TES Connect 2026 Summer

Creative Learning

Learning from Inspiring Voices This year, the Masterclass series took on an even deep er dimension as the SDGs were integrated into the Middle School Chinese curriculum. Through a series of SDG-focused sessions, students explored pressing global challenges while discovering how ideas, stories, and knowledge can inspire change. Among the distinguished speakers was Professor Liu Shu-Wen ( 劉淑雯 ), who is highly regarded in both Tai wan and the United States for her dedication to SDG education. In her session, students discovered how sto ries can become powerful tools for learning, empathy, and social transformation. Students were equally inspired by award-winning youth literature authors Ms Zhang You-Yu ( 張友漁 ) and Mr Liu Xu-Gong ( 劉旭恭 ). Their sharing revealed how storytell ing can spark imagination while raising awareness of global issues. Through their work, students saw how literature can encourage readers to think more deeply about the world around them.

The results were remarkable. Some students illustrated environmental themes such as protecting oceans and forests. Others explored social issues such as equality, responsible consumption, and sustainable communities. Despite their modest size, the mini-books became mi crocosms of big ideas, demonstrating how global chal lenges can be understood through personal creativity and thoughtful storytelling. The creativity and depth of the students’ work exceed ed expectations. Their projects were not only visually engaging but also deeply reflective, showing a growing awareness of how global issues connect to their own lives and communities.

Another memorable session featured Mr Liu Zhi-Xin ( 劉致昕 ), an award-winning journalist who shared his firsthand observations from Ukraine. His stories helped students understand how journalism gives voice to people on the ground and encourages readers to inter pret global events with both critical thinking and com passion. Students also explored sustainability through food systems with eFood ( 食力教育基金會 ), a non-profit or ganisation dedicated to food education. Their session deepened students’ awareness of issues such as re sponsible consumption, sustainable food systems, and global hunger, helping them see how everyday choices connect to global sustainability. From Global Ideas to Creative Expression Inspired by these rich learning experiences, students were invited to bring their understanding to life through creative SDG mini-books. Each student designed a small book that combined research, reflection, and visual sto rytelling to express their personal interpretation of one or more SDGs.

Small Books, Big Possibilities Watching students transform their learning into mean ingful creative expression has been truly inspiring. These small books remind us that powerful ideas do not always begin with grand gestures. Sometimes, they start with curiosity, creativity, and a blank page waiting to be filled. Through the voices of experts, the power of storytelling, and the imagination of our students, the Chinese Mas terclass programme continues to nurture learners who are not only curious about the world but also motivated to help shape its future. Sometimes, the biggest ideas can grow from the small est books!

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