Drawing on over a decade of fieldwork of the Teacher Education Reciprocal Learning Program and the insights of pre-service teachers, graduate students, and professors, West-East Reciprocal Learning in Teacher Education: From Knowing to Doing examines the transformative impact of international partnerships in education between Canada and China.

Authored and edited in part by Chenkai Chi, a doctoral candidate in the Faculty of Education, the book underscores the importance of moving beyond dualistic thinking and encourages readers to embrace a more inclusive and collaborative approach to global education.

“We have so much to learn from each other,” says Chi. “The book provides a unique perspective on cross-cultural education through reciprocal learning between Canada and China, offering shared experiences that enrich global teaching practices.”

He also notes that the book is a valuable resource for educators, students, and policymakers looking for practical ideas on international collaboration and student engagement.

Chi’s role in bringing the book to publication exemplifies the collaborative spirit at the heart of the project. By navigating the challenges of coordinating across time zones, overcoming language barriers, and addressing cultural nuances, he not only contributed to the book’s success but also gained valuable learning experiences throughout the process.

“I learned so much through this experience,” Chi reflects. “The value of cultural sensitivity and the practical impact of reciprocal learning, all while trying to preserve the distinct voices of the other authors.”

Education professor Shijing Xu and doctoral candidate Chenkai Chi.

The recently published book is a part of the larger Intercultural Reciprocal Learning in Chinese and Western Education book series with Michael Connelly and Shijing Xu as series editors.

Dr. Xu, Canada Research Chair, education professor and project director of the SSHRC Partnership Grant Project for Reciprocal Learning in Teacher Education and School Education between Canada and China, explains that the book series and research generates local and global impact through partnership and community engagement, aligning with the Aspire strategic plan.

“The series envisions a broader sense of ‘we-ness’ in a globalized world,” Xu says, “emphasizing the importance of East-West collaboration in shaping a more interconnected future.

“We look forward to producing more books in the series to highlight the research and hands-on experience that are driving this work forward.”

West-East Reciprocal Learning in Teacher Education: From Knowing to Doing is available for purchase online through Amazon and Springer Palgrave Macmillan websites, as well as in-store at Indigo.