To implement the learner-centred teaching philosophy and enhance students' core English competencies, the School of Foreign Languages at the Open University of China (OUC), in collaboration with the Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development and the Department of Digitalisation, organised an English speaking competition for students.
Launched in May, the competition has attracted over three thousand enthusiastic participants from 45 branches and colleges. Following nearly seven months of preparation, preliminary and semi-final rounds, the final round was held on 29 November 2024.
Five experts from Beijing International Studies University, Beijing University of Technology, Capital Normal University, Army Academy of Armoured Forces, and the 21st Century Newspaper of China Daily served as on-site judges.
Zheng Jipeng, dean of the School of Foreign Languages, provided a comprehensive overview of the background and organisation of the speaking competition. He stated that the competition aimed to enhance students' awareness and foster habits of using intelligent teaching methods, thereby stimulating their enthusiasm for leveraging these tools for language learning.
The competition featured four categories, with a total of 60 competitors advancing to the finals. During the one-day online final, participants delivered speeches on hot social topics and responded to related questions in real-time. Judges evaluated the presentations based on content, language expression, and skill application. After intense competition, winners of first, second, and third places were selected for each category. Additionally, following expert evaluation, four individual awards were selected: Best Style Award, Best Innovation Award, Best Concept Award, and Best Critical Thinking Award.
Professor Jiang Lu from Beijing International Studies University represented the panel of judges in providing feedback on the competition. She offered a comprehensive and detailed summary of the event, covering aspects such as choice of oral materials, stage presence, and fluency in language. Moreover, she provided constructive guidance for the language learning of Open University students and practical suggestions for practicing English speaking skills.
This competition not only further promoted the application of intelligent spoken language training systems at open universities, but also laid a solid foundation for the comprehensive implementation of smart English teaching reforms in 2025, achieving personalised autonomous learning for students, and advancing the quality and excellence of English teaching at open universities.
Written by Zhao Yanjiao, photo by Miao Miao, OUC