My name is Chen Qiang (陈强）I have been teaching English and Chinese as foreign languages for over 20 years both in China and in America. Through my teaching experience, I have learned that as an educator, I can learn each day from my teaching, my students and the professional development. Live and learn is always my motto.

I am grateful for having the opportunities to participate in the 2009 Startalk Chinese Teachers Academy offered by Virgenia University.  The three week’s training reinforced my understanding the needs to promote Chinese language and culture in American schools, and the necessity for me to learn the current language teaching approaches and technology to be a qualified language teacher. It also enhanced my teaching competence and motivation to continue my teaching career as a Chinese instructor.

Upon reviewing my accomplishments in this program, I realize that I have learned many new theories, concepts and practical strategies, which will help me establish positive culture-rich Chinese language classrooms. I understand clearly the national standards for foreign language learning set by ACTFL. The five Cs and three modes of communication will guide me to plan my thematic units and lessons. With the knowledge learned through this program, I know how to recognize students’ diversity and I am able to design appropriate lessons and learning activities according to the unique, diverse needs of my students of different intelligences and learning styles. Backward design, thematic unit mapping, and task-based and student-centered class activities will enable me to design successful curriculum and teach more effectively.

Reminiscence: 

The three week’s training reinforced my understanding the needs to promote Chinese language and culture in American schools, and the necessity for me to learn the current language teaching approaches and technology to be a qualified language teacher. It also enhanced my teaching competence and motivation to continue my teaching career as a Chinese instructor.