My research began with a focus on Chinese pronunciation, particularly in Mandarin tone perception and pronunciation. I have studied the effects of high-variability phonetic training and digital tools on learners’ tone acquisition, publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at CLTA (Chinese Language Teacher Association America) and ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). Over time, my work has also expanded to Chinese program development, teacher training, and the use of technology to enhance Chinese language learning. I explore blended learning, character-teaching reform, and curriculum design, as reflected in my 2023 publication in Studies in Chinese Learning and Teaching. I have also contributed to Chinese textbook development using Open Educational Resources (OER) to make learning more accessible and effective. Beyond research, I actively engage in teacher training and pedagogical discussions, aiming to connect linguistic research and educational theories with practical classroom teaching and learning.
keywords
Second language acquisition, Chinese language pedagogy, Pronunciation of Chinese, Chinese character learning, TA training, Chinese Language program development
CHIN 1010 - Beginning Chinese 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Summer 2022 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Summer 2024 / Fall 2024
An introduction to the fundamentals of modern standard Chinese (Mandarin), including pronunciation, Chinese characters, grammar, and conversation. Students develop all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) with an emphasis on oral communication. Texts are in simplified characters with vocabulary in both simplified and traditional characters. Students with pre-existing competence in Chinese must take a placement exam or consult with the language coordinator before enrollment.
CHIN 1020 - Beginning Chinese 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Summer 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Continuation of CHIN 1010. Students with pre-existing competence in Chinese must take a placement exam or consult with the language coordinator before enrollment.
CHIN 2110 - Intermediate Chinese 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
This course continues the training in all four skills as developed in the first year. Students enhance communicative skills in listening and speaking and expand reading and writing vocabulary in modern Chinese. Texts are in simplified characters with vocabulary in both simplified and traditional characters. Students with competence in Chinese obtained from a program, institution, or experiences external to CU must take a placement exam or consult with the language coordinator before enrollment.
CHIN 2120 - Intermediate Chinese 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Continuation of CHIN 2110. Students with pre-existing competence in Chinese must take a placement exam or consult with the language coordinator before enrollment.
CHIN 3110 - Advanced Chinese 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Surveys a variety of authentic language materials, including films, plays, newspaper articles, essays, and short stories. Texts are studied with an emphasis on more sophisticated grammar structures and an attention to issues of social and cultural background. Texts and vocabulary are in both simplified and traditional characters. Students with competence in Chinese obtained from a program, institution, or experiences external to CU must take a placement exam or consult with the language coordinator before enrollment.
CHIN 3120 - Advanced Chinese 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Continuation of CHIN 3110. Students with pre-existing competence in Chinese must take a placement exam or consult with the language coordinator before enrollment.
CHIN 4110 - Advanced Readings in Modern Chinese 1
Secondary Instructor
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Summer 2024
Surveys a wide variety of 20th- and 21st-century texts that are of recognized literary or cultural importance. Focuses on translation, including discussion of content and style.
CHIN 5980 - Practical Issues in Chinese Language Pedagogy
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Focuses on practical issues in Chinese language pedagogy for students who will serve as teaching assistants in Chinese language courses. Examines the connection between theory and practice as well as practical methods for teaching Chinese. Equips students with basic Chinese linguistic knowledge. Discusses the use of Communicative Approach in teaching Chinese as a second language. Knowledge of Modern Chinese at the level of CHIN 4120 is required.
