Chinese Studies Commons^™

Improving Chinese Language Learning Through Collaborative Kahoot Mode, Hongmin Yu

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

This study used quantitative methods to assess students' Chinese language learning attitudes and learning habits on Kahoot, a game-based learning platform. Kahoot enables teachers to transform bland Chinese vocabulary memorization into exciting, game-like situations. It makes Chinese language learning fun and interactive. The study aims to compare Kahoot team play mode with individual play mode. Sixty-four fifth graders participated. In the experimental group, students grouped by themselves or teacher to compete with one another. They enjoyed working together to share what they knew and learned from each other. Students were tested prior to the course (pretest) and following the course …

The Use Of An Elicited Imitation Test To Measure Global Oral Proficiency Of L2 Chinese At The Postsecondary Classroom, I-Huei Lee

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

With a growing number of foreign language studies on proficiency outcomes, it is imperative to address the challenge of measuring students’ proficiency development in a language program where standardized proficiency testing is not readily available. This article reports administering a Chinese elicited imitation test (EIT) by an instructor to track students’ global oral proficiency development in a small language program in a mid-size U.S. public university. The test results from the EIT of second language (L2) Chinese suggest that this tool can provide the instructor with valuable insights into students’ oral proficiency. This study also discusses the potential practical value …

The Construction And Formation Of Chinese Character, Lejia Zhang

Theses - ALL

Chinese characters are very unique. As one of the most widely used scripts in the world, its complex forms and large volume of characters make it always daunting for beginners, which is related to the long history of Chinese characters. This paper is divided into five parts, based on a definition of the nature of ancient Chinese characters. In the first part, it is argued that Chinese characters are made up of smaller elements. A single Chinese character, as a morpheme, is the smallest ideographic unit of the Chinese language, but a single character may also be formed by combining …

Methods And Effects Of Shadowing Using Online Authentic Videos On L2 Acquisition Of Mandarin Chinese Tones, Ai-Ling Lu

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mandarin Chinese tones are notoriously difficult for second language (L2) learners. Previous research focuses on tone training methods that can help learners produce monosyllabic lexical tones, and studies about the production of multisyllabic lexical tones at the sentence level in spontaneous speech are limited. This study applies shadowing—a method where the learners repeat what they heard with as little delay as possible—to tone training and compares the effects of using authentic videos and textbook audios as shadowing materials for beginner L2 Mandarin learners’ tone improvement at the sentence level. Fourteen students in elementary Chinese classes at an American university participated …

A Widened Angle Of View: Teaching Theology And Racial Embodiment, Mara Brecht

Journal of Global Catholicism

Today’s undergraduate students are digital natives, shaped by constant access to information and countless experiences of encountering the world through the convenience of a screen. The ostensible comfort students have with difference gives way to a paradox, and one that’s made especially apparent in the theology classroom: Students are comfortable with seeing difference and particularity at a distance, but not adept at locating difference and particularity “at home.” I contend that Catholics & Cultures can help students from the dominant culture—namely, white students who comprise the vast majority of Catholic college students—destabilize their notion of the Catholic tradition as tightly …

Needs Analysis In Teaching Chinese For Special Purposes: From Theory To Practice, Zhongqi Shi

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

As a critical component of curriculum creation and syllabus design, needs analysis has not been widely used in the field of teaching Chinese as a foreign language. To address some common misconceptions, this article discusses various aspects of need analysis with the goal of structuring a more comprehensive picture of this approach. Based upon that, a variety of needs analysis methods are introduced through examples, aimed at enabling frontline Chinese teachers to effectively use needs analysis in their own classrooms and ultimately improving their instruction.

Theme-Based Second Language Learning Through Multimodal Experimental Animation, Bailu Li, Yuan Xu

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

In a digital, multimedia, and globalized world, new theories such as multimodality, multiliteracies, and theme-based instruction have signaled a shift in the Chinese as language art and Chinese as second language teaching and learning. However, these theoretical frameworks have not been frequently integrated and implemented in the field of CFL. Focusing on the theme of "Personal and Public Identity'', the article proposed a new attempt to synthetically combine multimodal texts, multiliteracies pedagogy, and thematic learning in CFL classrooms. Through the three selected experimental animations, the article discussed teaching methods and procedures in the topics of individuals and families, individuals and …

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy In Teaching Proficiency Through Reading And Storytelling, Jing Gao

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

When the demographics in American public schools becomes more diverse, educators have been challenged how to be prepared to work with diverse student learners. In education field, culturally relevant pedagogy has been widely recognized as an effective practice for teaching about diversity and used across different school subject areas. This article discusses four aspects that teachers can implement culturally relevant pedagogy in TPRS language classrooms, including a caring learning community, establishing meaning, story asking, and story reading. Teachers can include and empower students by validating them as learning subjects and engaging them in knowledge creation and representation in curriculum and …

A Polite And Respectful Acceptance —— Implicit Function Of Refusal In Chinese From Pedagogical Perspective, Yawei Li

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

This paper discusses the implicit function of refusal expressions that has been used by Chinese native speakers when responding to people’s offerings. By analyzing three conversations regarding how Chinese people have accepted people’s offerings during different time periods (1960’s, 1980’s, and 2000’s), the author argues that the verbal refusal in reacting to people’s offerings (especially gifts) does not literally mean “No, I don’t want it.” Instead, it is a way to show humility, politeness, and respect to the gift giver, and it functions as an implicit form of acceptance. By referring to three excerpts chosen from The Book of Rites …

Studying Chinese Characters In A Web-Based Learning Environment: A Case Study Of Swedish University Students, Tao Yang, Man Gao

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

This survey study aims to investigate the perceptions learners have of the character-learning strategies they employ when taking a web-based course in Chinese. The seven Likert-scale statements are included in the questionnaire to examine learners’ opinions on the three character-learning strategies that are widely used in traditional campus courses. A total of 65 students who completed the beginner level ‘Chinese Characters’ web-based course at a university in Sweden completed the survey. The results suggest that students in web-based courses consider these three strategies to be just as helpful and effective as campus students; moreover, the more orthodox strategy – rote …

Using A Smart Phone To Learn Spanish: Does It Work And Will Students Use It?, Andrew J. Demil, Alysha Assaf, Ryan Cragun

The Coastal Review: An Online Peer-reviewed Journal

Over time, mobile devices have penetrated the classroom, requiring new and beneficial ways to implement classroom instruction. Research suggests that Short Message Service (SMS) based instruction is an effective tool for acquiring second language (L2) vocabulary and idiom knowledge (Hayati, Jalilifar, & Mashhadi; Lu,). Additionally, studies have found that students believe that mobile learning (m-learning) is beneficial to acquiring a second language (Cavus & Ibrahim; Hayati, Jalilifar, & Mashhadi; Lu, 2008). This study examined whether m-learning can lead to Spanish vocabulary familiarity and if sentence comprehension outperforms reading definitions. Participants were 29 native English speakers studying Spanish as a second …

St. Mary’S University Institute On Chinese Law And Business: Remarkable Success In The First Ten Years, Robert H. Hu

St. Mary's Law Journal

Abstract forthcoming.

Achieving Efficient Teacher Talk: A Reflective Analysis Of Teacher-Student Class Communication, Xiaoyin Wang

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of studies on “teacher talk” used in TCSL classrooms. Many of these studies are focused on language interactions between the teacher and the students as well as on the individual functions of “the teachers’ classroom talk.” This article examines the current status of, and problems associated with, teachers’ instructional language, i.e., teacher talk. Based on transcripts of audio recordings of teachers’ instructional language, this study analyzes problems ranging from inaccurate to excessive words in the instructional language and the causes of these problems. This article also validates the study …

A Discussion On The Pedagogical Concepts In Confucian Analects From The View Of The Pedagogy Of Performed Culture Approach, Kai Liang

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

Confucian Analects contains many pedagogical concepts and viewpoints that have a significant influence on China’s culture and history. Many of the concepts can be interpreted and understood from the perspective of the pedagogy of Performed Culture Approach. This paper investigates the meanings of some Confucian pedagogical discussions and thoughts, such as communicating with other social members, the relationship between language and behavior, multiple procedures in learning, and how social contexts affect one’s language and performance in the Analects, which is mainly from the perspective of the relationship between language and Performed Culture Approach.

Heritage Language Development: Expectations And Goals, Stephen Krashen, Haiyun Lu, Nooshan Ashtari

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

What should we expect from heritage language (HL) acquirers? We propose that given access to “optimal input,” we can eventually expect very high performance, native or near-native. But it won’t happen right away. It takes time.

Spatial Distribution Of Chinese Language Education And Historical Development Of Chinese Language Pedagogy In Higher Education In The United States, Jing Zhao

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This capstone project includes two major components: an interactive digital map that displays the geographical distribution of Chinese language programs in colleges and universities in the United States, their program starting years, the types of such universities and colleges, and their names and states; and a multimedia essay on the evolution of Chinese language pedagogy in colleges and universities in the United States. Data has been collected on the program start year, school names, states where schools are located, school types, and whether the school had been funded by two federal sponsored language programs: the National Defense Education Act in …

Etymologies Of Chinese Hànzì And Japanese Kanji: Explanations On Liùshū 六書 And Rikusho 六書, William P.M. Funk

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

This paper outlines Liùshū 六書 interpretations of Chinese character etymology to help co-create a better approach for educators in supporting character literacy development in students of the East Asian languages that utilize Chinese writing. The Liùshū 六書 Rikusho 六書approach to character instruction can be interpreted as a strategy to spark interest in western learners providing more detailed explanations that deal with the pictographic and compound nature of Chinese character formation. All non-English words are italicized or bolded, Chinese based terms are in Mandarin Pīnyīn 拼音, and Japanese terms are written in Romaji ローマ字 representing their differences phonetically to integrate foreign …

Learners’ Perspectives On A Long-Term Tandem Chinese Language Partner Program, Jun Xu

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

Tandem language learning is important in enhancing learners’ language proficiency and fostering cultural knowledge. However, learners’ perspectives on tandem learning programs have received little attention, and no research exists concerning learners’ perspectives on long-term tandem language learning. Based on an anonymous online survey, this article examines how learners perceive a face-to-face tandem Chinese language partner program after participation for three years. The results indicate that, whereas the participants acknowledge the benefits of the participation of the language partner program, they identify challenges regarding logistics and task design. The implications of the findings are also discussed.

The Modern Formulation Of Chinese Art History And The Building Of A Nation In Early Twentieth-Century China, Chennie Huang

Dissertations and Theses

At the dawn of the twentieth century, the Chinese formulation of art history underwent dramatic changes. It moved away from the traditional narratives that did not follow a strict chronology to adopt the Western linear model which emphasizes progress and national identity. Based on the premodern tradition, the modern formulations of Chinese art history began as a political strategy for nation building amid the political upheavals, including military attacks on China that led to the end of Qing imperial rule and the beginning of the Republican era (1912-1949).

In the early 1900s, while exiled in Japan, Liang Qichao 梁啟超 (1873-1929), …

A Story To Tell… How To Integrate The Three Modes Of Communication Through A Story Time Program In French, Frederique Grim

The Coastal Review: An Online Peer-reviewed Journal

Bilingual story time programs found in local community libraries not only benefit children, they can also serve a need for L2 college students: the development of their communicative skills in an authentic environment. In addition to linguistic benefits, experiential learning has proven to prepare students for real-world skills, such as networking, mock professional experience and a sense of community engagement. This paper recounts how a world language story time program supports L2 learners’ three modes of communication, as articulated by ACTFL, and necessary for language development. Based on students’ perceptions, this study highlights their increase in motivation and confidence in …

Effective Strategies For Integrating Stem Education Into Chinese Language Classroom, Sophie Wang, Christine Zhang

Faculty Publications & Research

1. What is STEM?

-How can it be integrated into the current language curriculum?

2. Why STEM?

-Trend of offering the Mandarin course at K-12 schools

3. Chinese Curriculum & STEM-focused topics

-The STEM-focused topics incorporated at IMSA

4. Teaching strategies

-Lesson design, use of authentic materials, activities

Hanban Teachers’ Culture Shock And Adaptation In The U.S.: A Mixed Method Study, Yufei Guo, Huiwen Li, Hui Pang

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

When entering into the United States, Hanban teachers will face a totally different cultural environment. The different culture may lead to culture shock. This research, by employing mixed methods, investigated the culture shock the Hanban teachers in the United States have experienced. By looking at the teachers’ personal characteristics and the happenings to the teachers in the culture shock period, it also identified the main factors that significantly predict the culture shock. In addition, practical ways were suggested to help the teachers cope with cultural shock effectively.

Keywords: Hanban teachers, culture shock, predictive factors, culture adaptation

American K-12 Cfl Teachers’ Expected Competence, Actual Qualifications, And Needs For Professional Training: A Concurrent Mixed-Method Study, Xiongyi Liu, Ying Feng, Shunqin Li, Xiaocong Ding

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

In recent years, there has been a growing demand in the global labor market for proficiency in Chinese as a foreign or second language. Yet not much is known regarding how Chinese language education is provided by the U.S. schools in order to meet this demand. The present study investigated the competence that a Chinese teacher is expected to have as well as the qualification that currently in-service K-12 teachers of Chinese are actually possess. In addition, this research explored teaching philosophies, attitudes, pedagogy, challenges and needs for professional training among the Chinese teachers who are currently hired by U.S. …

Developing Effective Exercise Forms In Chinese Newspaper And Periodical Reading Class, Haiyan Liu

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

Applying good exercises in extensive reading class is an indispensable measure for Chinese language learners. By employing newspaper and periodical extensive reading course as an example, this paper introduces technology-based reading techniques developed from the teaching practice, including rhythmic spacing, speed-reading, news-telling, and English video translation. Suggestions are also made on teaching resource identification and future research. The aim of this pedagogical report is to help extensive reading teachers learn how to develop systematic teaching methodology.

The Past And Present Of Chinese Language Teaching In Ireland, Caitríona Osborne, Qi Zhang, Yongbin Xia

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

China’s booming economy is indeed one of the main reasons for the popularity of learning Chinese as a foreign language (henceforth CFL). With this growing interest in CFL, Ireland is likely to be behind global trends as Chinese is not yet included as a State-examined subject at any level in the Irish schooling system. Chinese language teaching (henceforth CLT) began to develop significantly in formal UK schooling during 2004-2005 (Zhang & Li, 2010), whereas the earliest occurrence of CLT seen in the Irish education system was in 2006-2007 when two Confucius Institutes were set up in Ireland. During this time, …

New Approach To Chinese Writing: An Exploratory Study Of Writing Performance On Social Q&A Online Community, Lin Zhu

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

Many studies have investigated how the online community has informed language acquisition and teaching. In the scholarship of Computer-Mediated Communication Theory (CMC), while most of the studies have emphasized second language English writing using the CMC framework, evidence is shown to support CMC in foreign language instruction. However, there is a lack of research on how feedback from native speakers of Chinese influences Chinese learners’ writing in a web environment. In response to the research gap, drawing on sociocultural and CMC, the current exploratory study probes the nature of feedback on Zhihu, the largest Chinese social question-and-answer website, and how …

Challenges Of Employing Voicethread To Enhance U.S. Collegiate Chinese Language Learners’ Oral Proficiency, Guangyan Chen, Junyu Zhang

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

The digital age in education inspires Chinese teachers to integrate Web 2.0 technologies into Chinese as a second language (CSL) curricula to enhance teaching effects. However, few studies examine the challenges that teachers face when integrating Web 2.0 technologies to improve student oral proficiency in Chinese. This study aims to investigate students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the Web 2.0 technology VoiceThread (VT). It examines the challenges of integrating VT to enhance student oral proficiency. The authors conducted two studies with 31 students responding to a questionnaire in Study 1 and 48 students responding to the same questionnaire in Study …

Evaluation Of The Project P.A.T.H.S. In Mainland China: Findings Based On Student Diaries, Daniel T. L. Shek, Xiaoqin Zhu, Janet T. Y. Leung, Tak Yan Lee, Florence K. Y. Wu

Pediatrics Faculty Publications

Objectives: Based on 859 student diaries, the present study evaluated a positive youth development program entitled “Tin Ka Ping (TKP) Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social programs (P.A.T.H.S.) ” project implemented in mainland China during the 2015–2016 academic year. Method: To understand the perceived effectiveness of the students, the study analyzed quantitative as well as qualitative data derived from the student diaries. Results: The students held very positive views toward the program and the implementers. The narratives of the students also showed that they perceived improvement in the intrapersonal, interpersonal, familial, and societal domains after joining the program. Conclusion: In …

Is Technology The Key To Prevention Of Falls Among The Elderly In Rapidly Aging Societies? A Case Study Of Kunming, China, Phoebe Kiburi

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

As the aging society rapidly becomes more dominant in the world, there is a pressing need for different stakeholders to tend to the needs of the aging sufficiently. This is crucial in ensuring the robustness of the healthcare system as a whole; given that it can only be as strong as its weakest link. This study focuses on one of the areas of need of the ageing society: fall prevention.

Numerous studies have been done on interventions by the government, private entities, elderly people and their caregivers to prevent occurrence and recurrence of falls. However, most of these have been …

Techniques And Methods Change, Methodology Remains The Same: Web Technology Use As Cosmetic Change In Cfl Classrooms, Justin Olmanson, Xianquan Liu, Nannan Wang, Christopher Heselton

Chinese Language Teaching Methodology and Technology

Technology has been a staple in the language classroom for more than fifty years. From audio cassettes, to video tapes, to multimedia CD-ROMs, to static and interactive web technologies, language teachers have taken the time to learn these tools and integrate them into the classroom experience. Each new technology, each new app, creates an opportunity to alter the experience of teaching and learning—often supporting increased authentic interactions with the Chinese language. This potential however can go unrealized when the ways the technologies are used align with more traditional grammar and vocabulary-focused teaching methodologies and promote efficiency over communication. In this …