We had a great iPad workshop at U Prep!

At CLTA-WA’s summer workshop on August 24th, 2013, participants met at the library of University Prep in Seattle. Presenter Juei-Chuan Hung, Chinese instructor of U Prep with a wealth of experience in classroom technology use, led the 34 participants in a 4-hour long workshop on basic ipad skills and how to integrate iPads into the learning experience in the classroom. iPads were made available for the participant who didn’t have one themselves.  This ensured that every participant was able to practice the skills that Hung Laoshi was teaching, particular using the apps such as Garageband, Story Creator and Notability.  By teaching participants both the basic skills to using an ipad and as well as how apps are used in class activities and projects, Hung Laoshi helped the participants to better use and integrate technology in the classroom that can boost student engagement and provide more creative outlets for learning.

 

 

A Great Article about Culture Points

Please see below for a great article written by one of our members. We really appreciate her sharing and would like to encourage more members to connect, inspire and share.

Happy Teaching!

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(From Zhongwenlink)

让中文充满文化魅力
文/露得
2013年08月23日,星期五

《侨报》副刊,2013年8月16日

周末在中国超市偶遇一位九年级学生,他把身旁的妈妈介绍给我,那位母亲满面笑容地说:“谢谢老师,我儿子不仅中文大有进步,还对中国文化特别感兴趣,说一定要去中国,我打算暑假带他去。”
我听了欣喜不已,比看到学生考试满分还高兴,这正是我教中文的目的之一:培养学生对中国文化的爱好。固然中国经济的强大影响越来越多的美国人学中文,但出于功利因素的动力不是发自内心的热爱,也不会打动孩子们的心。在华裔学生比例较低的学区中文推广依然举步维艰。比如我儿子所在的初中今秋打算新开中文课,岂料报名的学生寥寥无几,学校只好取消中文课,令人扼腕。同校去年开设的日文课却大受欢迎,今年又增一班。日本经济长年衰退,日文却仍具吸引力,很大程度得益于日本动漫的吸引力。我问儿子的美国同学们为什么去上日文课,他们果然都说因为喜欢日本动画片。这些十几岁的美国孩子是看着日本动漫长大的。别说孩子们,连我对宫崎骏的动画片都着迷。
如何以文化带动语言的学习?这是我常常思考的问题。所幸同校的法文老师简妮是一位优秀的外语教师,她教了一辈子的法文,在我们高中的学生及家长们当中口碑极佳,教西班牙文的同事半开玩笑地说简妮的学生都有法国味儿。我在简妮身上看到,好老师的教学不仅仅局限于课堂,更重要的是功夫在课外。简妮向我展示她的“文化分”(culture points)秘诀:为了引导学生们课外探索文化,学生们每学期都必须利用课外时间取得一定的文化分。
在拿来主义之后进行改良,简妮的法文“法宝”成了我的中文“招数”:为家人准备一道中国菜,拍下照片,交上食谱,可得10分;带一道中国菜来给同学们品尝,每人一口,得40分;去中餐馆用中文点菜,请跟你对话的服务员签名,写一篇食物评论,30分;学习一项中国艺术,如书法、国画、水墨画,向班级展示你的作品,10分至60分不等,视作品的努力程度;学唱一首中文歌、学跳一段中国民间舞或学打一套武术,表演或是放录像给同学们看,20分至60分不等,视努力程度;学下中国象棋,并且找对手开杀一盘,请对手签名,向老师报告各棋子中文名称及走法,50分;研究一位中国名人或一座中国城市,写一篇报告(英文可),20分至50分不等,视其深度和长度;看中国电视剧或电视报道,写一篇评论(英文可),视其深度和长度,20分至40分不等;看一部中国电影,写下影评(英文可),50分……
这份单子尽可随时添加,以涵括学生们的各种兴趣和才艺。喜欢美食的,擅长烹调的,能歌善舞的,有艺术细胞的,爱好研究和写作的,都可趁机大显身手,在中国文化的长河中畅游。最受学生们欢迎的一项不消说是看电影,当然是指原汁原版的大陆或港台影片,并且要听中文,英语字幕可以,毕竟电影要看得懂才有意思。
文化分还带来了积极的“副作用”,加深了同学情谊,大家相约周末去中国城下馆子,家有中国父母的人邀请白人同学到家里学包饺子,棋艺在身的人热心教同学们学下中国象棋。文化分还促进了学生与父母的交流,有家长告诉我他们如何享受女儿做的一道道中国菜。
学生们的学习成果还在中文IB(国际文凭)考试中展现,今年参加考试的我的中文四年级学生全部通过考试,其中包括家中毫无中文背景的金发女孩艾比。IB中级考试的难度相当大,从一对一的口试到长篇作文,艾比受惠于她吃过的中国餐和看过的中国电影。
如此看来,教中文岂止是中文教师的责任,中餐馆的厨师们和服务员们,歌舞界的歌手们和舞者们,电影界的导演们和演员们,中文的推广需要我们一起“举全村之力。”

2013 CLTA-WA Professional Development Grants Applications

CLTA-WA is excited to announce that professional development grants will be offered again this year for members!
CLTA-WA Teacher Grants help member K-16 and heritage school Chinese teachers in Washington State to receive professional development to attend national/regional conferences, summer institutes, workshops or seminars, or to offset travel costs to attend our own CLTA-WA workshops.  Grant funds may be used for fees, travel expenses, books, or other materials that enable applicants to learn subject matter, instructional approaches, and skills. Recipients are expected to share their new learning with their colleagues.
For more information, please click on the Application form. Applications are due by September 15, 2013. Recipients will be notified on or before September 30, 2013.