On Mar. 19, the Center for Global Engagement hosted a fascinating WOW Lecture by Professor Peiying Shen, a faculty member from the World Languages and Literature Department. During her presentation, Shen shared her experiences teaching Chinese as a second language across multiple countries. She offered insights into the complexities of teaching in diverse cultural contexts, with a focus on her work in Vietnam, the U.S., and Thailand.
Professor Shen began by highlighting the cultural differences in student-teacher interactions. In Vietnam, students showed deep respect for their teachers through formal greetings and home invitations, a stark contrast to the more informal dynamics of classrooms in the U.S. She also shared her experiences at a language academy in Thailand, where she had to adapt her teaching methods to engage students of various ages, emphasizing the importance of interactive activities to maintain motivation.
Shen further explored the challenges of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that distractions and reduced interaction hindered student engagement. This led many institutions to revert to in-person classes once it was safe to do so. She also touched on the cultural differences in student motivation, contrasting the proactive engagement of U.S. students with the more reserved nature of Asian students, who often face pressure to pursue specific careers immediately after graduation.
In terms of teaching methods, Shen shared her enthusiasm for creative projects like voiceovers and storytelling to engage students in learning Chinese. She presented a video of her Indonesian students performing voiceovers for Zootopia, illustrating how such activities can improve language skills while maintaining fun. Shen also discussed the potential of AI tools like GPT for script writing but emphasized that active language engagement is crucial for students to achieve fluency.
Shen also addressed the issue of mental health, noting that while U.S. students are generally more open to discussing mental health challenges, students in Asia often tend to suppress their struggles or avoid seeking help. She stressed the importance of clear communication in assignments and grading, especially for students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Finally, Shen encouraged students to explore study abroad opportunities, as they offer a unique chance to connect with their heritage while broadening their perspectives on education.
Professor Shen’s lecture sparked insightful discussions on the intersection of culture, education, and language learning, highlighting the importance of adaptability and creativity in teaching across different cultural contexts.
The World on Wednesday lecture series is sponsored by the Center for Global Engagement. Please contact Winnie Brophy at winnie.brophy@csi.cuny.edu if you have any questions or you would like to present at a future lecture.
www.csi.cuny.edu/internationalPrograms
By Winnie Brophy
