The flexibility continuum, “a continuum of openness and closure in learning systems” (Towndrow & Vallance, 2004: 102), leaves me a new light on my own teaching experience, and a new perspective to look at the courses I have taken in NIE.
My teaching experience in China actually ranges from point 4 to point 2, from a ‘closed’ system, to a ‘restricted’, then finally to a ‘liberated’ system.
- Six years ago, when I first became an English teacher in Shandong University, my teaching featured a ‘closed’ system. I planned everything beforehand, and follow the schedule rigidly. Any possible change would leave me uncomfortable, believing that I had not ‘planned’ well enough, and worried a lot about the consequences.
- Two or three years later, I had accumulated some practical pedagogical experience, and given up the idea that the students should follow my pre-planned schedule obediently. I tried to put in some choices for them when planning my lesson, and tried to cope with unexpected situation with a readier mind, taking it as normal. My teaching in this period fell on Point 3 of the flexibility continuum as a ‘restricted’ system.
- In 2005, a teaching and learning experimental project was launched in my university, in which new methods, including integrating IT into classroom teaching, were put into practice. I was one of the first teachers carrying out this project, and got the chance to try out ‘liberated’ learning system in my classes. My students were encouraged to involve actively in the learning process. They are asked to set their learning goals, both general and developmental, for their own learning process, and check the development themselves. Peer evaluation, group projects, teacher facilitating, personal learning interest, major-related learning, etc. are encouraged in my classes.
I wish when I go back to China after this training program in NIE, I will have the opportunity to try out the ‘free’ teaching system. Actually GLT410 has set an example for me. I believe it is possible, and I am looking forward to that day.
