains a passion for life. She believes that becoming a better person and having rich life experiences is also part of educating children.
She is Ms. Alicia, one of the founding teachers at WIS, and today, let’s learn about her story.
Ms. Alicia
WIS PYP Chinese teacher
Master’s degree in Education fromShanghai International Studies University
Has taught Chinese and promoted Chinese culturein North America and South America
From the World to WIS
– Diverse Experiences Shape Teaching Perspectives
As an outstanding graduate of Zhejiang Province, she received scholarships every year during her studies and mastered English and Spanish. After graduation, she taught Chinese at the Confucius Institute in Peru and elementary schools in the United States. In these cross-cultural classrooms, she deeply observed how students from different backgrounds learn, which gave her a deeper insight into language education.
Upon returning to China, she joined WIS, transitioning from teaching Chinese as a foreign language to Chinese language instruction, continuously exploring the most effective ways for students to learn. Over the past nine years, she has been committed to making language learning fun and meaningful, helping students find intrinsic motivation to learn.
Now, Alicia is the G4 Chinese and Homeroom Teacher at WIS. She continues to be beloved by students for her warm, caring, and approachable nature. Within the Chinese department, she shines as a collaborative resource sharer and curriculum innovator, bridging disciplines and uniting teams through her expertise and inclusive leadership.
Cultural Experience Classroom
-Taking Learning Beyond the Textbook
Based in Hangzhou, she designed a series of cultural experience activities outside the classroom, allowing students to feel and understand Chinese culture through practice:
Chinese culture
• During the Qingming Festival, she led students to serve as docents at the Yu Qian Temple, enhancing their cultural awareness through on-site historical explanations.
.• In heritage craft experiences, she guided students in making burnt foil paintings, passing down traditional skills through hands-on practice.
• In Chinese wellness activities, she led students in practicing Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Brocade), helping them experience the balance of body and mind in Chinese culture.
• Through the Reading Advancement Challenge, she encouraged students to develop reading habits, improving their language expression and critical thinking skills.
• In the UOI, she combined Chinese culture with music, showcasing the charm of Chinese national musical instruments to her classmates.
• During the Mid-Autumn Festival, students made lanterns, experiencing the atmosphere and significance of traditional festivals through hands-on activities.
Focusing on Individual Growth
– Igniting Passion for Learning and Cultivating Critical Thinking
In addition to teaching Chinese, Ms. Alicia is also a primary contributor to the WIS Chinese Culture Course and WIS Journey Afar, both supported by the 3J Education Foundation.
In the WIS Chinese Culture Course, she designed a variety of experiential courses to guide students in exploring the charm of Chinese traditional culture.
Meanwhile, she was also invited by Ms. Bessie to join the team of the WIS Chinese Debate Club, guiding students to participate in debate competitions such as the “Zongheng Cup” and “Zhiyuan Cup”.
In the Drama and Critical Thinking Course, she led students to develop their language expression and logical thinking through drama performances and debate training and cultivated independent thinking through discussions and exchanges.
She believes that every child has their own unique strengths, and the key lies in discovering, guiding, and encouraging them. Her classroom is a space for language learning and a platform for cultural exploration, where she hopes every student can find their interests and direction for growth.
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In a globalized world, language serves as a bridge, and culture as a bond. Over the past nine years at WIS, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to exploring how Chinese learning can be a journey filled with joy, curiosity, and deep meaning. Through her classroom, she strives to nurture modern citizens who are not only deeply rooted in Chinese culture but also embrace a global perspective, enabling each student to expand their thinking through language and connect with the world through cultural exchange.
