Abstract
Speaking assessment is an essential part of the curriculum of CHLT1200 “University Chinese II”, which consists of three learning outcomes: expression, organization and argumentative skills. However, teaching of expression skills is largely hindered by the limitations of ZOOM-teaching. Specifically, ZOOM-teaching is restricted in providing a full-length image of the teachers (i.e. only the face is shown) which limits the gestures used. Noise/interference from surroundings might also affect the demonstration of intonation and speech rate.
To solve the problems, a multi-media module for speaking assessment is developed to support the ZOOM-teaching and supplement the curriculum. There are three main features of the module: (i) multi-media form such as annotated videos; (ii) interactive learning with carefully designed classwork and class activities; and (iii) user-friendliness by providing teaching suggestions on online materials. These features make the module become first of its kind in the curriculum of CHLT1200 and perhaps in speaking assessment in Chinese language teaching and learning.
It is proposed to launch 10-12 sample videos of excellent work on speaking assessment (both Cantonese and Mandarin) by past and current students as part of the module, with some of them which have been pre-recorded. The videos will be supplied with subtitles, annotation by experienced teachers, and learning points in multi-media forms (e.g. “pop-up card” function of YouTube) to illustrate how an efficient presentation should be made. Detailed descriptions on the relevant skills displayed will be prepared to serve as learning notes for students. The focus areas include usage of vocabulary, sentence structure, rhetoric (for argumentation), topic, structure of the speech, intonation, pace, pause, gesture, eye contact and facial expression etc. To facilitate interactive learning through ZOOM, classwork and class activities will be arranged to help students learn from the videos. Furthermore, thorough teaching suggestions are provided to assist teachers in using the online materials. Not only can the project enhance teaching quality by overcoming the limitations of ZOOM, but it can also help students to achieve the above-mentioned learning outcomes of CHLT1200. The module shall continue to supplement CHLT1200 “University Chinese II” after the resumption of face-to-face classes, with approximately 3,000 students (i.e. the number of students of CHLT1200) benefited in each academic year.
We will make efforts to collect the opinions from the frontline teachers and students on the usage of this multi-media module, reflecting on its effectiveness on the language enhancement. This shall be a useful reference to the eLearning development on speaking assessment of CHLT1200, and even to other Chinese language courses of the University Core Requirements in general.
Brief write-up
Project objectives
The teaching of speaking is an important course component of CHLT1200 “University Chinese II”. Previously, the course lecturers taught speaking mostly by demonstrating the application of various gestures and intonations on the spot to complement the theories addressed in the written teaching materials. However, under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, all classes were moved online in early 2020. The difficulties faced by the course instructors when doing demonstrations through online teaching tools led to the application for this academic grant, and a total of 11 multimedia teaching videos were produced to support the teaching of speaking.
Activities, process and outcomes
The teaching videos were produced and used in pilot classes in stages before they were adopted by all course lecturers.
The teaching videos mainly comprise speeches demonstrated by students, and annotations are provided to indicate the key points worth noting in the demonstrations. The course lecturers can use the multi-media teaching materials for discussion in class or as a self-learning resource.
Deliverables and evaluation
11 teaching videos were produced; positive comments were received from teachers and students.
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
The team explained the project details and progress to the public and frontline teachers in different events, e.g., Teaching and Learning Innovation Expo and Retreat, and provided several teaching cases as examples.
Impact on teaching and learning
The teaching videos helped students understand the contents of traditional teaching materials, and compensated the limitations of live demonstration in online teaching.
