Teaching Model
To learn a foreign language successfully, one must have the following conditions:
- Be exposed to large amount of engaging content in the language
- Have plenty of opportunities to use the language for real purposes
- Receive immediate and high quality feedback
- Have access to individualized learning content
Confucius Institute online mandarin Chinese courses are designed to create such conditions through a perfect combination of modern multimedia technology and expert human teachers. The courses represent the most current thinking and research on language education and online learning. It takes advantage of what the computer can do best: provide personalized learning, rich media content, learning tools for language basics, ample culture content, and vast amount of exercises. But unlike most computer-based learning or online language programs, we also provide live instruction through an expert instructor to take care what computers cannot do: high-level communication practices, relevant feedback, social interaction, and instructions about learning strategies.
The courses consist of three major components: self-study, weekly synchronous meeting with the instructor, and asynchronous discussion and collaborative learning (see chart 1).
Students enrolled in Confucius Institute online mandarin Chinese courses will not only learn Chinese language and culture with highly qualified Chinese instructors, but also gain valuable skills “learning how to learn” a foreign language online and making use of online resources that will introduce and prepare them for the world of online learning! (Chart 2)
