Jia Qhi – Mandarin Teacher

For nearly five years, I have been teaching in international school environments, working with learners from kindergarten all the way to secondary school within the IB and Cambridge frameworks. Each group has offered a fresh perspective on how students develop, wonder, and make sense of the world, especially through language learning.

A quote that continues to guide me is: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” It reflects my belief that learning should awaken curiosity, spark questions, and nurture a genuine passion for growing beyond the classroom.

In my Mandarin lessons, I aim to create an inviting and meaningful space, one where language feels dynamic and connected to real life. I incorporate songs, games, stories, and cultural activities so students can experience Mandarin in joyful and authentic ways. By designing tasks rooted in real-world contexts, I hope learners see the language not just as something to study, but as a doorway to understanding different cultures and perspectives.

Although I don’t focus on personal awards, I find great pride in my students’ journeys. Watching shy learners become confident, seeing interest deepen through storytelling, and witnessing students use Mandarin with excitement, these are the achievements that stay with me. Being invited to share my teaching practices with fellow educators has been a meaningful acknowledgment, but it is ultimately my students’ growth that fuels my dedication to teaching each day.

Watch Laoshi Jia Qi’s full interview and experience how Mandarin learning sparks curiosity and cultural understanding at BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya.

BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya is committed to providing the best international learning environment in Surabaya, East Java, with a high-quality curriculum and internationally qualified teachers, from Early Years through to the Secondary Programme. BINUS SCHOOL Surabaya empowers the future with digital excellence, personalised learning experiences, and a strong focus on student wellbeing.