A new research project in China?

Jane Mattisson Ekstam, Associate Professor, Lena Ahlin, Senior Lecturer, and Lecturer Annika Fjelkner at Kristianstad University have just returned from one week at Beijing Normal University (BNU), where they have run workshops on Academic Writing in English. BNU is among the top ten universities in China and is ranked number one in the area of teacher training. The focus of the workshops was on the influence of culture on writing practices.

The project was funded by STINT and involved HKR, Linnaeus University (LNU) and BNU. Two Chinese professors from BNU came to HKR and LNU to take part in four workshops (two at each university) on formulating and supporting an argument, structuring an academic text, grammar and style in academic texts, and giving and receiving teachers' written feedback respectively. The workshops in Sweden also involved Professor Diane Pecorari (LNU), Senior Lecturer Sharon Ahlquist (HKR), Lecturer Anna Ekström (HKR) and Teri Schamp-Bjerede (PhD candidate, Lund University). The themes and the findings of the four workshops in Sweden were discussed at the workshops at BNU, which were attended by teachers of English undergraduates and postgraduates as well as so-called 'College teachers of English', i.e. teachers whose students write in English but major in other subjects.

Many of the problems encountered by teachers of writing at Swedish universities are also to be found at BNU: students find it difficult to organise texts in a logical and effective manner, they are not always able to select the most appropriate word or phrase for the subject and context, and their problems with grammar are closely linked to usages in the mother tongue, e.g. use of articles (there are no articles in Chinese) and tenses.

One of the most interesting findings of the six workshops relates to teachers' written feedback. At BNU, students compile writing portfolios, which feature all the drafts of their essay or report, their responses to the teacher's feedback, and reflections on what they have learned during the writing process. The portfolio is graded and comprises an important part of the student's final grade. This is an excellent system that could be used with advantage at HKR to improve writing practices not only in English but also in Swedish. Our application for an institutional grant from STINT will focus on the development and use of portfolios in the English writing classroom.

The dedication of Chinese teachers of English is admirable, and their interest in collaborating with the West very strong. BNU is an excellent partner for HKR. Plans are also underway to include Sichuan University, China, in our new project.

/Jane Mattisson Ekstam,
Associate Professor at Kristianstad University