From September 2 to 6, a delegation comprising Director Zhang Minxuan from the Teacher Education Centre under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO TEC), Professor Huang Xingfeng from the International Centre for Teacher Education at Shanghai Normal University (SHNU), and Dr. Shen Yihua from the Research Institute for International and Comparative Education at SHNU, was invited to visit the UK. They conducted academic visits and exchange activities focusing on issues such as teacher education, educational leadership development, international educational cooperation, and mathematics education.
The visit was hosted by the National Institute of Teaching (NIOT), the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM), and the Institute of Education (IOE), University College London (UCL). These three institutions wield significant influence in the UK’s teacher education system and are dedicated to driving educational innovation, research collaboration, and international dialogue.
On September 3, the delegation visited NIOT’s Peckham Campus in London. The institution is committed to enhancing the professional capabilities of teachers and educational leaders through research-driven, practice-oriented training programs. Dr. Calum, NIOT’s Director of Research and Practice, and Ms. Rosie, Head of Curriculum Content Design, provided a detailed account of the institute’s position and functions within the UK’s teacher training system, emphasizing the organic integration of policy support, school-based practice, and continuous professional development. Director Zhang Minxuan then introduced UNESCO TEC’s development background, core mission, and its specific work in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). Professor Huang Xingfeng focused on sharing the Centre’s cooperative projects in international mathematics education, covering teacher education exchanges and research practices with countries including the UK, Norway, Brazil, and Tanzania.
On September 4, the delegation held in-depth discussions with Debbie Morgan, Head of Primary Mathematics Teaching at NCETM, and her colleague Elizabeth Lambert. As a national institution supported by the UK Department for Education, NCETM is dedicated to improving mathematics teaching quality through professional development networks. The two sides conducted a comprehensive review of Sino-British mathematics teacher education cooperation projects, with a focus on exploring the positive impacts of such projects on classroom practices and shifts in teaching philosophies.
To gain a deeper understanding of the project’s practical effects on frontline teaching, Debbie and Elizabeth arranged for the delegation to observe a UK primary school mathematics class. During the class, the teacher skillfully applied the variation teaching strategy derived from Chinese teaching experiences, creating a lively and efficient classroom atmosphere with active student engagement—leaving a strong impression. The observation attracted several UK teachers who had participated in Sino-British projects to join the observation and exchanges. After the class, the teachers and the delegation held in-depth discussions on teaching philosophies, lesson design, and student thinking development. Many UK teachers expressed their wish to visit China again to strengthen exchanges and cooperation.
On September 5, the delegation visited UCL’s Institute of Education (IOE). As one of the world’s leading educational research institutions, UCL IOE has long been committed to advancing educational innovation and international cooperation. Professors including Tristan McCowan, Norbert Pachler, and Jasper Green attended the exchange, introducing UCL IOE’s research directions and achievements in fields such as comparative education, international educational development, mathematics, and STEM education.
Director Zhang Minxuan and Professor Huang Xingfeng respectively outlined UNESCO TEC’s development history, core functions, and key practices in international cooperation in mathematics education. The two sides held thorough discussions on priority areas and feasible pathways for future cooperation, and exchanged gifts to express their willingness to deepen academic partnerships.
During this UK visit, the delegation not only gained in-depth insights into the key features of the UK’s current teacher professional development system but also systematically reviewed the outcomes and impacts of Sino-British mathematics teacher education cooperation projects. Through interactions with educational institutions such as NIOT, NCETM, and UCL IOE, the delegation further expanded its international cooperation perspective in areas including teacher education, educational leadership, and mathematics teaching.
This visit has laid a solid foundation for promoting innovation and cooperation in teacher education between China and the UK against the backdrop of global educational development. Going forward, the two sides will continue to join hands in exploring cross-cultural educational practice pathways, contributing collectively to improving global education quality.
