Teacher turns classroom into a hub of creativity

Yuan Xiao, a geography teacher at Jinan University Town Experimental Senior High School in Jinan, Shandong province, has become known among his students as the "geography master with two brushes" — a playful reference to his exceptional talent using vivid blackboard illustrations to translate complex geographical concepts.

The 28-year-old has been teaching geography for four years since obtaining a master's degree in geographical science from Shandong Normal University.

"As a new, young teacher, earning students' trust wasn't easy," said Yuan, reflecting on his initial challenges in engaging his students effectively in the classroom.

During a lesson on the Earth's layers, Yuan drew a detailed, three-dimensional cross-section of the planet on the blackboard.

"The students were astonished," he said. Yuan soon recognized that these vivid and intuitive chalkboard drawings could captivate students more directly than PowerPoint presentations. Despite a lack of formal art training, he began honing his illustration skills in his spare time.

Initially struggling with brush control, Yuan diligently practiced stroke techniques daily, using calligraphy workbooks to enhance his skills. After over a year of dedicated effort, he had filled numerous teaching journals with hundreds of meticulously crafted illustrations.

"Blackboard illustrations encourage students to think more as they attempt to recreate the drawings," said Yuan.

Yuan's fluid strokes give clarity to even the most abstract topics. For instance, while explaining atmospheric circulation, he skillfully drew perfect circles to illustrate wind patterns.

His lessons on the water cycle unfold like a narrative, visualizing the processes such as evaporation, condensation and precipitation in real time. Beyond the blackboard, Yuan's teaching methods are innovative and immersive.

To elucidate concepts of human migration, he shares his personal journey from a rural village to a town school and eventually to university, making the subject more relatable to his students.

Yuan has transformed his classroom into a hub of creativity, conducting experiments like simulating lunar landscapes and launching lanterns to demonstrate atmospheric principles. He even once halted the evening study sessions to allow his students to witness an interesting celestial event — the alignment of Venus and the moon.

"A moment under the stars can leave a more profound impact than any lecture," he said.

Yuan's influence extends beyond his own academic achievements. His former student Zhang Jialu, now studying human geography at Hainan University, attributes her choice of major to Yuan's inspirational teaching. Another student, Liu Caiyi, is pursuing geography education at Ludong University in Shandong, inspired by Yuan's passion for the subject.

Yuan's classroom motto, "to be honest, kind, and dependable", reflects his deepest aspirations for his students. As one online comment notes, Yuan's lessons not only impart geography knowledge but also teach students how to perceive the world around them.

Li Ruihan contributed to this story.