Reflections on the International Conference on Teaching Chinese (Hongkong)

Modernizing the teaching of Chinese language is the theme of this conference. Many well-known experts and scholars came to the conference and share their experience and researches to the conference. At the end of the conference, participants and organizer initialized a new organization called "Association of Modernization of Chinese Language Education". However, throughout the conference, one can easily realize that it is more a conference on teaching Chinese as a foreign language. The topics are more all focused on teaching non native speakers to learn Chinese. Therefore, it doesn't really match the title. (先天不足) Teaching Chinese as a foreign language is only one section of Chinese language education, yet it takes about 80% of the organization. They have a lot to do to involve others to participate.

From the conference, I learned many new techniques in teaching Chinese. Considering the fact that the new technologies keep coming up, should we keep up with the advancement of technology? Shall we view them as opportunities, and how shall we meet this challenge? My point is that no matter what technology we use in teaching, our purpose is to improve our teaching and learning rather than any other purposes. From this understanding, it is clear that our focus is not the technology itself rather how to use technology to improve our teaching and learning. Teachers/educators can use whatever technologies they feel comfortable or appropriate to their teaching in classroom. In my teaching practice, I care more about the outcome of student language learning which including reading and writing. Of course, the format of media is also in consideration.