Spotlight on the Chinese Program
by Martina Barona
T
here are a lot of places in Shanghai to enjoy cul-
tAt SLAS, students have three different options
for foreign language classes. Between Japanese,
Chinese and Spanish, Chinese is the top pick. Why?
Because we live in China - which means, most par-
ents want their kids to learn Chinese. Students are
exposed to the language the second they step foot
here.
The following interview is with Chinese teachers
Gaby Zhang and Lichy Ning:
1. What do you expect from your students?
2. What is your teaching style?
Ms. Gaby: It is to be a teacher in class but a friend
after class.
Ms. Ning: I want students’ ideas to be integrated into
my teachings and to be the center of learning. I also
want to hear student input in learning and challenge
them to reach a higher goal. Having good relation-
ships with students are also important because I
love and care about them.
3. What goals and tips do you give to your students?
Ms. Gaby: “好好学习，天天向上，上课时间不
搞堆笑”which means “Study hard, go up every day Ms. Gaby: I know my students will never study on
and don’t make jokes during class time.”
their own... unless I give them homework. That is
why I will give them more culture-based classes, or
Ms. Ning: I expect my students to learn their Chinese topics that interest them. I like when students ask
to their content. I hope they know how to respect me questions because this way I know what they
and collaborate with others in works and build their want to learn. This way I can search on the internet
characteristics around the core values.
for things like videos, information or documentaries.
Ms. Gaby