In session 3, English for Academic Purposes (EAP) students lead by Prof. Laura Davies, Prof. Junyi Li, and Dr. Zhenjie Weng collaborated with Dianshan Lake community to conduct culture-based research projects that would enhance sustainability in the local area.
Located on the border of Shanghai and Kunshan, this area of outstanding natural beauty has witnessed fast-paced economic development in recent years. Its core facets include a large lake and a harmonious living environment. As a relatively new and highly diverse community, Dianshan Lake welcomed DKU students to their communities for a full day field trip before students identified matters related to Chinese culture that could be enhanced in the local area.
The community-based learning project resulted in 16 student-led research projects, which culminated in a research poster showcase and networking session hosted at DKU on February 22, 2025. The event drew over 30 visitors from the community, including the Mayor of Dianshan Lake, local government officials, and community members.
Aside from a highly authentic learning and assessment process for students, Diashan lake were eager to know more about the research-backed solutions and as such, a follow-up knowledge transfer process is underway to succinctly capture and translate the research projects for Dianshan lake government to further action and implement in the near future.
The project organizers would like to acknowledge the unwavering support of the DKU office of Student Engagement for funding and extend special thanks to Jiawen Cai for strategic and logistical support.
