A delegation of 35 individuals from China’s government, university and public and private school systems visited York University’s Faculty of Education on May 1. The delegation was at the Keele campus to learn more about Early Childhood Education (ECE) and academic training.
Their visit to York University was a part of the Sino-Canadian International Education Forum held at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel May 2, 3 and 4. York University was one of a handful of Canadian academic institutions supporting the forum.
The forum was organized to promote interactions and co-operation between educators and educational institutions, build partnerships between Canada and China in education and academic training and provide delegates from China an understanding of the Canadian education system. The goal of the forum was to enhance the relationship between China and Canada in the area of education and academic training.
During their visit to York University, the delegation met with a group of individuals from the Faculty of Education. Some of the members from York University were: Evelyn Wilson, coordinator, additional qualifications courses; Leah Kearney, course director; Jacqueline Lynch, professor of education; and Gaye Rawding, coordinator, international education. All spoke to the delegates about a range of topics related to ECE, including the Ontario context, early years schooling, the Faculty of Education’s Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and staff development.
The visit to York University was organized to provide the delegates with key insights and a better understanding of the early childhood curriculum, and how ECE is taught in Ontario with a long-term goal of developing professional development opportunities for teachers in China around ECE available through the Faculty of Education. As part of their visit, the delegates heard from a panel of educators. York education Professor Qiang Zha spoke on the topic “the educational dimension of China’s transformation.”
“It was a pleasure to host the delegation here at York University and at our Faculty,” said Rawding. “These connections are important to enhance the reputation of both Canada and York University as a provider of high quality educational opportunities and professional development for our colleagues from China. We hope that this visit leads to the development of future programs and interactions between our University and educators in China.”