A speech focused on how to cultivate the students’ study motivation and creativity was delivered by Stephen S. Murray, Head of University School America on 29, September.

The speech started at 2:30pm in the Qujiang International Hall. Principal Wang Peidong presented the audience Mr. Stephen S. Murray, thanking him for his special trip to our 115 years anniversary and for his lecture.

In his lecture, Mr. Murray looked back upon the fruitful exchanges between US and HSXJTU, and said high praise for the contributions and efforts from both sides. Then, Mr. Murray presented his inspiring ideas for education. He pointed out that the development of students’ creativity should not only be referred to the development of their intelligence, but to the one of their confidence and creativity, by which young people will create the history in the future. Further, Mr. Murray emphasized three points so as to cultivate students’ creativity. First, teachers should encourage the students and help them to build their confidence. In this process, the teachers should help students to discover their potentials and help them to realize they can get through the difficulties and learn something from them. Secondly, teachers should spark students’ enthusiasm to be creative. To stimulate their interests, protect their curiosity and encourage the students to see problems from an all-round way. Thirdly, the students should learn how to face failure. They should realize failure is a necessary step in the way to success, which they can help them grow after.

Mr. Murray’s speech was full of wits and humors and bought his audience inspirations and a lot of fun, through his epigrams, interesting stories and the great interaction.