Changchun, 5 May (ZXS) -- Title: "Foreign Principal" Jilin has been teaching for 2 years: China's "Generation Z" is full of hope
Written by Li Dan
In John Richard Humphreys' class, the atmosphere is always relaxed and students are free to communicate and discuss. Humphreys incorporates vivid examples to help students better understand biological vocabulary and apply their knowledge to life.
"Mr. Humphreys was humorous and funny, and we expressed ourselves as much as we could." Student Chen Jingtong said.
Humphreys (left) and his students. Photo by Chen Linying
Originally from the United Kingdom, Humphreys is currently the Academic Principal of the International Curriculum Center for Secondary Schools affiliated to Northeast Normal University, as well as a biology teacher.
He came to China by chance, chose to stay here because of the charm of China, and he lived here for 11 years. Recently, the "foreign principal" said in an interview with the China News Agency that he is very excited and full of gratitude every day, because he has the opportunity to see the extraordinary hope of this country from the inside.
Education is Humphreys' lifelong career. He said China's rigorous traditional education has given children a good foundation in primary and junior high school, and that China's "Generation Z" has impressed him.
"Throughout my stay in this magical land, I met and learned from hundreds of hardworking, resourceful students." Humphreys said that became his biggest motivation to stay in China.
As the principal, Humphreys leads the teaching team to combine international teaching concepts and teaching methods with the reality of Chinese education, helping many children successfully enter the world's famous schools for exchange or further study. Humphreys said Chinese children are the hardest working compared to students from different countries he has taught.
"Knowledge knows no borders and is connected, and the important thing is to apply what you have learned." He said that in the classroom, teachers are only guides and inspirers, and the classroom should be returned to students in teaching, giving students more time to think, asking questions, and finding answers by themselves, so that they can acquire the ability to ask, think and solve problems in the process.
Along the way, Humphreys has witnessed the growth of many Chinese teenagers and lamented their high sense of identity with the country. "From the children I have taught, they are very patriotic, optimistic and proud to be Chinese, and passionate about going out and seeing the world."
Humphreys believes that the times also leave children with some difficult problems, such as the relationship between countries, climate change, global warming and other issues, and schools should help them have an international perspective and a sense of social responsibility.
Humphreys practices Chinese calligraphy in his office on April 4. Photo by Chen Linying
Over the years, Humphreys' in-depth understanding and adaptation to Chinese culture has made Humphreys more fascinated by China. In his spare time, he enjoys learning Chinese calligraphy with Chinese teachers and keeps practicing. "It's a magical art, writing with a brush is very fun, and the charm of calligraphy probably contains a lot of spirit."
Humphreys is looking forward to his future life in China, "My wife came here last year, and I think we will continue to maintain our passion for education here. (End)