From June 13^th to 23^rd, American language expert Mr. Jim Holmes was invited again by the Dept. of Graduate Students and Dept. of International Cooperation & Exchange of BAI to give graduate students oral English courses. Fifteen graduate students from Grade 2010 participated in the oral English training courses.

Dr. Liang declared the opening of the training course

Mr. Holmes made a detailed teaching plan consisting of American society, culture, politics, etc. He brought maps of the U.S. and different kinds of postcard to promote students’ interest in learning. Based on his successful teaching experience, Mr. Holmes prepared everyone a little mirror to let students remember the correct shape of mouth in pronunciation. “The interaction between our muscle and cranial nerve plays a more important role in whether we can open our mouths and speak out English fluently or not.” said Mr. Holmes. In the class, he divided the students into several groups to play short stories and quiz games, and sometimes played English movies for students to improve their listening comprehension. The American teacher also used his rest time to talk with students while walking on the campus to practice and improve their oral English. Furthermore, he organized a small dance ball with teachers and students from all the three grades, and taught students Electric Slides, Cha-cha, and Waltz and practiced English at the same time, in the process of which the friendship between teachers and students are enhanced.  

A photo in the classroom

        The course was short but diversified, plentiful and lively. Through the 9 days’ courses, the students have learnt a lot of new information. Their oral English was improved and their interest for English study was increased.

        It has been 5 years since “the 9 Days’ Oral English” course was initiated. It is complementary to the English language teaching for graduates and the course was warmly welcomed by the majority of the students. Mr. Holmes has acquired a good reputation for his conscientiousness and strong sense of responsibility in teaching.

A photo of teachers and students