Lining up for attention

Li improved her teaching techniques to better suit the students' situations, like teaching them to use mind maps to help understanding and recommending books for them to read after class.

She also marked students' homework and exam papers in front of them so they could see her corrections as she did them. Sometimes there were too many students coming to her office, and they just stood in a line to wait.

Lu Xiefu, one of Li's colleagues, says: "We occasionally asked students to our office for a chat and to offer advice, but many students came to Li's office every day. She is extremely careful and patient in helping students analyze their mistakes. I have learned so much from her."

At the beginning of Li's time in Linxia, she left her 2-year-old daughter, who had been brought up by Li and her husband since birth, at home in Lanzhou. The little girl, however, couldn't get accustomed to her mother's absence. As a result, Li decided to take her to Linxia as well.

"I was afraid she would disturb my work, so my parents and husband took turns to come to Linxia and take care of her while I worked," recalls Li. "I often felt guilty seeing my parents exit the car with stiff legs after a three-hour ride from Lanzhou. When my husband was in hospital, I could not look after him, either. I owe them so much."

Tao Yongheng, a vice-principal of the Hanji school, says: "Li never let her personal life influence her work. A teacher like her can help greatly improve our school's approach.

"She consistently showed us the ideals and skills required in the pursuit of being a good teacher. She is our model."

Li's efforts worked. Both classes she taught registered a huge improvement.

"I want to open a window to help the students look outside, and to make them understand the world is a large place. I hope my way of thinking will influence them to some extent," Li says.