An inclusive and innovative learning community since 1992, Nanjing International School's weekly podcast features the inspiring voices of our educators, students, and leaders in international education.
Nanjing International School (NIS) is a leading non-profit international Pre-K to 12 IB World school. NIS is the oldest international school in Nanjing and the first IB Continuum School in the country. We pride ourselves on our world-class facilities, highly-qualified teachers, and global curriculum that puts our 630 students at the centre of their education, developing lifelong learners.
What’s Ahead for NIS in 2024
In this episode of the NIS Voices podcast, we interviewed our School Director, Mr. Laurie McLellan, to discuss upcoming events and developments for 2024. First was the excitement surrounding the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year and how our inclusive celebrations foster a deep engagement with Chinese culture and traditions among all our students. We’re also looking forward to a broad range of vibrant school activities, such as our awards assemblies, Sports programmes for different age groups, and student-led productions. Mr. McLellan emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting academic improvements, creativity, and overall student well-being through these activities.
We’re on track with our HUB construction project, with external work nearing completion and interior work beginning soon. Mr. McLellan expressed excitement about the new space and anticipates a positive reaction from the community once it's revealed. The HUB, located in the heart of NIS, is expected to significantly enhance our school’s learning environment.
Mr. McLellan also discussed NIS initiatives and programmes in 2024. A notable update is the Global Citizen Diploma, which will include a wilderness team-building experience in Hawaii focusing on the relationship between humans and nature. NIS plans to amplify our sustainability efforts for deeper engagement beyond basic practices like reducing single-use plastics. There's a focus on enhancing parental education, particularly in global citizenship and diversity, to align with our school's mission. Finally, our JEDI Taskforce is undergoing a transition with new members, underscoring NIS’s commitment to continuous improvement in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“So onwards and upwards for NIS and 2024. Another year of inclusion, another year of feeling like we belong, and stretching our hands out to others to make them feel they belong too.”
7 Dec 2023
The State of AI at NIS
In this special episode of the NIS Voices podcast, hosted by an AI chatbot named “Nissa”, guests Kasson Bratton, Director of Learning, and Dr. Shannon Doak, Director of Technology, discussed the current state and future of AI in education. The conversation highlighted the varied applications of AI across educational systems, the need for adapting educational practices to the rapid evolution of AI, and the impact of AI on assessment and teaching methodologies. Guests emphasised the ongoing efforts to integrate AI responsibly in educational settings and addressed the challenges and opportunities this integration presents.
The discussion went into the specific implementation of AI at Nanjing International School. Our school is cautiously incorporating AI into our educational framework, aiming to use it ethically as a tool for enhancing personalised learning. AI integration at NIS is a process that involves ongoing teacher training, the creation of our philosophy and practices document, and initiating pilot programmes like using AI tools in Grade 9 classes. Mr. Bratton and Dr. Doak acknowledged the challenges of adapting to the fast pace of AI development, all while underlining the importance of developing teaching and assessment methods to prevent a digital divide among students.
The episode also covered the role of parents and the broader school community in understanding and supporting AI in education. Guests encouraged parents to educate themselves about AI, experience it firsthand, and learn from their children's engagement with the technology. This approach facilitates open dialogue at home about the ethical use and purpose of AI in education. At NIS, the shift in parental concerns from preventing cheating to ensuring their children have the skills to effectively use AI demonstrates the evolving perception and acceptance of AI in our school – a product of our ongoing engagement and communication in navigating the intersection of AI and education.
22 Nov 2023
Joyful Learning in Primary School
In the ever-evolving landscape of international education,
the concept of 'joyful learning' is gaining increasing prominence. For example, UNESCO's "Happy Schools" initiative emphasises the importance of happiness in learning, viewing it not as a trade-off with academic achievement but as a vital component for broader and more effective learning experiences and outcomes. But what exactly does this mean in the context of primary education, and how does it reshape the way we think about our children's educational journeys here at Nanjing International School?
In this episode of NIS Voices, Primary Principal Ms. Jacqui Patrick sheds light on the concept of joyful learning. NIS creates an environment where happiness is integral to academic achievement, not a trade-off. Ms. Patrick explains that joyful learning starts with a school culture that provides a sense of safety and belonging, essential for students to feel comfortable and ready to learn. Engagement, curiosity, and intrinsic motivation drive this educational approach, enabling children to delve deeply into their passions and interests.
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB
PYP) at NIS further nurtures this joy through inquiry-based learning, where students grapple with their own ideas and questions that hold personal significance. Jacqui emphasises the distinction between joy and fun in learning, explaining that joy is a deeper, more personal experience connected to meaningful engagement that fosters lifelong learning, while fun is spontaneous and not planned for as part of school lessons. She also discusses how parents can support joyful learning at home by engaging with their children's interests, providing space for unstructured activity, and modeling a process of learning together.
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