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 (Associate Professor, FHSS)
Open Classroom Title: Blending Traditional and Visual Media in Teaching
Date & Time: 4:00 pm - 4:50 pm, 25 Nov 2025

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 (Lecturer, FBM)
Open Classroom Title: Strategies for fostering active learning and engagement
Date & Time: 9:00 am - 9:50 am, 26 Nov 2025

Observer Capacity: 10
Description: Fostering active learning and engagement in leadership teaching is critical for translating theoretical knowledge into practical, actionable skills—since leadership is inherently experiential. Unlike passive lecture-based models, active approaches encourage learners to apply, reflect on, and adapt leadership concepts to real-world scenarios. Observers will see how to use senario based simulation and case based learning to enhance engagement and understanding.

3. Making Leadership Theories Accessible in a General Management Course

Instructor: Mr. Sebastian Jacques Manuel BOO (Lecturer, FBM)
Open Classroom Title: Organisational Behaviour General Management Course Open Classroom
Date & Time: 1:00 pm - 1:50 pm, 26 Nov 2025

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 Prof. Edith Mei-Yee YAN (edithyan@uic.edu.cn) or Ms. Yao Wang (yaowang@uic.edu.cn).