From May, 20th to May, 30th 2013, US professors Jim Holmes and Sheree Lin lectured on “Speaking English in Nine Days” for our 2012 postgraduate students.
During each class, the professors taught according to the four sections, namely “Review learnt knowledge”, “Learn something new”, “Get to know US culture”, and “Discussion and interaction”. They brought to attention three concepts of “Open Your Mouth”, “Use Your Tongue”, “Finish Your Words” and highlighted the importance of grasping the English pronunciation. In addition, Holmes introduced customs of clothing, dining, housing and transportation with US characteristics. The students were immersed in the atmosphere of US culture. In particular, The “Discussion and interaction” part helped students to consolidate their pronunciation through scene plays written and acted by themselves pleasantly.
Not only 2012 postgraduate students actively participated in the courses, but also scholars about to visit the US, teachers from the Department of Foreign Language and Department of International Exchange and Cooperation, and even those from young and middle-aged cadres training course attended the classes whenever they were available.
It’s said that “Speaking English in Nine-Days” is a program designed for our 2012 on-campus postgraduate students to correct and improve their English pronunciation. It lasts for 9 days and has 18 periods in total. Introduced since 2007 and opened for several years, this course has been well-accepted by both teachers and students. Serving as a comprehensive teaching system as well as a valuable cultural window, through which participants can have face-to-face communication with foreign teachers about the issues that interest them, the course helps expand their horizon, deepen their cultural identity and gives them an opportunity to experience and learn native English communication skills happily and easily.