Paper Summary
Share...

Direct link:

Pedagogical Challenges and Classroom Management in Chinese-Immersion Language Teaching in the United States: Perceptions and Experiences of Chinese Expatriate Teachers

Sat, April 18, 2:45 to 4:15pm, Hyatt, Floor: East Tower - Purple Level, Riverside West

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to enlist Chinese immersion practitioners in the identification and elaboration of issues and challenges in Chinese immersion language teaching. Through extensive individual interviews and reflection writings, six pre-school-first grade Chinese language teachers recruited from China in five school settings served as informants. Data analyses revealed that the Chinese immersion educators encountered significant challenges in five major areas of their immersion teaching: classroom management, subject area teaching, code-switching in language of instruction, teaching style, and communication with U.S. teaching partners and students’ parents. These varied challenges suggest that professional development for Chinese immersion teachers needs to include training in cross-cultural classroom management skills, content area teaching, and host country school culture education.

Authors