On November 4, Dr. Stephen Kelly from University College Dublin (UCD) visited the school for academic exchange.

Dr. Stephen Kelly is currently a Senior Teaching Fellow at the Centre for English and Global Languages at UCD, specializing in the development and application of academic English course materials and assessment materials.

Dean Deng Fei, Associate Dean Liu Aodong, and Associate Dean Li Feiwu engaged in discussions with Dr. Stephen Kelly regarding research and teaching collaborations between the two universities. Dean Deng Fei emphasized that academic English is an integral part of domestic college English teaching and has vast research potential, and that Dr. Kelly's visit played a crucial role in broadening the academic horizons of our faculty members. Dr. Kelly expressed his gratitude for the invitation and warm reception, noting his delight in having the opportunity to visit our school and delve into academic English teaching and research with our faculty.

Subsequently, Dr. Kelly delivered an academic lecture titled From General English to English for Academic Purposes: Differences in Teaching Methods in Room 402. He highlighted that English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is a vital support element for non-native English speakers at the university level. While enhancing general language proficiency is essential for improving academic communication skills, crucial academic skills such as reading, note-taking, or participating in seminar discussions are also pivotal for students' success in university. Dr. Kelly believed that while most EAP teachers are trained in teaching General English as a Foreign Language (GEFL), effective methods for teaching EAP can differ significantly as EAP emphasizes skills and specialist language. He then elaborated on the differences in teaching methods between EAP and EGP. During the Q&A session, the faculty members exchanged insights with Dr. Kelly on teaching strategies for EAP reading, writing, and speaking.

Dr. Kelly holds a PhD from the School of English, Drama, and Film at UCD and currently teaches at the Centre for English and Global Languages. His primary research interests in EAP encompass spoken and written academic English, exploring how to use these skills to share research findings and ideas in seminars, oral presentations, and thesis writing. He is also responsible for implementing and managing courses in UCD's collaboration projects with domestic universities.

 by Qin Jianhua