ACCEPT

Date: 21/06/2023

Editor: Yaqing Hou

Melbourne, Victoria – In a significant step towards enhancing educational practices on the engagement of Asia and Australia, Professor Zane Diamond, Dr. Shaoru Zeng, Yaqing Hou from the Faculty of Education at Monash University recently visited the Xin Jin Shan Chinese Library. This visit marked the beginning of a collaborative relationship focused on the “Developing Community-Engaged Pedagogy to Enhance Teaching Practice.

The team also engaged in discussions with relevant schools and community groups in Ballarat to explore the project’s direction and potential impact. For years, the Xin Jin Shan Chinese Library has been dedicated to promoting Chinese education, researching Chinese-Australian history, and advancing Chinese cultural education. Its extensive collection of books, documents, and historical materials serves local communities and schools.

In this collaborative project, the library is working with Mt Clear College, Ballarat Grammar School, and the Ballarat Chinese community. Together with Monash University’s education experts, they delved into critical topics such as the current cross-cultural, educatiaonal environment, trends, curriculum, and innovation, and the further collaboration opportunities.

The Monash University research team toured the Xin Jin Shan Chinese Library and the Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, engaging in topic discussions and exchanges with the library, the Chinese community, Mt Clear College, and Ballarat Grammar School. This collaboration promises to be a pivotal initiative in strengthening the educational ties between Asia and Australia, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural education in the region.