Newcastle University Confucius Institute Teachers Present Research at Oxford Forum as Xiamen University's UK Confucius Institutes Hold Directors' Meeting

On 3 July 2026, two teachers from the Confucius Institute at Newcastle University attended the Chinese Language Teaching Research Forum at the University of Oxford under the leadership of Professor Yuxiao Su, Chinese Director of the Institute. Hosted by the Department of Education at the University of Oxford and jointly organised by the Swire Chinese Language Foundation and the Oxfordshire Branch Association for Language Learning, the forum brought together leading researchers and practitioners in Chinese language education from across the United Kingdom.

Only ten presentations were selected for the forum, with Newcastle University Confucius Institute achieving an outstanding result. Encouraged by Professor Su, teachers Wang Miao and Chen Shijia developed research papers alongside their busy teaching and cultural engagement schedules. Following further refinement at Professor Su’s suggestion, both proposals were accepted for presentation. A third presentation, delivered by Lü Li from the Confucius Institute at Cardiff University, also represented Xiamen University's UK Confucius Institute network.

Innovative Research on Chinese Language Teaching

Each presenter delivered a 15-minute paper followed by a five-minute discussion. Wang Miao presented a case study exploring differentiated instruction and learner motivation through the Tang poem “Spring Dawn(春晓)” in UK primary school Mandarin clubs, offering practical insights into introducing classical Chinese poetry to young learners. Chen Shijia examined the use of AI-generated visual materials and video resources to support Chinese vocabulary and character learning for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), demonstrating the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance inclusive Chinese language education. Lü Li presented research on the impact of AI-assisted learning on discourse cohesion among GCSE Chinese learners.

Notably, these three teachers—from the Newcastle and Cardiff Confucius Institutes, both established in partnership with Xiamen University—were the only Confucius Institute representatives selected to present at this prestigious Oxford research forum.

Directors' Meeting Strengthens Institutional Cooperation

Taking advantage of the gathering of Chinese language education specialists in Oxford, the Chinese Directors of Xiamen University's three UK Confucius Institutes convened the Xiamen University UK Confucius Institute Directors' Meeting. Participants included Associate Professor Wang Langlang and Professor Zhou Peng from Cardiff University, Associate Professor She Shaomin from the University of Southampton, and Professor Yuxiao Su from Newcastle University.

As the meeting had not been held in person for two years, discussions were both timely and productive. The directors exchanged ideas on institutional development, governance, and future cooperation, refining management practices while sharing successful experiences from their respective institutes.

The meeting further strengthened collaboration among Xiamen University's three UK Confucius Institutes and reaffirmed their shared commitment to excellence in teaching, administration, and cultural engagement. Through continued cooperation and innovation, the institutes will continue to promote Chinese language and culture while contributing to educational and cultural exchange between China and the United Kingdom.