Education
Prepare young New Zealanders with the cultural and language skills to engage in the Asia-Pacific region.
​Secondary School
Client: a secondary school in Wellington
Problem and solution:
The current language programme at the school is grappling with obsolescence, emphasising drills, self-study, and a heavy reliance on traditional textbooks. Teachers find themselves unable to effectively track students' progress, burdened with a significant workload in the marking process. Recognizing the need for an overhaul to align with the evolving NCEA standards and to create a more engaging language class, the school is poised for a transformative solution.
In response to this challenge, I have identified a popular e-textbook renowned for its interactive features and Learning Management System (LMS) functionality. Leveraging this new resource, I developed a dynamic 20-week language programme. This programme not only embraces the technological advantages of the e-book but also integrates a diverse range of teaching materials to enrich the learning experience. The aim is to not only meet but exceed the expectations set by NCEA Change, providing a modern and engaging language education platform for both teachers and students alike.
Primary School
Client: a primary school in Wellington
Problem: The newest primary school in Wellington has a significant demographic of 60% Chinese students, and the leadership team and teachers express a desire to enhance their understanding of Chinese culture.
Solution: To address this, I developed and conducted a comprehensive 2-hour workshop covering various aspects relevant to the school community. The workshop delves into topics such as parenting styles and expectations, education systems, and learning styles in China. This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of the cultural background of the students, facilitating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.
New Zealand Secondary School Chinese Teachers' Roundtable
Client: Chinese language teachers in secondary school
Problem:
Language teachers, including Chinese language teachers, often experience isolation within school settings, lacking the necessary support. This isolation can hinder professional growth and innovation in teaching methodologies.
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Solution:
In response to this challenge, I took the initiative to establish and lead the New Zealand Secondary School Chinese Teachers' Roundtable. Recognising the importance of understanding teachers' needs and expectations, I actively engaged with educators and Heads of Departments (HoDs) through effective communication.
To broaden the impact of the Roundtable, I fostered collaboration with tertiary educators, international speakers, and established a partnership with the NZ Chinese Teachers Association. This collaborative effort aimed to create a platform for professional development and networking opportunities for Chinese language teachers.
The successful outcome was evident in the conference, which drew participation from over 60 teachers. However, recognising the ongoing challenge of balancing academic content, practicality, and teachers' workload, I introduced an innovative solution. A dynamic 15-min 'swap-shop' session was implemented to address this issue, providing a space for teachers to share practical ideas, resources, and teaching strategies.
This 'swap-shop' session has now become a highlight of the conference, effectively addressing the need for practical solutions while fostering a sense of community among Chinese language teachers. By facilitating the exchange of ideas and resources, the Roundtable contributes to a more supportive and collaborative environment for language educators in New Zealand secondary schools.