On November 7, 2023, IICE Professor LIN Jie delivered a lecture titled "The Rise and Fall of Adult Education Schools in Los Angeles: An Analysis Based on Old Institutionalism". The lecture was chaired by IICE Lecturer HU Yiyun.

Professor LIN vividly illustrated the evolutionary process of the rise and decline of adult education schools in Los Angeles, demonstrating how to appropriately apply theory to research. Questions, methods and theory constitute the three essential elements of research. Theory can help researchers clarify boundaries, move beyond individual cases, and transition from descriptive studies to theoretical research. Professor Lin proposed the theoretical "triple gates": the first gate involves applying theory to identify and analyze problems; the second gate aims to develop and refine theory through research; and the third gate involves proposing a localized theoretical model. However, theory possesses dual aspects, and certain theories might also mislead individuals; therefore, one must dispel the allure of theories. He recommended that students systematically engage in classical readings to comprehend a theory from the perspective of academic history, grasping its origins and development.

The lecture content was profound and had practical significance. During the final discussion session, teachers and students engaged in in-depth exchanges and discussions on topics such as "how to apply theory" and "what constitutes theory".