This semester, the Department of Foreign Languages for Non-Majors of the School of Foreign Studies (SFS) at Nankai University has fully launched a comprehensive reform of the university’s English teaching curriculum. Guided by the “Nankai University English Excellence Development Plan,” the department implemented the “Nankai Excellence Standards for Spoken English” and the “Nankai Excellence Standards for Written English.” To effectively improve the English proficiency of students, particularly their oral and written communication skills, the Department of Foreign Languages for Non-Majors has introduced English tutoring sessions by foreign instructors for undergraduate students of the class of 2024.
The tutoring courses follow an interactive, small-class teaching model with a maximum of 20 students per class. Courses are scheduled across both Jinnan and Balitai campuses, distributed throughout mornings and afternoons from Monday to Friday. Students enroll through a questionnaire-based reservation system and attend classes in designated classrooms at the scheduled times. Since the launch of these tutoring sessions on October 8, the courses focusing on speaking and writing have received enthusiastic feedback and high praise from students. Nearly 3,000 student attendances have been recorded over the past four weeks, with participants expressing enjoyment of this immersive and engaging learning style.
During the first month of teaching, foreign instructors Ricky, Lesa, and Andy have diligently prepared and delivered their lessons with great enthusiasm. Their frequent interaction, friendly demeanor, and engaging activities have successfully encouraged students to actively think and confidently speak up. By learning English directly from foreign instructors, students have not only mastered authentic English expressions but have also engaged in meaningful exchanges about the differences between Chinese and Western cultures, thereby improving their ability to communicate Chinese stories effectively in English.
The tutoring sessions have been highly praised by participating students. According to feedback collected through Wenjuanxing surveys, the overall satisfaction rate for the sessions exceeds 95%. The vast majority of students report significant benefits from both speaking and writing classes, remarking that they have learned “authentic English expressions,” gained insight into “basic foreign traditions,” strengthened their “oral and writing skills,” and discovered the joy of learning English.
Students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity provided by Nankai University, highlighting that each of the over 4,000 freshmen can individually choose and study with foreign teachers. They feel fortunate and happy to experience this unique educational opportunity at Nankai University.
