What they say

China Daily | Updated: 2018-07-23 07:49

My first trip to China was in 1982. At that time, almost no one spoke English. Now, 30-plus years later, almost no one in China only speaks Chinese. Over the past few days, English-language teachers and researchers from across China and the world have shared and understood up-to-date policies and practices in English teaching and learning. There is no one right way to teach and learn a language. Communication and being able to use language to do things and to enrich our lives are very important. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone again next year at the assembly in Hangzhou.

Katherine Lobo, professor at Brandeis University and Lesley University in Massachusetts

It was amazing to me how professionally hosted the assembly was - from the incredible signage everywhere to the availability of rides and snacks and friendly helpers. Another thing was the passion of the Chinese speakers and their enthusiasm and commitment to the future of English education. My favorite thing was just the opportunity to network, to learn from smart and talented teachers and researchers with whom I have things in common but also things to learn.

Joy Egbert, professor at Washington State University and editor of the TESOL Journal

The assembly was a great success. Speaking as someone with more than 30 years' experience of teaching in primary and secondary schools, there used to be few exchanges among teachers from primary and secondary schools and universities. This assembly offered a great opportunity to facilitate exchanges between teachers at different levels, as well as teachers from China and around the world. These exchanges will lead to the healthy development of English education as a whole.

Gong Yafu, director-general of the National Association of Foreign Language Education at the Chinese Society of Education

The assembly offered great learning opportunities from the cultural and educational perspective. As a foreign teacher who lives in China and teaches English, I was able to gain some insight into English education and the direction it is taking in China, make connections and start relationships. I will take back the notes I have made and things I have learned and implement them in future classroom teaching.

Matthew Jellick, English teacher at Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, Guangdong province

The assembly was wonderful, innovative, international and inspirational. It gathered together many renowned experts from home and abroad and offered me a number of rare learning experiences. I took many notes during the assembly. I feel that the lectures and speeches given during the assembly will inspire classroom teaching and academic research. There should be more promotional activities in the future, so that more teachers will have the opportunity to attend the assembly next year.