Teaching Professor of Chinese Language
About
Current research interests:
My main research interests involve the discovery of teaching through digitization of previously static teaching methods. I hope to enhance the teaching process by utilizing digital media and applications to help engage the students. As an ACTFL OPI tester, I became particularly interested in developing and conducting Chinese oral proficiency tests.
For educators, developing textbooks is a tough job, but is also an honor. I worked for three years on the textbook for Business Chinese: "The Routledge Course in Business Chinese" (I am a coauthor), which was published in London in 2012. I am also focused on Business Chinese and Classic Chinese. To keep appraised of the current teaching environment from other universities, I frequently (yearly) attend the national conferences and present my research and analysis.
Teaching interests:
Since joining the University of Michigan, I have taught classes from elementary to advanced levels, including Business Chinese, Classic Chinese and Media Chinese. I also have taught and coordinated an intensive summer program in Beijing.
Growing up in a family of teachers, I have noticed and heard since my childhood that teaching can be a very uplifting and satisfying experience. I always put myself in my students' shoes. I try my best to predict and understand what difficulties they will have and are currently experiencing. I try to organize my teaching content and course design in a matter that will have the greatest impact on my students. I consider the evaluation of students' progress from several different angles. I engage in various approaches regarding in-class teaching. I encourage students to express their thoughts freely which will help them to improve their language application.
I enjoy teaching, and it is a rewarding lifelong effort. As an educator, I ensure I am always learning and improving.
