ICI Global║Russian ASPnet Delegation Visits ECNU to Explore Research and Educational Cooperation

A delegation from the Russian Federation’s National Coordination Centre for the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (NCCUA) visited East China Normal University’s Institute of Curriculum and Instruction on 17 September. The visit brought together researchers and education representatives to discuss international cooperation, classroom research and the development of the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).

The delegation was accompanied by Professor Zhang Wei, Executive Director of the International Centre for UNESCO ASPnet (ICUA) and a professor at the Institute. Associate Professor Shi Yuchen, Assistant Director of the Institute, chaired the meeting, which also involved representatives from ECNU’s international affairs offices and Faculty of Education.

Participants at the event

Connecting institutional cooperation with academic research

Professor Yang Xiaozhe welcomed the delegation and expressed interest in sustained exchanges in curriculum development, educational research and opportunities for teachers and students. Professor Nella Pruss, National Coordinator of ASPnet in the Russian Federation, introduced NCCUA’s work and its aspirations for multilateral cooperation.

During the visit, ICUA and NCCUA signed a memorandum of understanding providing a framework for institutional collaboration, including joint research, academic visits and curriculum development. The Institute witnessed the signing in its capacity as ICUA’s academic advisory institution.

Zhang explained that holding the signing at the Institute was intended to connect the two centres’ practical cooperation with curriculum and instruction research. Pruss also presented a letter of appreciation recognising the Institute’s academic support for exchanges between the Chinese and Russian ASPnet communities.

Exploring collaboration in classroom analysis

Dr Xu Shiyu, Assistant Director of the Institute, presented research from the International Classroom Analysis Lab, outlining its approaches to AI-supported classroom analysis and examples of their application. Delegates discussed classroom observation, the interpretation of teaching data and ways to translate research into practice.

The wider discussion covered education for sustainable development, international classroom research, joint institutional projects and the operation of the ASPnet network. Participants identified opportunities to connect academic exchange, professional learning and collaborative research through the two centres.