Topic: Understanding and Utilizing Different Personality Traits for Smoother Communication and Interactions with Students and Staff

Speaker: Christopher Dockstader, Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Time: Friday, January 9, 2026, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Venue: Li Shen Xuan, 2F

Abstract: Christopher Dockstader started to explore the OCEAN model in 2009 after the model was solidified into what it is today and when he noticed different students having different communication and interaction styles. After recognizing different traits from different individuals and experimenting personally with different communication and interaction techniques, he found excellent results in reactions from individual students and staff. In this Spark Salon session, he will share a personal account of how to understand those traits and everyone can participate to understand themselves better as well as others. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops for hands-on exploration.

Speaker Bio: Christopher Robin Dockstader (M.Ed.) has a double major in English Literature and Clinical Psychology from Sonoma State University. Master’s Degree from American University Online in Educational Technology. He has HSK 6 for Chinese and NNS 1 for Japanese. His hobbies are swimming, fitness, nutrition, history, Kyudo and Zen.

What is Spark Salon?

Spark Salon is a relaxed and inviting platform where educators from diverse cultural backgrounds, academic disciplines, and departments can converge. It aims to break down silos and kindle the flames of creativity, knowledge exchange, and professional growth.

Why Join?

In today’s globalized academic landscape, cross-cultural interactions offer a wealth of insights. Here, you can:

• Share your teaching methodologies and classroom successes, learning from each other’s pedagogical wisdom that spans continents.

• Discuss the latest research trends and challenges, finding potential collaborators to push the boundaries of knowledge in your field.

• Engage in conversations that bridge cultural gaps, enhancing our campus’ international atmosphere and fostering a sense of unity among colleagues.

What to Expect?

Each salon session will feature open discussions, short presentations, and interactive activities. You’ll have the opportunity to meet new faces, rekindle old acquaintances, and most importantly, let ideas collide and spark new breakthroughs. Whether you’re seeking fresh perspectives for your research project or innovative teaching strategies, Spark Salon is the place to be.

No matter if you’re a seasoned professor or a newly joined lecturer, your voice matters, and your experiences are invaluable. Let’s come together at Spark Salon and create a vibrant community of learning and collaboration.

We look forward to seeing you there!

How to Sign up?

Please sign up by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below before Jan. 8.

【腾讯文档】Spark Salon (Session 5) Registration

https://docs.qq.com/form/page/DVkVPZ3Jid2ZaWkdm

Contact person: 李小英(LI Xiaoying/Lisa), Tel: 3683499

International Office, BNU Zhuhai