Recent demonstrations by award-winning professors at SCMU are helping new faculty members prepare for their teaching careers. The Faculty Affairs Department and Teaching Development Center organized a series of model classroom observations, with 34 newly hired faculty members for 2024 participating through both group and individual sessions.
During the group observation phase, humanities faculty members attended a Statistics class taught by Professor Wang Zushan from the School of Economics, a distinguished educator recognized both by Hubei Province and the National Ethnic Affairs Commission. Professor Wang’s lecture on Descriptive Statistics effectively incorporated real-world examples such as social examination assessments, game theory risks, and the pitfalls of averages to systematically explain central and dispersion tendencies. Science and engineering faculty observed an Inorganic Chemistry class delivered by Professor Huang Tao from the School of Chemistry and Materials Science, another decorated educator holding similar prestigious titles. Professor Huang’s lesson on thermochemistry began with an engaging discussion of the First Law of Thermodynamics and thoroughly covered topics including heat of reaction, Hess’s Law, and standard molar enthalpy of formation. Both professors demonstrated exemplary teaching methods, combining carefully structured content organization, interactive teaching techniques, case studies and flipped classroom approaches. The new faculty members were particularly impressed by the senior professors’ passion for education. They noted how the clear logical progression, integration of scientific principles, thought-provoking approach, and effective combination of multimedia with traditional blackboard work gave them confidence and practical guidance for their own teaching careers. Following these group observations, the new faculty will continue with individual visits to various distinguished professors’ classes across the university.
New faculty observing demonstration classes.Photo provided by Faculty Affairs Department
Notes taken by new faculty during observations. Photo provided by Faculty Affairs Department
These model classroom observations are a crucial component of the 2024 pre-service training for new faculty at SCMU. The program aims to demonstrate essential elements of effective teaching, including content organization, teaching methodologies, educational tool utilization, classroom management, professional deportment, as well as student-centered teaching philosophy and implementation.The Faculty Affairs Department and Teaching Development Center will continue to support young faculty’s professional development through additional teaching skills training and consultations.
