(July 26, 2023) Center for Business Studies and Innovation in Asia-Pacific (CBSI) Associate Director William Ktsanes and Graduate Assistant Poonam Kakodkar hosted a group of twenty-six teachers visiting the University of San Francisco from Shanghai High School, a renowned public school in China that has one of the highest percentages of graduates studying overseas and a history dating back to 1865. The teachers came to USF to gain pedagogical insights and explore educational opportunities in the United States for Chinese students.
Associate Director Ktsanes, who had been an elementary school principal in Thailand after serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in the 1990s, shared reflections on how classroom practices differ internationally. He noted that many international students who come to the United States at least initially feel uncomfortable with student-centered, participatory learning and critical analysis rather than rote memorization.
USF School of Education professors Dr. Patricia Busk (Learning & Instruction) and Dr. Sedique Popal (International Multicultural Education; coordinator of USF’s TESOL program) led very interesting discussions about international education, teacher training and classroom best practices. School of Education doctoral students Poonam Kakodkar and Wen Li (both Learning & Instruction) shared their insights and observations as international students. Marcella DeProto (Senior Director of International Student and Scholar Services) and Erica Delgado (Director of Admission, Transfer and Campus Engagement) provided information and answered lots of questions about opportunities and resources for international students at USF.
On behalf of CBSI, Associate Director WIlliam Ktsanes thanks the Shanghai High School teachers for their visit and extends an invitation to their students to apply and enroll at USF.