Confucius Institute Teacher Wang Haixia Won Best International Teacher Prize

Ms. Haixia Wang and University of Helsinki Rector Jukka Kola

Ms. Haixia Wang and University of Helsinki Rector Jukka Kola

The Student Union of University of Helsinki (HYY) has awarded the prize for the Best International Teacher of the Year 2016 to Confucius Institute’s Chinese language teacher Ms. Wang Haixia! The award was presented to her at the Student Union’s 148th anniversary dinner this Saturday (November 26).

haixiaHYY honors one international teacher each year to emphasize the importance of international students and teachers. A council of students nominates the best candidate based on criteria such as the teachers’ student-friendliness, expertise, active attitude towards developing, and giving and receiving constructive criticism. According to HYY, this year they also look into “teaching methods that support students’ multicultural backgrounds, creating such an atmosphere where students from different cultural backgrounds can feel included”.

Ms. Wang has been teaching at Confucius Institute of the University of Helsinki since 2014 and this is her 9th year of teaching Chinese language. Previously she taught in Harrisburg Middle School (Arkansas, USA) and Council on International Educational Exchange (Shanghai, China). Ms. Wang’s philosophy of teaching is based on a belief that creating a positive learning atmosphere matters most, no matter which teaching methods or approaches are used.

Ms. Haixia Wang had great fun in the celebration party of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki.

Ms. Haixia Wang had great fun in the celebration party of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki.