On October 10^th, International College(IC), Xiamen University hosted a distinctive faculty-student symposium at Zhangzhou campus. The event, aimed at optimizing professional course instruction, enhancing communication between students and faculty, and improving overall teaching quality. He Haitao, vice dean of IC, attended the symposium. All the teachers of the professional teaching and research group, and six top-performing student representatives from the 2023 SQA International Undergraduate (3+1) Program who achieved outstanding results in the GU1 exam last semester had a cordial discussion on the development of teaching. The symposium was presided over by Associate Professor Yang Shuai, the head of the professional teaching and research group.

The forum commenced with the six student representatives sharing their personal journeys and successful strategies in the GU1 examinations. They candidly discussed the challenges they had faced, which served as stepping stones to their growth. A consensus emerged among the students on key factors for success: the creation and strict adherence to a structured study plan, active and consistent communication with teachers, and the precise application of English language skills were all deemed indispensable for excelling in the GU1 assessments.

The forum then progressed into a dynamic and enthusiastic exchange of ideas, where students and faculty delved into an in-depth discussion on course instruction and GU exam preparation. Students actively voiced their constructive suggestions, demonstrating a strong commitment to their academic experience. Key recommendations from the students included incorporating more vivid and engaging case studies into lectures to help bridge the gap between abstract theoretical concepts and practical application. They also expressed a strong desire for more targeted office hours, specifically seeking enhanced guidance on challenging subject matter and the nuances of English academic writing. Faculty members listened attentively to all feedback, thoughtfully addressing each point. They expressed their commitment to refining both teaching content and advisory methods, with a focus on strengthening personalized communication between students and instructors. This ongoing effort aims to ensure that academic support is continually aligned with and responsive to student needs.

The forum concluded with closing remarks from He Haitao, Vice Dean of IC. He commended the students on their outstanding academic achievements and expressed his sincere appreciation for their candid insights and constructive suggestions. He emphasized that student feedback is a vital driver for mutual growth in the teaching-and-learning process, enabling faculty to enhance the effectiveness of their instruction. He assured attendees that the valuable input gathered would serve as a critical reference for the college's ongoing initiatives in pedagogical reform, curriculum optimization, and faculty development. Furthermore, he outlined future directions, stressing the need to implement more tailored teaching approaches for diverse student groups. He pledged to deepen and refine the "Peer Academic Mentorship" program, all with the goal of continuously improving the overall educational quality and teaching standards.

The symposium was more than just a platform for sharing experiences and sparking intellectual exchange; it was a vivid reflection of the college's commitment to its student-centered educational philosophy. With the collective efforts of both faculty and students, the college is poised to elevate its teaching quality to new heights, fostering an environment where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential.