The Open Classroom Initiative (OCI) provides an opportunity for faculty members to observe colleagues’ teaching practices and engage in reflective discussions on effective teaching and learning. This semester’s OCI features classes from different disciplines, showcasing diverse approaches to engaging students and enhancing learning.

By joining as an observer, you can explore practical strategies, gain new perspectives, and bring fresh ideas into your own teaching practice.

Open Classroom Sessions

(Venue details provided upon registration)

1. Blending Traditional and Visual Media in Teaching

Instructor: Dr. Jackie Lay Kean YEOH
Course: Speech and Oral Communications
Type: Major Required, Year 2
Date & Time: 25 November 2025, 16:00 - 16:50

Observer Capacity: 4
Description: Peer observers in this open classroom session can expect an engaging blend of traditional and contemporary teaching approaches. The lesson integrates a lively instructor-student Q&A with thoughtfully chosen visual content that invites discussion, deepens understanding, and brings real-world context into the classroom. This will help students develop not only their communication skills but also their critical thinking abilities as they analyse, interpret, and respond to authentic scenarios, promoting meaningful, student-centred learning.

2. Strategies for Fostering Active Learning and Engagement

Instructor: Dr. Caroline Xiaojing LU
Course: Organizational Behaviour
Type: Major Required, Year 3
Date & Time: 26 November 2025, 9:00 - 9:50

Observer Capacity: 10
Description: Observers will see how to make abstract leadership theories accessible. I demonstrate techniques to contextualize American textbook content for a Chinese student cohort, making it culturally relevant. Crucially, you will see a structured approach to fostering student voice, building the confidence for active questioning and dialogue.

3. Making Leadership Theories Accessible in a General Management Course

Instructor: Mr. Sebastian Jacques Manuel BOO
Course: Organisational Behaviour
Type: Major Required, Year 3
Date & Time: 26 November 2025, 13:00 - 13:50

Observer Capacity: 5
Description: Observers will see how abstract leadership theories can be made accessible. I demonstrate techniques to contextualize American textbook content for a Chinese student cohort, making it culturally relevant. I also embed study skills into the class and aim to foster student voice, building students’ confidence in active questioning and dialogue.

How to Participate as an Observer

1. Visit the Online Application System (http://oas.uic.edu.cn/) to select sessions. Each session allows a limited number of observers on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to register is 12 pm, 20 November 2025.

2. Join the WeCom group created for each session. This group will include the host teacher and other observers, providing a space for pre- and post-session discussions.

3. Attend the full session to gain a comprehensive understanding of the teaching practices demonstrated.

4. Complete the attached Observation Feedback Form after the session and email it to Ms Yao Wang (yaowang@uic.edu.cn) by 8 December 2025.

Certificate of Completion
Observers who attend at least one session and complete the Observation Feedback Form will receive a certificate in recognition of their engagement in peer development.

We warmly encourage your participation in this semester’s OCI and hope you will find it an enriching opportunity to learn from and connect with colleagues across BNBU.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me (edithyan@uic.edu.cn) or Ms Yao Wang (yaowang@uic.edu.cn).