situated learning - k-12 - the steps of Tai shan: china tour
Detailed Description:
Students of Chinese language find it hard to transfer their knowledge of Chinese learned in the classroom to real-life situations. Their sentences often lack vitality and they find it difficult to assimilate new vocabulary and communication patterns without being given formal instruction. Part of this problem stems from the fact that they lack direct experience of Chinese culture, an essential component for language learning. Students need to be given authentic cultural experiences within which to negotiate and solve problems. From such experiences they can begin to build an understanding of the Chinese world-view so necessary to achieve linguistic fluency.
Tai Shan, a Chinese educational foundation, has developed a computer-mediated learning environment, called "China Tour," to give students an understanding of the country and opportunities to interact with native speakers of Chinese. Working in teams of three, the learners' goal will be to develop travel plans and an itinerary for their first tour to China. Students conduct all their research using Chinese sources. They will browse Chinese websites, use tools like dictionaries and/or movies, contact Chinese travel agencies and friends, and interact with peers. Students can also interact via web cam or videoconference with persons located in China. Every aspect of the trip must be researched and recorded in Chinese using a planning journal. Tours must include points of cultural and historical interest, as well as experiences of everyday life in China. Restaurants, menus, accommodations and shopping facilities should be planned. Students will estimate their travel budget based on their itinerary and exchange rates at the time. Since every team's ideal tour will be different, the teams will share their plans with other teams.
Learning Outcomes:
By immersing themselves in the language and culture of China, students will:
- Become more comfortable spontaneously interacting with native Chinese-speakers
- Build collaborative skills with their peers
- Identify and use cultural, historical and other resources to learn about China
- Enhance their understanding of Chinese culture