WKU News

“What makes this year’s symposium is the emphasis on being present throughout the event, and the expectation to have real conversations with other program mates”

Every year since 2015, the Chinese Flagship Program at WKU, a federally-funded intensive language program, has held a spring symposium to promote student scholarly activities related to Chinese language and culture learning. WKU Chinese professors use the spring symposium as a platform to motivate current students through a showcase of student research, learning experiences, recognition of cultural diversity, and observations on social issues. Through such discussions, learners share individual ideas and become acquainted with new techniques, methods, and experiences.

On Saturday, April 23, students in the Chinese Flagship Program gathered to listen to research presentations and program experiences and to receive awards for their hard work in the classroom. Students from all Chinese Flagship Program levels, including 102, 202, 302, 440, and 450 attended the symposium. Many of the students had takeaways from the event including the ability to connect with peers from other levels and learn about Chinese poetry. Twenty-three students received awards and recognition in areas from “Best Pronunciation” to “Best Presentation.” Such awards are to encourage students as they make their way through their learning journey.

Dr. Ke Peng, who leads the Chinese Flagship and Chinese major programs at WKU, explained, “What makes this year’s symposium is the emphasis on being present throughout the event, and the expectation to have real conversations with other program mates, to get to know him/her, why he/she is motivated to conduct this project here and now, and what he/she wants to achieve. I encourage freshmen and sophomores to make friends and expand their network. I ask the juniors and seniors to serve as role models for the fellow students and share their insights and wisdoms, to help the Flagship newbies envision their own research projects or products in a year or two.”