UK Asia Center to Host Symposium on Learning and Teaching About Asia
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 26, 2013) — The University of Kentucky Asia Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary by hosting a symposium, “Learning and Teaching About Asia,” that seeks to incorporate Asian Studies into K-12, post-secondary and community-based education. The event will take place from 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the William T. Young Library.
“With over half of the world’s population living in Asia, it has become increasingly important for American youth to understand the recent economic, political, and social development in the region,” Keiko Tanaka, director of the UK Asia Center and assistant professor of community and leadership development in the College of Agriculture, said. “Teachers have the opportunity to expose their students to Asian society, languages and economics, preparing America’s future generations to work as successful and culturally competent leaders in Asia.”
The symposium includes five workshops, led by educational leaders from Kentucky’s Department of Education and World Trade Center, as well as the Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT). Workshop instructors also include internationally renowned experts in Asian music and dance, and faculty from the University of Kentucky and Asbury University.
Workshops focus on a wide range of subjects, from origami as a tool of classroom instruction to tips on facilitating collaboration between K-12 teachers and university faculty. Sessions will also be offered on the use of classroom video conferencing technology, Asian music and movement, and preparing Kentucky’s students to become successful business leaders in Asia.
A keynote address will be given by Kristin Stapleton, founding director of the UK Asia Center, and director of Asian Studies at The University of Buffalo, the State University of New York. Stapleton will speak about the importance of collaboration between K-16 instructors, specifically in the area of Asian studies.
The symposium is free and open to all educators, including K-12 teachers, graduate students, university faculty members, and non-formal educators (e.g., 4H, YMCA).
Please register online at www.uky.edu/international/learning_asia by Monday, April 1.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257- 5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu