Chinese Delegates Visit MSU

Delegates from Beijing Normal University, including University President Dr. Zhong Binling, visited the MSU campus in late October. The Chinese delegates met with Education Dean Carole Ames, MSU President M. Peter McPherson and Provost/President Designate Dr. Lou Anna Simon to discuss issues of higher education. Included during the visit was a presentation by Dr. Zhong Binling on issues and challenges associated with current reform efforts targeting higher education in China. Over 50 members of the MSU community were present and engaged in a lively discussion with President Binling.

Formal Announcement of The US-China Center

A national meeting was convened at the Great Hall in China for the formal announcement of the US-China Center for Research on Educational Excellence. President Designate Lou Anna Simon represented Michigan State University’s involvement with the Center, under the direction of Dr. Yong Zhao. Also present were Dr. Zhong Binling, President of Beijing Normal University and Jonathan Choi, Chairman of Sunwah Education Foundation. More information will be posted in December’s newsletter

The Western Perspective on Educational Excellence

A manuscript is currently underway to address the fives areas of focus of the US-China Center research. These areas are: learners and learning, teachers and teaching, curriculum, leadership, and family and community. The manuscript will provide further description and discussion for the Research Briefs created in each of the five topic areas. The Center plans to disseminate this information to educators as a guide in creating quality educational experiences for students.

X-Pacific Website in Operation

The X-Pacific website is now in its second month of operation. The site was designed to provide a link between an American and a Chinese school and facilitate cooperative learning experiences. Deerfield Middle School in Ohio and Nan Ki Middle school in Chongqing are the collaborating schools. Both schools represent the very best in their respective country's educational systems. Visit the X-Pacific website to learn more about this exciting project and read the information that has been collected thus far: http://ott.educ.msu.edu/x-pacific.