Grade 10 Mandarin 20112012

Instructors Canvia Tai E-mail canvia.tai@hkacademy.edu.hk

Class Website http://canviatai.weebly.com/

HKA Mission Statement Hong Kong Academy is a dynamic learning community that provides a rigorous international education characterized by mutual benefit and support. As an educational leader, HKA empowers learners to pursue pathways to individual excellence by fostering creativity, communication and problem-solving skills. HKA learners develop an evolving understanding of our changing world, leading them to engage in responsible action motivated by their interests, strengths and ongoing reflection. HKA is committed to maintaing a diverse, collaborative and captivating learning environment in which students become adaptable, confident and tolerant, equipping them for the future. Course Description This course is to prepare students for Middle Year Program testing of Language B. Students will work independently and in small groups, with instruction conducted in the target language. Students are expected to be able to conduct conversation and discussion with appropriate cultural manners. Writing assignments related to different topics discussed in class are designed to reinforce learned knowledge and improve students writing skills in Chinese. Quarter 1 (10 August-21 October) Area of Interaction: Human Ingenuity Content: development of reading strategies and ability to dissect descriptive and non-descriptive texts Quarter 3 (16 January-23 March) Area of Interaction: Community and Service Content: examination of vary non-fiction texts, including written and visual media Quarter 2 (24 October-13 January) Area of Interaction: Environments Content: in-depth focus on what we are having everyday and how our consumption affects the world economy Quarter 4 (26 March-6 June) Area of Interaction: Health and Social Education Content: detailed study of general knowledge about ones health

Assessment Assessment in Mandarin class will measure each students ability to show his or her level of proficiency in the areas of content, organization, and style and language usage. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills will all be formally taught and assessed through lesson quizzes, class discussions, tests, and unit projects. After each assessment, students will identify areas in which they would like to maintain or improve upon their performance for the following assessment to encourage transfer of understandings from one assessment context to another. Instructional Practices Looking at students as individual learners and assessing their needs within each lesson or unit of study is the starting point for determining what instructional strategies will be most appropriate at any time during the year. Throughout each unit, students are encouraged to explore the different types of text they will encounter by thinking metacognitively, sharing their ideas with peers in small and whole group discussions, and building upon their own learning styles as they explore and analyze texts from different perspectives. Independent writing and reading are a part of the course and serve to develop each students inclination towards and passion as a reader and writer. Self reflection is a critical component of the course and allows students to set and revisit personal growth goals as an on-going aspect of their communication development. Communication Communication is a vital link between student, teacher and parent to ensure productive learning. A parent should feel free to contact either or both teachers should any questions or concerns regarding his or her child's progress in school arise. Students and parents have access to the Grade 10 Mandarin Weebly where they can find up-to-date information on the current unit of study including assessments and resources that will support access to learning in the course. To share general classroom questions or concerns, please email the teacher directly; to arrange a time to meet, please contact the MS/HS office.