US Confucius Institute at Texas A&M University Hosts the CLTA-TX 2010 Annual Conference & a Chinese Language Learning Materials and Culture Books Exposition

Counselor Yan Guohua making a speech

College Station, August 28th – the Confucius Institute at Texas A&M University hosted the CLTA-TX 2010 Annual Conference in addition to a Chinese Language Learning Materials and Culture Books Exposition at the George Bush Presidential Complex Annenberg Presidential Conference Center of Texas A&M University. Nearly 100 participants, including representatives of teaching staff from primary, secondary schools and universities in Texas, principals of Chinese schools, education officials and Chinese educators were present at the event. The Confucius Institute, along with three publishers in the US co-sponsored a Chinese Language Learning Materials and Culture Books Exposition. The event has also attracted students from Texas A&M University.

Yan Guohua, Counselor of Education of the Chinese Consul General in Houston and Consul Tang Jun participated in the events. Mr. Yang Guohua delivered an ardent speech to express his appreciation for the painstaking efforts made by the Confucius Institute and stated hopes to further boost Chinese education in the Southern US.

This year’s CLTA-TX 2010 Annual Conference was the convening point for the major forces of Chinese education in Texas. Focusing on the theme “Evaluation through Daily Teaching Activities”, delegates probed deeply into the issues of the traditional and contemporary teaching evaluation approaches and the methods and concepts of teaching evaluation.

A glimpse at the conference site

The Chinese Language Learning Materials and Culture Books Exposition and book donations were the highlight of the entire event. The Confucius Institute displayed more than 900 volumes of Chinese teaching materials and reference books donated by the Confucius Institute Headquarters, including the New Practical Chinese Reader Textbook, Great Wall Chinese, Experiencing Chinese, Kuaile Hanyu (Happy Chinese), the Easy Steps to Chinese, the Boya Chinese, Contemporary Chinese, as well as rich array of atlas, learning cards and multimedia learning materials. During the exposition, delegates enthusiastically visited the book donation and the lucky draw designed by teachers of the Confucius Institute, a Chinese school principal showed particular interest in the Play Games, Learn Chinese teaching material and said that he hoped to win the book during the lucky draw. Delegates also made inquiries as to where and when they could buy books; some wrote down the book titles and contact information of publishers.

Books donated by Hanban

Winners of the lucky draw choosing their prizes

The Confucius Institute at Texas A&M University and the Chinese Language Teachers Association in Texas have worked closely in promoting Chinese language education.. Luo Yirong, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute and association council member of the explained that the service and support of Confucius Institute, including this conference, have raised local teachers and education officials’ understanding of the institute and built up a sound foundation for the future development of the promotion of Chinese language and culture. During the conference, many delegates asked how to get in contact with local their Confucius Institute and Hanban in order to establish a Confucius Institute. The two directors of the Confucius Institute were busy answering questions. Director Randy Kluver also announced the launch of the online Chinese teacher qualification certification program and the establishment of further local Confucius Classrooms.

Counselor Yan Guohua, Consulate Tang Jun taking photo with conference organizers From the left: Tang Jun, Luo Yirong, Marshall McArthur, Yan Guohua, Randy Kluver, Kelly Kleinkort

(Text/Photo: the Confucius Institute at Texas A&M University)