Xiangzhou - Day Two

Day Two was another successful day in Xiangzhou. We got started right on time with Val discussing the concept of language functions (what you want a student to be able to do, e.g., buy a meal in a restaurant) and language forms (the different ways a student can perform the function). Each of us took turns leading the teachers in activities (e.g., games) that could help teach language functions in fun and engaging ways. In China, the tendency is to lecture (class sizes are often 40-50 or more students) and students are frequently not motivated to learn. The teachers seemed excited by the prospect of involving the students in active language learning.

I had a half hour session on cultural differences between Americans and Chinese that took us up to the lunch hour. We chose to include a cultural understanding piece because language learning and culture are so closely intertwined.

During lunch, we always sit with the teachers so that we can build relationships and hopefully move over time to deeper discussions about important things. At this stage we are still just getting to know one another.

In the afternoon - a couple songs, more activities, and a closing optional free talk about an essay entitled "Be Kind to the Pizza Delivery Dude." To read the essay go to www.thisibelieve.org and search for "pizza dude."

All in all, a good Day 2.