HOW TO KEEP IT R.E.A.L

Why is the Cat not in the Chinese Zodiac?--

A case study on Project-Based Learning and World Languages

By Diane Huang

Chinese Teacher

Far Hills Country Day School

Far Hills, New Jersey

Related Topics: Project-Based Learning, Technology, Student Motivation, Student Psychology

When I presented at the 7^th International Chinese Language Conference at Seton Hall University in 2009, the focus of the paper was to introduce the four theoretical aspects of the R.E.A.L. principle I applied in my teaching and imovie projects. This paper continues to show the benefits of project-based learning in Chinese classrooms, but the focus is on the practical aspects of such student-centered projects and the role of a Chinese teacher as the facilitator. An imovie skit, “Why is the Cat not in the Chinese Zodiac?”, written and acted by my students will show the results of this innovative approach.

This presentation consists of the following parts:

1) Guiding principles:

R: Relavent

E: Engaging

A: Autonomous

L: Live

21^st Century skills : collaboration, creativity and communication

2) Behind the scenes: What does a teacher need to start the project? What is the role of a teacher? Planning with Project-based learning pedagogy.

3) Technology: Imovies, itunes and garage band.

Students are engaged because they are using technology that is within their comfort zone. Google and Google Earth as research tools

4) Community- Keep Chinese live and real in schools and families that are not familiar with Chinese: Different ways of presenting Chinese projects to a non-Chinese speaking community.