Beginning in December 2012, the Open University of China (OUC) will provide an international Chinese teacher training series for all levels of Radio and Television Universities (RTVUs), in order to satisfy the huge global demand for international Chinese teachers.
The training aims to stimulate the internationalization of the OUC and help the RTVUs develop innovative systems. It also aims to cultivate sufficient high-quality international Chinese teachers for the Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters, the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and related OUC programmes.
The first phase of training will be held on December 17-22. The training will last for 48 classroom hours, including classroom instruction, special topic lectures/discussions, case study teaching, teaching simulations, experience exchanges and distance instruction. The training is divided into four modules:
1. Linguistics and language learning theories, including second language learning theories, analysis of the common errors made by different Chinese language learners, and relevant solutions.
2. Chinese language teaching strategies and techniques, including a general introduction to the international Chinese language teaching, basic techniques of international Chinese language teaching, advice on the selection of teaching materials and supplementary teaching materials, and the application of modern teaching technologies.
3. Chinese cultural communication and cross-cultural communication, including national language and cultural policies, a brief introduction to overseas Chinese language education, and comparisons between Chinese and foreign cultures.
4. The qualities of international Chinese language teachers, including an introduction to basic behaviors and how to prepare for your first class.
The training will give participants a better grasp of classroom management and techniques for teaching Chinese as a foreign language, along with improved intercultural communication skills, which will help them to teach Chinese language and spread Chinese culture around the world. Those who finish the training will be awarded a certificate and become part of the OUC’s talent pool for international Chinese language education.
By He Jing, the OUC