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An Introduction to Chinese Proverbs and Their Origins

 

Ratings

Overall Rating:

4.83 stars
Content Quality: 5 stars
Effectiveness: 4 stars
Ease of Use: 4.5 stars
Reviewed: Apr 02, 2004 by World Languages Editorial Board
Overview: This module consists of audio recordings of narratives of fifteen proverbs with
illustrations. Each narrative is followed by a set of multiple-choice exercises
for listening comprehension. The proverbs are written in traditional characters
and pinyin with their meanings translated in English.
Learning Goals: Listening practice and culture learning
Target Student Population: Intermediate and advanced Chinese learners
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: At least an intermediate level of Chinese listening skill
Type of Material:
Recommended Uses: As supplemental material to enhance a language curriculum
Technical Requirements: Quick Time 4.0. A download link is provided in the Introduction

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating: 5 stars
Strengths: This is a well-designed module that helps students improve their listening
skills and appreciate stories from which the proverbs are derived. The audio
sound quality is good and the speaker?s articulation is clear and at a suitable
pace. The cartoon illustrations help students contextualize the proverbs. Each
story is followed by a set of multiple-choice exercises, and students can check
their own scores.
Concerns: The module can be strengthened by including texts and English translations to
help students check how well they understood the stories they heard.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating: 4 stars
Strengths: The material can be used as an introduction to the study of classical Chinese.
Students are likely to learn language and culture through stories and pictures.
The proverbs and stories can also be good topics for discussion in a classroom
setting.
Concerns: It is suggested that clear instructions and explanations for correct and
incorrect answers be included in the exercises so that students can use the
module without much help from the teacher.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating: 4.5 stars
Strengths: The website is well designed and easy to navigate without any special computer
skills. The graphics are attractive and the links are clear and consistent.
Concerns:

Other Issues and Comments:
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