International teachers discuss enhancing students' soft power

Eight international teachers from primary and secondary schools in Shanghai shared their views on improving students' soft power in an era of education internalization at a meeting held at the Institute of Education in Changning district on Thursday.

Durosea Max Allen, a teacher from the United States who has lived in Shanghai for three years, highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts from the government and schools to develop students' potential, so that students can be more competitive in the future.

Ian Andre Albert Fraser from the US regarded teaching as "a rewarding job," and said that "creative thinking, collaboration and communication" are three necessary skills that students need to acquire in the 21st century.

"My goal as a teacher is not only improving students' English skills, but providing something valuable that they can use throughout their lives. By changing groups in class, students are allowed to experience situations where they can encounter different people and try to solve problems," he said.

Canadian teacher Andrew Mcgillivray said he would pay more attention to cultivating students' abilities like critical thinking and expressing themselves than homework. "Improving students' soft power is not by taking exams but assessing their all-round development," Mcgillivray said.

Jiang Ziyi contributed to the story.