Localization of Chinese Language Teaching- Record of local primary school teacher training by CI at the University of Manchester

The Institute developed a teacher training programme for primary school teachers in Manchester with the objective of facilitating teachers to incorporate Chinese language teaching into their daily lessons. Participating primary schools in Greater Manchester were linked up with schools in Beijing and visits were arranged under the British Council Area Link project. The schools were all involved in developing joint curriculum project with their partner institutions. A total of 18 language teachers and head teachers from 8 schools participated in the 16-week training programme, designed to familiarise them with Chinese language and culture and to inspire their interest and enthusiasm.

Through delivering the training, we were enabled to better understand the difficulties involved in learning Chinese as a second language from the learner’s perspective. By feeding back their responses to the learning experience, these experienced teachers helped us to devise the most effective way to teach Chinese. We observed these British local teachers’ “student-centered” classes with "cooperative learning", "teacher-student interaction," and "interactive teaching” methods.

After a year of teacher training we are satisfied that we have met our objectives and delivered results effectively. Five schools out of the eight participating institutions continue to run Chinese after-school clubs. One teacher is teaching Chinese as part of curriculum study to every student from year three to year six. There are also two schools that will start Chinese classes in the near future. Overall the teachers felt that their students all had a strong interest in learning Chinese and Chinese club has become very popular in schools.

Teachers are very satisfied with the training, as their feedback below testifies.

“The teaching training has been excellent in my opinion. Challenging but pitched right for me. The activities are fun and help you learn well...."

" The balance of the course (Language/culture) was very helpful..."

" Clear resources easy to use ..."

"… I have really enjoyed attending them…and am enjoying using the knowledge you have given me with children from our school. Not only have I taught the Chinese club some Chinese I have also taught my nursery children some basic greetings which was great fun...."

We are planning to build on this progress by developing this successful teacher training model in other areas within Greater Manchester. We hope it will allow more schools to teach Chinese and Chinese culturally-related activities.