Spring Semester '06

Not knowing whether I was coming or going from Changchun until early January, the new semester began in late February rather abruptly after returning from holiday. Consequently, I didn't take as much time as I had hoped to prepare teaching plans. For a while, I did a show and discuss series of a BBC documentary on the human brain, which was quite interesting and the students enjoyed it. But I felt bad that I was lacking in my teaching duties, so post mid-term exams, I've begun to use some of the topics from the BBC documentary to discuss more in detail, as well as, some previously planned ideas that I had for the semester. In the seven weeks of class after May Holiday, I have and will be covering issues pertaining to a new study on IQ and brain development[i], the Oxford-Durham study on Omega-3[ii], and Hwang Woo-suk and Pressures in Scientific Development[iii]. Will have to do some more "brainstorming" of topics and will try and stick to the semester theme of brain-related research and development for the remaining weeks.

It's been a recent tradition to have an English-language picnic at Nan Hu Park (South Lake Park) the past few years with students in one of the final weeks of the spring semester before end-of-term exams. I believe that I've posted pictures from last year's event. The students play games, after explaining the rules in English, and some bring musical instruments to play. It's a great way to wind down the year and everyone always looks forward to it, including yours truly.

The final week of classes, 23-30 June, will be final exams that will solely consist of a two to three minute oral examination, whereby students can talk about any topic I've covered in class this semester.

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[i] "Cortex Matures Faster in Youth with Highest IQ." National Institute of Mental Health (29 Mar 06). Press Release. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/youthcortexiq.cfm

[ii] Lawrence, Felicity. “Children's diet link to disorders.” The Guardian (02 May 05). http://society.guardian.co.uk/print/0,,5183963-108861,00.html

[iii] Rosenthal, Elisabeth. “News Analysis: How rapid should the march of science be?” International Herald Tribune (22 Dec 05). http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file=/articles/2005/12/22/ news/scientists.php