Abstract
Many people believe that when Hong Kong students study Putonghua, it is simply a matter of pronunciation drills and learning some differences between Putonghua and Cantonese vocabulary. As the majority of local Cantonese-speaking students have learned some Putonghua before enrolling at CUHK, many may believe that they have mastered Putonghua pronunciation and the differences between Putonghua and Cantonese already. In actuality, they may not be aware that there is still room for improvement, and that university Putonghua courses do not just teach pronunciation and differences in vocabulary; they teach appropriateness in usage as well.
This project aims to create a Putonghua taster course for local students to introduce them to authentic ways of expressing themselves in situations at different formality levels (i.e. casual, semi-formal, and formal). Course contents focus on demonstrating Putonghua used in selected scenarios at different registers, with examples drawn from a multitude of authentic multimedia sources. Pronunciation notes will also be provided. Students’ awareness of appropriateness in usage will be increased upon completion of the course.
One half-time project coordinator and one part-time instructor will be employed to assist the project supervisors in developing the course materials, video editing, providing IT support, and setting up the course.
Brief write-up
Project objectives
The main project objective was to develop an asynchronous online Putonghua taster course for local students, focusing on appropriateness in usage. Course contents focus on demonstrating Putonghua used in selected scenarios at different registers, with examples drawn from a multitude of authentic multimedia sources. Upon completion of the course, students’ awareness on appropriateness in usage will be increased and students will be able to continue to improve their Putonghua effectively.
Activities, process and outcomes
Video clips were used as authentic multimedia sources for the new taster course. First, the team sifted through a multitude of available materials. After gathering the desired materials, the team set out to process the videos gathered. Accompanying materials were also developed.
Deliverables and evaluation
12 micro-modules (MMs) were created (4 topics * 3 formality levels). Each MM includes various videos to show authentic examples of the formality level in the given topic, explanations and notes on usage, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, various e-learning exercises, and further reference materials.
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
The course, CLCP1101, will be advertised on CLC’s website along with the other taster courses. Furthermore, it will be displayed in the course catalogue on CUSIS and on KEEP, the CUHK eLearning platform. Local students who have not taken Putonghua at CLC can sign up if they are interested.
This project will be presented at the upcoming CUHK Teaching and Learning Innovation Expo later this year.
Impact on teaching and learning
CLCP1101 will be launched in Fall 2022 and positive results are expected.
