Course Description
This is the 2nd year course of IB Mandarin program designed to be followed over two years by seniors who have little previous experience of learning Mandarin Chinese. The course aims to develop a variety of linguistic skills, and a basic awareness of the Chinese culture using the language. It is a standard level course. This course prepares last year high school students for IB exam, and the goal is for them to ultimately meet IB language requirements and pass IB exam in May 2021.
Course Objectives
At the end of the 2nd year of this course students will be expected to demonstrate abilities to:
--communicate information and some basic ideas clearly and effectively, in a limited range of situations;
--understand and use accurately the essential spoken and written forms of the language in a limited range of situation;
--understand and use a limited range of vocabulary in common usage;
--use a register that is generally appropriate to the situation;
--show awareness of some elements of the Chinese culture related to the Chinese language;
--earn a passing grade (4/7) or above on IB exam.
Description of how the course develops learner profile habits
As an International Baccalaureate program school, Snowden is focusing on educating students to become individuals described in IB learner profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. By taking a language course students will discover their potentials in language learning and develop an understanding of other cultures and others’ point of view through authentic learning materials. By traveling to China or Taiwan during vacations, students will further expand their knowledge about Chinese culture first-hand when travel opportunity becomes available. At Snowden, the travel experience is part of the curriculum in language learning.
Curriculum Covered for over two years:
the individual
education and work
town and service
food and drink
leisure and travel
the environment
health and emergencies
Key questions:
What are the major differences in educational systems between China and the US?
Describe the values and beliefs in family traditions in your culture
How to address the issue of the environment and its protection.
How to describe one’s personality, character, and habit
what to gain from travel.
Description of Major Assessments / Assignments (Learning Products)
Projects
Oral/speaking assignment: (not limited to)
self-introduction in Chinese ((3 min)
describe an interesting activity or event
describe a friend
role-play on a self-chosen topic: between a customer and a seller/ restaurant waiter, etc.
group project: topic and settings to be determined. (debate on environmental issues, travel together & hospital service)
Writing assignment: express opinions
pen-pal letter
weekly journal entry
design a poster/advertisement
Short essay: e.g. my ideal school life
Culture comparison: verbally and in writing
IB practice tests
Quizzes
HSK practice tests
Mid-term exam
Final IB exam
Assessment and Grading Policy
IB course projects will be assessed by IB assessment standards following IB Guide on individual project base. IB Guide is available in the classroom.
Snowden assessment will be guided by the following:
Final grade computation:
1st term: 20%;
2nd term: 20%;
3rd term: 20%;
4th term: 20%
Mid-term: 10% and final exam: 10%
Each term grade consists of
40% quiz average. At least 2-4 quizzes are given within a term/quarter. Quizzes may be given at the end of each lesson and maybe retaken after school before the end of the term. Sometimes a project will replace a quiz or test, and the project will be assessed by rubrics.
35% every worksheet/assignment, which varies in numbers for the different level of classes. worksheets are students’ obligations that they must do. Failing to hand in a completed worksheet in 5 days will result in a grade reduction. Worksheets/assignments may be completed in class or at home according to the teacher’s instructions. Incomplete worksheet/assignment receives no credits. Every assignment will be corrected and returned to students in a timely manner. Neat handwriting of Chinese characters is required for all students.
25% class participation
Students are expected to
Speak Chinese in a thoughtful manner.
Listen to others with respect and appreciation.
Present one’s own project with care.
Required Materials: a notebook, a folder, pen and index cards
Extra Help
Tuesdays and Thursday after school 2:15-3:15 or by appointment for other days
Availability for Parent contact
Email Ms. Liu at lliu@bostonpublicschools.org or call 617-635-9989 leave message. Individual conference may be arranged.
Must-visit site links:
Ms. Liu’s google class https://classroom.google.com/c/MjE5ODAwOTE0Mlpa
Google site https://sites.google.com/bostonpublicschools.org/snowdenchinese