Before autumn really comes, a dialogue between the Cohort 2025 and the world of science and technology is unfolding on campus through the preparatory semester.

From early August to late September, GTIIT offers an English-teaching preparatory session including learning strategy, English, math, physics and chemistry for freshmen. This approach, which integrates language learning and STEM content review, helps students adapt to GTIIT's instruction mode and ensures the success of immersed education.

Long before class begins, the corridors are already filled with students discussing problems or coordinating group assignments. After the bell rings, some students still gather around teachers, asking questions, portraying vibrant academic engagement.

Ask More, Think Deeper

Since the preparatory semester, GTIIT teachers have been employing various creative methods to encourage students to ask questions and learn how to pose them effectively. The English Program launched an initiative inviting students to write suggestions or recommendations on how lessons could be adapted to make them feel more comfortable and confident in asking questions, which received an enthusiastic response. The lobby of the education building was transformed into a "suggestion exhibition hall", with the poster stands filled with sticky notes from students: "Teachers could be more humorous," "Allow more time for group discussions," "Place a question box in the classroom for introverted students"... These warm and innovative ideas fueled the shared growth between teachers and students. They were not only taken seriously and gradually adopted, but also helped students practice summarizing their ideas in a concise, impactful way in English.

Additionally, the English Program has also encouraged students to set their digital devices to English, creating an immersive language environment.

The English team also collaborated with the Math Program to launch a "Math-English Workshop", offering short unit on basic math skills, helping freshmen become familiar with key terminology and the problem-solving process, to build students' confidence so they arrive at their first math lesson better prepared. "In the third week of the semester, the English team runs an additional four-hour workshop that reinforces the content of the initial session and extends it to geometry, basic operations, and more. Our aim is to ensure that English actively supports the material taught in other faculties and addresses aspects that help students begin thinking and practicing STEM subjects in English." said Miki, the Head of the English Program. She noted with delight that freshmen are becoming more engaged and curious, actively integrating into GTIIT's unique "problem-driven" English environment.

Learning Can Be So Fun!

In English classes, the gamified and interactive teaching approaches allows students to ease into the learning atmosphere amidst laughter, fully engaging them in the class activities. For instance, integrating language learning with scientific experiments, where students worked in small groups to conduct experiments and communicate in English, empowers every learner to speak up and express themselves willingly, turning knowledge acquisition into a naturally enjoyable process.

"Stepping out of my comfort zone in a Chinese-speaking environment and communicating with teachers from various disciplines in English was quite challenging. But I know what really matters is getting comfortable with repeated language patterns, gaining confidence to use them, and applying them effectively," said Zhang Letong, a freshman from Biotechnology and Food Engineering Program. She began to find joy in class interactions and improve her English through each initiative she took to express herself.

Chemistry classes focus on bridging high school and university-level knowledge, emphasizing the "chemical intuition" over rote memorization through problem-based learning, peer teaching, and digital tools. Liu Jiayi, a freshman from Chemical Engineering Program, said she particularly enjoys chemistry classes. "The teacher is very humorous and often shares interesting stories about how he developed a connection with chemistry. He also tells us stories about famous chemists in history."

In physics classes, dynamic demonstration experiments captivated students' attention, guiding them through abstract concepts. "I love physics class. We got frequent experiments and the teacher is very humorous!" said Liu Xiangjun, a freshman from Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Program, who thrives in the open and question-friendly class environment. "The teachers are always happy to answer my questions. Office hour is also an excellent setting. The teachers are incredibly patient when clarifying my doubts."

Learn How to Learn

Faced with the high-intensity demands of STEM studies, how can students manage their time effectively and build a strong knowledge foundation? Based on the latest theories and practices of educational psychology and learning psychology, the Learning Strategies course focuses on learning mindset, goal setting, time management, etc., helping GT students settle their own pace of learning, optimize productivity, and upgrade their learning abilities to smoothly transition into rigorous science and engineering studies.

"This course is highly practical and impressive. I am more clear about what to learn next. The segment on sleep cycles is particularly beneficial. It made me realize how important a regular routine is for academic efficiency," said Lin Ruidong, a freshman from Materials Science and Engineering Program.

A new exploration of knowledge and future has begun. From effective learning methods to foundational science and mathematics, to practical English application, the preparatory semester serves not only as a "fueling station" for knowledge but also as a "training camp" for transforming learning approaches. May the freshmen bond through collaboration, break limits in class interactions, and build confidence in an English-immersive environment—embarking on a fulfilling and joyful journey at GTIIT!

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs