In order to actively respond to the profound changes in foreign language education in the era of artificial intelligence, serve the country’s future strategic needs, and scientifically draw up the school's “15th Five-Year Plan” development blueprint, the School of English, led by Dean Yuan Xiaolu, Party Secretary Jiang Xiaojun, Vice Dean Li Yan and heads of various departments, formed an elite research team and went to Jilin University of Foreign Studies and Sichuan International Studies University on June 27 and June 30 respectively to conduct in-depth research and study.
“Fetching Scriptures” at Jilin University of Foreign Studies: Focusing on First-class Majors and Practical Education
At Jilin University of Foreign Studies, Dean Li Yingtao and Vice Dean Cai Huilin of the School of English warmly welcomed our delegation. Under the guidance of Dean Li Yingtao, the research team visited the school's distinctive practical teaching platform “Global Village” and modern library, and immersively experienced its educational environment that improves language application ability through cultural immersion. At the symposium, Dean Li Yingtao fully shared the valuable experience of the School of English of Jilin Foreign Studies University in the construction of three first-class majors: translation, English and business English, especially the innovative measures in the construction of practical teaching system. The two sides conducted frank and fruitful exchanges on core issues such as the construction of first-class professional connotation, optimization of curriculum system and innovation of talent training model. Finally, Dean Yuan Xiaolu made a summary speech, highly affirmed the innovation of the practical education model of the School of English of Jilin Foreign Studies University, and made a profound evaluation from three aspects: meeting national strategic needs, serving regional economic development and giving play to the school's unique advantages. At the same time, he issued a sincere invitation for in-depth cooperation in the future.
“Seeking Dao” at Sichuan Foreign Studies University: Deeply Studying Characteristic Development and International Vision
The research of Sichuan International Studies University also yielded fruitful results. Professor Liu Yumei, Director of the Academic Affairs Office of the school, warmly received the research team of our school. Zhao Yongfeng, Dean of the School of English, Li Jinshu, Dean of the School of Translation, Hu Wenfei, Dean of the School of Business English and other leaders attended the research exchange meeting and introduced the profound historical accumulation of Sichuan Foreign Studies University and its remarkable development achievements in recent years. The subsequent exchange session was brilliant. Hu Wenfei, Dean of the School of Business English, Li Jinshu, Dean of the School of Translation, and Zhao Yongfeng, Dean of the School of English, spoke successively, respectively elaborating in detail the school's integrated development characteristics, cutting-edge research results, and strategic layout for expanding international vision in the three schools of translation, business English, and English. Dean Yuan Xiaolu of our school expressed sincere gratitude for the warm reception and selfless sharing of Sichuan Foreign Studies University, and introduced the development profile of our school and the core goal of this trip to “learn from the past”. Afterwards, the heads of the corresponding departments of both sides had an in-depth discussion on forward-looking issues such as the transformation of foreign language disciplines, the cultivation of compound talents, and the construction of the country’s foreign discourse system during the “15th Five-Year Plan”, and exchanged experiences at the micro level such as employment and postgraduate entrance examinations. During the investigation, the two sides constantly collided with sparks of thought and reached multiple intentions to continue to deepen cooperation in all aspects in the future.
Based on the Investigation, a New Picture of the Development of the “15th Five-Year Plan” was Drawn
This intensive and efficient cross-provincial investigation is a key measure for the School of English of our school to cope with the changes of the times and plan for future development. By visiting leading foreign language colleges in China, the School of English has deeply learned their advanced concepts, solid measures and remarkable achievements in the construction of national and provincial first-class majors, especially their valuable experience in serving national strategies, refining disciplinary characteristics, and innovating practical teaching. The rich information and profound insights obtained from the survey provide solid support for the School of English Language and Culture to scientifically diagnose its own development status and accurately grasp the future direction. It will surely effectively promote the formulation and implementation of the School’s “15th Five-Year Plan” development plan, enable foreign language disciplines to stand at the forefront of the wave of artificial intelligence, and contribute the wisdom and strength of Xi’an Fanyi University to meet national strategic needs.
Correspondent Zhang Guojian
