Glasgow
Teaching and Leadership at the University of Glasgow: Fostering Innovation and Student Engagement in Chinese Language Education
Since October 2022, I have been working as a Lecturer in Chinese at the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, University of Glasgow, where I teach credit-bearing Chinese language and translation courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This role has allowed me to combine my expertise in teaching, curriculum design, translation studies, research, and student support, making a meaningful contribution to both teaching excellence and academic innovation.
Innovative and Inclusive Language Teaching Across All Levels
At Glasgow, I am responsible for designing and delivering a broad range of Chinese language courses for students from diverse academic backgrounds. These include:
• Chinese Language Courses (Level 1 and Level 2) for undergraduates and postgraduates, tailored to different entry points and proficiency levels.
• Advanced Translation & Language Studies 2 (English into Chinese) for MSc Translation Studies, covering a wide range of genres, including technical, legal, medical, journalistic, literary, and theatrical texts.
In designing these courses, I create all assessment components, including continuous assessments, oral exams, and final written exams, ensuring alignment with academic standards and professional relevance. I also engage in marking and moderation for a variety of MSc translation modules and supervise dissertations on topics ranging from literary translation to media and children’s literature translation.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in task-based learning, real-world application, and student-centered pedagogy. I emphasize interactive classroom experiences, including translation simulations, project-based tasks, and culturally embedded activities, which have significantly boosted student engagement and learning outcomes.
Curriculum and Assessment Development
I have played a central role in curriculum development and quality assurance, ensuring that courses meet both institutional and student needs. For example, I developed:
• A full suite of continuous assessments and final exams for each Chinese module.
• Real-time translation tasks for MSc students to simulate professional translation scenarios.
• Fast-track Mandarin courses for business and medical students.
I have also contributed to course moderation and assessment for Glasgow-Nankai Joint Graduate School MSc dissertations and translation courses, collaborating closely with colleagues in China, demonstrating my commitment to international academic collaboration.
Pedagogical Innovation and Use of Technology
In line with my ongoing interest in educational technology, I integrate tools such as Blackboard Collaborate, Zoom, Teams, and interactive learning platforms into my teaching. These tools support blended and online learning environments, allowing for greater accessibility and student engagement.
Through the use of task-based projects, digital platforms, and interactive tools, I have revitalized traditional curriculums and received very positive feedback from students on their increased confidence and motivation in learning Chinese.
Translation Teaching and Professional Development
One of my unique contributions to the department has been teaching advanced English-to-Chinese translation, where I guide MSc students through complex translation tasks in fields such as law, medicine, literature, and journalism. I also supervise MSc dissertations that explore theory and practice in translation, supporting students to develop professional-level translation skills and critical insights.
Leadership and Programme Development
In addition to my teaching roles, I have taken on leadership responsibilities, including temporarily directing the Chinese Programme — managing academic content, coordinating teaching teams, and ensuring high-quality delivery of courses. I have also served on departmental committees, contributing to curriculum development, assessment moderation, and quality enhancement processes.
Student Support and Mentorship
I am deeply committed to student success and well-being, providing personalized academic support, mentoring, and career advice. I regularly write reference letters and offer guidance for academic and professional opportunities, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Cultural Outreach and Community Engagement
Understanding that language learning is deeply connected to culture, I actively organize and contribute to cultural experiences and outreach activities. These include:
• Tea ceremonies and calligraphy workshops to enhance cultural understanding.
• Collaborating with the Confucius Institute at the University of Glasgow to support Chinese New Year celebrations and summer camp recruitment.
• Coordinating a Chinese-English Language Partner Programme with over 100 participants, creating a collaborative, immersive learning environment where students practice language with native speakers, helping to build both linguistic competence and intercultural communication skills.
Research and Scholarly Contributions
Alongside teaching, I am actively engaged in research and scholarly activities. My current research focuses on multilingualism, intercultural communication, adult learning motivation, and project-based language learning. I have:
• Presented research at international conferences and contributed to academic discourse in Chinese language teaching.
• Published a book chapter with Routledge and performed peer reviews for the Journal of Language Learning.
• Collaborated on research with international partners, including the University of Nankai.
Achievements and Impact
During my time at Glasgow, I am proud to have:
• Enhanced teaching quality through innovative and engaging methods, resulting in strong positive feedback from students.
• Strengthened the translation programme, providing high-quality instruction aligned with professional practice.
• Led the development and delivery of new assessment models, improving academic standards and consistency.
• Promoted cultural and community engagement, enriching the student experience beyond the classroom.
• Contributed to international collaboration and academic exchange.
Key Takeaways from My Glasgow Experience
My teaching and leadership role at Glasgow reflects my commitment to:
• High-quality, inclusive, and engaging language education.
• Innovative curriculum design that connects theory and practice.
• Fostering intercultural understanding and real-world application of language learning.
• Supporting student success through personalized mentoring and academic guidance.
• Bridging research and practice to enhance both scholarship and teaching.
Teaching at the University of Glasgow has been a deeply rewarding experience, and I am excited to continue developing innovative approaches to language and translation education, contributing to both student success and academic advancement in the field of Chinese language studies.
