Harmonia English Corner 2023 Fall
Sept 18 Summer Break Experiences Sharing
As the summer break came to an end and a new semester began, students eagerly gathered to share their summer experiences with one another. Some chose to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of nature, hiking through majestic mountains, exploring winding rivers, enjoying the serenity of peaceful lakes. Some opt to explore the distinct customs, habits, traditions, and cultural characteristics of cities and rural areas. Whether engaging in nostalgic explorations, embarking on exhilarating new ventures, or simply enjoying the comforts of home and surfing the internet, each individual had a plethora of captivating experiences to share.
Oct 9 English Games
One of the most effective ways to enhance oral proficiency is to embark on an exhilarating and captivating journey of English games with peers. Participants sat on the “hot seat” and were challenged to respond swiftly to unexpected questions in English. In the game "Who is the spy", students were presented with the task of building convincing arguments to convince others that they were not spies while attempting to identify the true spy among them. In a guessing word game, participants engaged in a playful and interactive activity where they needed to rely on their English vocabulary to come up with potential answers that match the given clues…The games provided an enjoyable and engaging way for participants to challenge themselves, foster friendly competition, and continuously expand their English word bank.
Oct 16 Unique Charm of Different University Majors
The power of front-end technology, the intricacy of biological structures, and the richness of literary history are all aspects of human achievement that deserve to be shared and appreciated. In this phase, students introduced their respective majors, highlighting the unique charms of each field and engaging in deeper discussions regarding potential academic and research directions.
Oct 23 Foreign Languages & Chinese Dialects Exchange
In addition to English, which has become the global lingua franca, the world is blessed with a myriad of foreign languages, each bearing its own cultural heritage and subtleties. Furthermore, China itself is linguistically diverse, with numerous dialects spoken across its various regions. Apart from discussing Cantonese, which seemed to be a popular topic among the students present that day, participants also shared their experiences of learning other languages. It was a multicultural language journey where everyone delved into the shared allure, rich history, and emotional depth concealed within different languages.
Oct 30 Virtual Personas
In the virtual world of the internet, individuals can take on different roles and personas. Some people actively engage in conversations, sharing their thoughts, opinions, and experiences as enthusiastic conversationalists. On the other hand, there are silent observers who choose to absorb information, follow discussions, and gather insights without actively engaging in dialogue themselves. In addition to sharing their internet habits, some individuals took the opportunity to introduce their strategies for starting and operating their own media outlets, as well as discussing the attention and influence that the internet era has brought to individuals.
Nov 6 Would You Work for the Sake of Your Interests?
Individuals make diverse choices when it comes to important life decisions, considering their interests, expertise, and career aspirations. The students shared valuable insights on how to effectively translate their interests into viable career opportunities and how to maintain a genuine passion for their interests within their chosen profession. The discussion not only provided guidance on aligning personal interests with professional paths but also fostered a supportive environment where everyone could learn from one another's experiences and navigate their own unique journeys.
Nov.13 Introverts Vs Extroverts
"What's your MBTI?" in this English corner session, we explored the Impact of Introversion and Extroversion on Life and Career. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on how introverted and extroverted personalities contribute to individual and team dynamics and gained a deeper understanding of the differences and advantages of introversion and extroversion.
Nov 20 Thanksgiving & Board Game Night
In this activity, our students had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with international students from the University of Newcastle and share each other’s personal stories of gratitude. This allowed them to reflect on what they appreciate in life and understand the importance of expressing gratitude. In exploring the Thanksgiving culture, the participants delved into its traditions, customs, significance, and how it has evolved into a time for families and friends to come together, share a festive meal, and express gratitude for their blessings. The English board games added an interactive and enjoyable element to the event, which provided a valuable opportunity for the students to learn, connect, and celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity.
Dec 4 The Impact of Science & Technology on Humanity
This session focused on the profound impact of AI and ChatGPT on our lives. Participants contemplated the profound impact that AI has already had on various aspects of human life, ranging from daily routines to complex decision-making processes, highlighting its advantages in improving efficiency, driving innovation, and addressing real-world problems. On the flip side, there are potential threats and challenges that AI poses to humanity. The students also delved into the meaning of AI for humanity and explored its future trajectory.
Dec 11 Staying up Late - A Remedy or A Poison?
In the final English corner of this semester, students actively participated in a captivating discussion centered around the motivations and mindset behind young people staying up late. expressed their perspectives on subjects like "What drives young individuals to prefer late nights?", "Do you opt for staying up late or waking up early to study?", "Is staying up late an act of indulgence or relaxation for young people?", and other pertinent matters.