As the golden autumn campus welcomed the first ray of morning sunshine, educators from across Ningbo gathered at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), embarking on a journey of future-oriented teaching innovation. The three-day Ningbo Education Bureau Teacher Training Programme was successfully held from October 17th to 19th. Centered on the core theme of "Advanced Pedagogy in the Age of AI," this training focused on the in-depth application of digital technology and artificial intelligence in English teaching classrooms, creating a highly efficient, open, and cutting-edge learning feast.
Multi-dimensional Curriculum, Opening New Teaching Perspectives
The training content was meticulously designed by the Centre for English Language Education (CELE) Professional Education and Training team, covering multiple dimensions from theory to methodology, and from tools to applications.
The training was intensive and highly effective, with key modules including:
- Developing Teacher Agency in Language Teaching with AI
- Teaching with Digital Technologies & Developing 21st Century Skills
- AI-Powered Lesson Design and Delivery
- Digital Tools for Teachers: Reading and Writing & Listening and Speaking
- Critical Evaluation of Digital Technologies & AI Tools
- Prompt Engineering & Transformative Feedback for Learning.
Immersive Pedagogical Experience to Ignite Teachers' innovative Power
Within just three days, participants achieved a systematic leap in capabilities, from "conceptual inspiration" to "technical hands-on practice." The training emphasized interactive experiences and case-driven learning, encouraging teachers to break traditional teaching moulds and attempt to redefine the classroom with AI.
Participant Comments
"The three-day training flew by, but the thoughts and impact it left are still spreading like ripples in my heart. It perfectly answered my confusion: What is the core value of teachers in the age of AI? The training content progressed from macro concepts to micro tools, layer by layer. I not only learned AI teaching tools and design methods taught by John and Pete, which can be immediately applied in the classroom, but also reinforced the 'student-centered' educational philosophy from Russell and Simon's sharing. The final courses on prompt engineering and critical thinking guided us on how to safely and efficiently navigate AI. I am now equipped with new concepts and tools, full of enthusiasm, ready to transform the gains from this training into classroom practice, and embark on a more intelligent and vibrant English learning journey for my students." — Teacher Shen, Cihu Middle School, Ningbo
"Although the training time was short, it was packed with valuable content. The course introduced and compared various AI tools' performance in assisting students with listening, speaking, reading, and writing, guiding us to critically evaluate their limitations and advantages. It also taught us how to use these 'weapons' – that is, how to give precise instructions. Through numerous vivid case studies, it explained strategies for effective communication with AI in detail. This training made me deeply realize that artificial intelligence is not a distant sci-fi concept, but an accessible enabler for teaching. We teachers need to continuously enhance our AI literacy to navigate the tide of digital transformation, steer the boat of technology, and lead students towards a deeper and broader ocean of knowledge." — Teacher Huang, Ningbo Foreign Language School
"As autumn deepens, learning never stops. The three-day teacher training event has successfully concluded. This was not only an enhancement of English teachers' AI skills but also a reflection / re-examination of our original educational aspirations. We collectively explored how to maintain the warmth of nurturing in the torrent of technology, and how to transform cold tools into fertile ground that nourishes students' growth. The focus and enthusiasm of every participant have blossomed into the most moving educational poem of this autumn. Grateful to all fellow travelers, may the harvest of these three days take root and sprout in each of our teaching fields, blossoming into more brilliant flowers of education. The journey is not over, and the future is promising; let us work together towards the next horizon!" — Teacher Zhang, Ninghai Middle School, Zhejiang Province
A New Starting Point for Future Education
Though the training has ended, the spark of innovation has quietly grown in every teacher's heart. In the future, UNNC will continue to promote educational innovation practices, building a future-oriented growth platform for more teachers, making AI no longer a cold technology, but a powerful tool for classroom transformation.