A training course for science teachers and nature education was held at Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) during July 25-30. The course brought together 28 science teachers of primary schools from 12 provinces of China. The course is designed to help teachers to design science classes in primary schools.

During the training course, the integration, coordination and interaction of formal education, non-formal education, and informal education is emphasized. “We hope to help primary school teachers to use school gardens, botanical gardens, and outdoor places to carry out science and environmental education, as a support to formal education and complement work underway in schools”, said Prof. Chen Jin, director of XTBG.

The course included such topics as: non-formal education in schools, non-forma education in botanical gardens, experience share of science education in schools, science exploration, etc.

The participants shared their own teaching experience and raised challenges faced with current teaching. They talked about how to attract children to approach nature, how to disseminate science knowledge, etc.

Mr. Li Hongwei, CPC secretary of XTBG, awarded certificates of completion to the participants on July 30.

This is the third time that such a training course has been organized in XTBG. It is expected to become a platform for science teachers nationwide to enhance the reach and quality of teaching and learning in the non-formal education context.

Prof. Chen Jin poses a group photo with trainees.

Three keynote teachers at the course: Dai Jian, Hao Huaining, and Zhang Peihang 

Non-formal education at botnaical gardens

Trainees design a science class 

Mr. Li Hongwei speaks at the closing ceremony.