Collaborating with Queensland Schools in Professional Development

Hong Kong and Taiwanese Educators Connect with Queensland School Teachers

31 July 2024 I The Queensland Institute

*Ms Yoyo Chan shares Hong Kong culture at MBC.*

At The Queensland Institute, we empower global language educators through practical professional development programs that foster real-world connections and collaboration.

Recently, our student-teachers from Hong Kong and bilingual Performing Arts teachers from Taiwan visited leading independent schools in Queensland. They engaged with Australian teachers, students, and school leaders, gaining valuable insights into the Australian curriculum and student experience.

Participating in School Life

Our Taiwanese teachers were delighted to visit Moreton Bay College (MBC) and John Paul International College (JPIC), admiring their state-of-the-art Performing Arts facilities and resources. They met with school leaders and subject specialists, observed classes, and enjoyed a captivating dance performance by JPC students preparing for a Queensland Eisteddfod.

Hong Kong student-teachers visited Moreton Bay Boys College (MBBC) and Moreton Bay College, where they engaged in lesson observations and shared insights into Hong Kong’s education system, language, and culture through engaging cultural presentations for students.

Sharing Reflections and Insights

Our international colleagues were impressed and inspired by their Australian school experience. Here are just some of their key takeaways:

“The teachers are very professional and enthusiastic about their teaching. They let students take ownership of their learning through group work, and the students engage a lot in class!”
“Teachers use multimedia resources very successfully to enhance learning.”
“There is a collaborative atmosphere among the students, with frequent peer interactions.”
“Teachers accommodate students from various backgrounds, allowing them to work at their own level.”
“The Principal’s pride in the school is evident, with positive messages supporting the students everywhere at the school.”

*Taiwanese teachers reflect on their experience at MBC.*

Building Connections

These school visits facilitated a mutual exchange of best practices and discussions around innovative teaching methodologies, especially in supporting international students in Australian classrooms. Our international colleagues gained valuable insights into the Australian curriculum and culture, while our Australian students and colleagues learned about Hong Kong’s language and culture and Taiwan’s approach to Performing Arts education.

Fostering Global Perspectives

The School Experience component of QI's professional development programs brings together diverse educational and cultural perspectives. These exchanges create lasting impressions and open doors for future collaborations. We encourage our global educators to stay connected with their Queensland colleagues and consider bringing their own students to experience Queensland’s dynamic educational environment in the future.

We extend our sincere thanks to our program partners and colleagues at Moreton Bay Boys College, Moreton Bay College and John Paul International College for their warm welcome and exemplary organisation, supporting our teaching colleagues from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Discover more in the photo galleries below.

Visiting John Paul International College