"The 2012 Virginia StarTalk Chinese Teacher Academy will be a precious memory for me... I feel I have a clearer vision of how I will work to improve the proficiency level of my students—by creating task-based curricula with authentic materials, so students are exposed to simulated real-life situations."

Reflections: 

The 2012 Virginia StarTalk Chinese Teacher Academy will be a precious memory for me. In the past three weeks, I revisited the essential theories of second language acquisition and numerous teaching pedagogies through Dr. Tseng’s guidance and discussion with fellow teachers. I feel I have a clearer vision of how I will work to improve the proficiency level of my students—by creating task-based curricula with authentic materials, so students are exposed to simulated real-life situations.

Above all, the most invaluable treasure that I will take back to California is the friendships that the entire team built during the three weeks. I have learned different teaching techniques, interesting activities, and overall positive attitudes towards life from every teacher. I am so grateful for the contributions that every teacher, and of course, Dr. Tseng, have made to this program.