The Design And Implementation Of Classroom Activities In Mandarin Learning In New Zealand Primary Schools

In recent years, there is an evident tendency that more and moreyoung children started to learn Mandarin. Mandarin teaching in NewZealand primary schools started late. Thus it faces problems like shortageof teachers, teaching time and suitable textbooks etc.The essay is based on my teaching experience in three primaryschools in Auckland. Supported by several related theories likeInstructional Design, Activity Teaching and Constructivism, I was workingon the design and implementation of classroom activities, hoping toexplore activities that are suitable for New Zealand primary schools.The essay is divided into five parts. The first part introduces thereason and meaning of this study, as well as related theories and previousstudies by other people. The second part tells the current situation andchallenges of Mandarin teaching in New Zealand primary schools. Thethird part analyzes the design of classroom activities, including thepre-analysis of the learners, teaching objectives and teaching contents.Also I analyze the related elements of activity design, including differentforms, time, teaching resources, assessments, and the principles ofdesigning classroom activities. The fourth part displays a teaching case ofthe topic “Zodiac”, showing in details of classroom activities in differentteaching steps. Then make teaching assessments according to the testsituation of the students and the feedback of the observer.