On June 4th, I traveled to Fuzhou to attend the 7th SFLEP National Foreign Language Teaching Contest that was held in Fuzhou at the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. My goal was to observe the competition, advise the contestants from our university, record teaching methods and techniques, and to learn from some of the best teachers in the Fujian Province.
Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University was founded in 1936 and greeted us with beautiful flowers, blooming trees and a fresh, sweet fragrance. A walk around the campus that night revealed students excited about the weekend, hurrying to some off campus activities, playing sports, and exercising. The on-campus hotel was both comfortable and convenient and provided us with good meals. Friday night Mr. Gong and I met with our teachers Zheng Guanwen and Lin Shaojing and we offered them advice and encouragement.
Saturday morning, June 5th, we enjoyed breakfast in the hotel and shortly traveled by shuttle to the contest location. The vehicle was open on the sides so we could enjoy the fresh morning air and see more of the 70 year old campus. Seeing magnificent trees, a large clean lake with high arching bridge and a rich variety of water fowl got us off to a good start. The air was also filled with anticipation. There were students preparing to be a part of the mock classes, teacher contestants mulling over what they would say, and judges listening to last minute instructions for what would be a long day filled with decision making.
Teaching competition for “Reading and Writing” and “Listening and Speaking” was held simultaneously. Contestants drew a number that designated the order of their teaching. I can only imagine that few wanted to go first and few wanted to go last, but the order was out of their hands. Zheng Guanwen was the 5th contestant in the Saturday morning session of “Reading and Writing” and Lin Shaojing was the 5th contestant in the Saturday afternoon session of “Listening and Speaking.”
What were some of the teaching skills that I observed that day? I saw that a smile goes a long way to welcome and relax students and to show the judges confidence and control. I was reminded of the importance of topic selection. Finding a topic of interest to both students and judges can be a challenge, but it can make a big difference in outcome. The topics that seemed to be of most interest to students and judges were unusual things to eat, mixed marriages, fashion, and GMF-genetically modified food. I noticed how good videos spark interest, increase participation, and reinforce learning. I observed that using familiar Chinese sayings is valuable and repeating something that is important is effective.
I also observed that even the best teachers have difficulties sometime. Computers can add so much to the classroom learning environment, but sometimes they don’t work well. Good teachers are ready for the unexpected. The voice of the teacher is vital and getting the microphone adjusted quickly and correctly is essential. Pronunciation of English words can be difficult for Chinese teachers and students alike. Teachers must find reliable resources that model pronunciation of key vocabulary and practice until it comes out correctly and easily. Self consciousness can prevent a teacher from being their best. Practice and a thorough knowledge of the teaching material can keep the focus where it should be, on students and their learning. Lastly, time management must not be neglected. Spending too much time on one activity or too little on another can reduce teacher effectiveness.
We watched and listened to some of the best teachers in the Fujian Province. Their training and skills were clearly seen. Make no mistake, Zheng Guanwen and Lin Shaojing represented our university well with preparation, presence, and performance. No one else could take their place that day. Zheng Guanwen went on to win the second prize. Congratulations!
Ningde Normal University has so much potential in student and staff. Thoughts of being inferior to other universities in this province need to be rejected. It’s time that all of our students and teachers sharpen their skills and demonstrate them for the rest of China to see. Enthusiasm is contagious. Let’s catch it!
Reported by
Michael Potts
June 17, 2016