Lesson 3 Reflections

The pedagogical approaches that we discussed in the lesson are truly an eye opener for me.

1) Case-based

2) Project-based

3) Resource-based

4) Inquiry

5) Game-based

I only knew about the existence of project based learning but not others perhaps because I had no personal enocunter of such lessons. The different approaches seem promising to instill students' interest and promote their self-directed learning and collaborative learning. I can't wait to try them out in my upcoming teaching career.

However, it seems like a challenge to practice these approaches in Chinese language especially in current exam-oriented environment. While these approaches might develop students' non-academic skills and abilities, they might not be able to train their examination skills which many schools and parents value. I suppose this is a major challenge for me to overcome.

My encounters and interactions with Chinese teachers reveal that they are aware of such approaches but are skeptical on their "value" and "usefulnes" in improving students' results. Most said that ultimately, it's the examination results that determine a good student and effective teaching. If this is the belief and the actual reflection of our education system, it will produce mainly examination answering machines rather than self-directed, collaborative learners.

Personally, I never think that examination is a fair judgment on one's academic ability on a subject, much less the person's overall ability. I have seen many friends who have poor academic results yet excel in different areas of life which may or may not be related to the subjects that they performed poorly in. To me, it's the passion in learning that matters because it sets the right attitude for one in any particular area. Though it will not be easy to practice those pedagogical approaches, I will try because I want my students to understand and appreciate their subjects beyond the textbooks, pick up valuable non-academic skills and most importantly, develop passion for Chinese.

Teaching is more than giving academic results