You Yu Taichung Learning, Taichung Free Elective Courses for High School Students
The Department of Language and Literacy Education at National Taichung University of Education (NTCU) successfully held the cross-school elective course, " You Yu Taichung Learning’’ on December 13, 2025. Titled ‘’The 2026 Lunar Year of the Horse: Appreciation and Writing of Creative Spring Couplets," Professor Chuang Tsz-Lu guided the high school students to discover the elegance of Chinese calligraphy by integrating Calligraphy teaching with Festival Culture and creative practice. The event received high praise from both participants and their parents.
The core of this course is calligraphy. The speaker shared the historical origins and cultural significance of Spring Couplets. Supported by visuals and practical examples, this approach ensured participants built a solid foundational knowledge before their hands-on writing session. Beyond demonstrating traditional writing techniques, Professor Chuang Tsz-Lu introduced numerous creative examples, encouraging students to think outside the box. Students can incorporate English phrases or personal thoughts into their creations, showcasing diverse and contemporary forms of calligraphy.
A major highlight of the course was the Creative Lantern Calligraphy Workshop, organized in collaboration with Taichung Station. Participants practiced their works not only on red paper but also, for the first time, on lanterns, allowing their works to be displayed in a public space, significantly enhancing the New Year atmosphere. Many participants expressed that seeing their own calligraphy displayed in front of the train station was deeply meaningful and boosted their sense of academic achievement.
Post-course feedback form indicated that participants gave high marks to the instructor's preparation, the course content, and the overall effectiveness, with average scores ranging between 4.7 and 4.9 out of 5. Even though some students used calligraphy brushes for the first time, they successfully completed their projects within three hours. Furthermore, they were highly motivated and willing to interacted with the instructor about writing techniques after the workshop.
The Department stated that it will continue to develop more courses that combine cultural depth with practical experience by the You Yu Taichung Learning platform. The goal is to attract students to walk into university campus, personally experiencing the charm of humanities and arts, and intensifying the practical outcomes of cultural education.
