Advantages/Disadvantages of a Group Setting
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment
In deciding at which institution to study, it may be helpful to first decide whether you want to study in a group classroom or individually with a teacher. There are advantages and disadvantages to both; however, taking a look at the pros and cons will be helpful. Today, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of Group Studying. The next blog will be devoted to examing the pros and cons of 1on1 Chinese learning.Group Study: The Advantages
When a classroom of 4 students are put together in a classroom and they are matched fairly well, in that their language level is about the same, group study is quite effective for all parties. Your classroom peers may ask the teacher questions you never would have thought to ask. Teachers can also have fun coming up with fun dialogue activities and other activities to facilitate student learning. It is also very motivating to have other classmates to study with -there is an encouragement in knowing that when your going through times of discouragement in language, others are there “suffering” with you. Whereas learning 1 on 1 with a teacher can be quite intense and draining, group study is obviously less intense. Some students prefer this, and study more effectively in a less intense situation.
Group Study: The Disadvantages
In a group situation, students will not get as much as attention from the teacher as one would in a 1 on 1 class setting. Therefore, the teacher may not be able to meticulously correct tones, pronunciation, and grammar mistakes. If you’re wanting to dominate conversation time, this will not happen. Therefore, your speaking time in class will be reduced because of having to share that time with other students. Other types of suggestions you would want to make in class would first need to be agreed upon by other classmates. Therefore, depending on your classmates, there may not be as much flexibility to learn other things outside of the set curriculum.
Choosing Where to Study: Studying in China
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Studying in China is the most ideal way to learn Chinese. But the question remains: where on earth does one start with picking a city and school at which to study? Many who have studied in China in the past would recommend that Beijing, China’s capital, is THE place to learn Mandarin Chinese, as Beijing’s Mandarin is considered the most standard across China.Studying at a university or at a private language institution in Beijing are both great options. Making the decision of whether to study at a university or private language school depends largely on whether you’re looking to study in a group setting with a set curriculum, or whether you’re looking to study in a one teacher to one student setting with a curriculum custom-tailored to your needs. At this point it would be helpful to identify what your goals are for learning Mandarin. It’s helpful to know that on a day to day basis, communication is spent orally about 80% to 90% of the time.
If your aim is to get a language credit and be fairly strong in reading and writing, then university is the way to go. Many popular destinations are Tsinghua, Peking, and Beijing Language and Culture University.
However, if you’re looking to be able to converse fluently and within a condensed period of time, private language study is the best choice. The teacher will be able to give you the attention you need to correct your mistakes, and give you the time you need to do most of the speaking during class time.
1on1 Mandarin is a private language school that specializes in one teacher per student customized language training. Within 6 months, students are able to confidently converse in basic everyday conversation. Within a year, students speak at a more fluent, intermediate level, and are able to carry on conversations with ease. After 2 years of study, students are speaking at an advanced level and are ready to take the HSK exam to then be able to take university courses in Chinese (other than Chinese language courses) at Chinese universities. Check out our school to learn Chinese in Beijing.
Choosing Where to Study: Studying Outside of China
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Whatever language one is learning, complete immersion in the host language and culture is ideal; therefore, it is ideal for a prospective Chinese language student to live and study Chinese in China for any extended period of time. However, for many, lack of time, lack of money, and other circumcumstances will make it very difficult for overseas study in the mainland.There are some good options for studying Chinese, such as taking online courses and interacting with live native Chinese teachers. Taking language courses at a university or college is another great option. Check out your local institutions for more details on class start dates and curriculum.
Outside of the classroom setting, it is important to use and listen to as much Chinese as possible, so take advantage of an environment that provides you with the opportunity to interact with Mandarin Chinese speakers like at a Chinese club, a local Chinese church, etc. Listening to the Chinese radio station and watching movies in Chinese is a great way to practice your listening skills.
Finally, it is important to remember that you will get out only as much as you put in. Having a great teacher is very important, but it is up to the language student to do his/her part also. One last thing: don’t forget to have fun!
Before Enrolling to Study Mandarin: Identifying Your Learning Style
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Before enrolling to study Mandarin Chinese, it is very important to identify your learning style. This will be helpful for your teacher to adjust his/her teaching approach to cater to your needs and how you learn most effectively. If this is not possible, you can find a teacher whose teaching approach fits with your learning style. Being aware of how you learn most effectively will also help you to study more efficiently and reduce your chances of being bored or overwhelmed from studying Chinese. Below is a list of learning styles:Learning Style 1 : Analytical / Relational
Learning Style 2 : Perception / Process
Learning Style 3 : Sensory Channel
Learning Style 4 : Personality
Check out some articles here to find out more about your Chinese learning style.
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