A delegation of bilingual education experts from California, USA, visited the Faculty of Education (FED) at the University of Macau (UM) On 10 December 2024, aiming to promote academic exchange and collaboration in the field of bilingual education. Prof. Mingming ZHOU, Associate Dean (Research) of FED; Prof. Yang GONG, Programme Coordinator of Bachelor of Education Programme (Chinese); Prof. Matilda Ming Wai WONG, Prof. Qin XIE, and Prof. Rui YUAN warmly received the delegation. The California delegation includes Dr. David CALVO, Director, Development, California Association for Bilingual Education, Bilingual Clinical Supervisor, California State University, Los Angeles; Ms. Jenny Li Chuan CHANG, Mandarin Immersion Teacher, College Park Elementary School (San Mateo-Foster City School District); Dr. Weina CHEN, Mandarin Chapter Co-Founder and Advisor, California Association for Bilingual EducationAssociate Professor, University of Massachusetts Global; Dr. Christy LAO, Professor, San Francisco State University, Member, California Association for Bilingual Education; Ms. Rubí FLORES, Director, Professional Learning Services, California Association for Bilingual Education; Ms. María LARIOS-HORTON, Specialist, Professional Learning Services, California Association for Bilingual Education; Dr. Margarita MACHADO-CASAS, Professor, San Diego State University, Board Member, National Association for Bilingual Education.

During the meeting, Prof. Zhou introduced the developmental of FED in curriculum design, teacher training, international collaborations, and research achievements in language education. The experts shared insights into the current state of language education in California, highlighting the shortage of bilingual teachers. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as teacher education at the undergraduate level, teaching practices in bilingual education, and proficiency standards for bilingual teachers. They also exchanged experiences and professional perspectives. Following the meeting, the delegation toured the FED building to gain a deeper understanding of the academic environment and facilities. This visit provided valuable exchange opportunities for both parties, promoted understanding of the bilingual education situation in the two places, and laid the foundation for future academic cooperation.

Photo Sharing:

From left: Jenny Li Chuan CHANG、Yang GONG、Christy LAO、Matilda Ming Wai WONG、David CALVO、Rubí FLORES、Margarita MACHADO-CASAS、Mingming ZHOU、María LARIOS-HORTON、Rui YUAN、Weina CHEN and Qin XIE	Meeting in progress
Meeting in progress	Visiting FED

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Faculty of Education