CLASS EXPECTATIONS
Mandarin Chinese IA
2014-2015
Room: 116
Instructor: Ms. Zhang Hongling
Phone Number: 854-6400 ext. 6416
Email: honglingzhang@claytonschools.net
Textbook: Huanying, An Invitation to Chinese, Volume 1
By Jiaying Howard and Lanting Xu, Second edition.
Boston: Cheng & Tsui Company.
Workbook: Huanying workbook part 1
Course Description: Chinese 1A will introduce the students to the
basic components of Mandarin Chinese through theme-based content
and hands-on activities. Pinyin romanization, simplified forms of
Chinese characters, basic grammar patterns as well as functional
everyday expressions will be taught within the living context of
Chinese culture. Topics will start from self-introduction and develop to
students' immediate surrounding such as school, family and daily life.
Cultural components will be taught through movies, video clips, songs,
calligraphy, crafts, cooking and festival celebrations. The ultimate goal
is to motivate students to become interested in and committed to the
learning of Chinese language and culture.
Materials: 1. A binder (for lots of handouts) and a notebook (for
note-taking and character practicing). You should use
whatever method of keeping track of your papers and
assignments that works best for you (folder, binder, etc.).
2. You should bring a writing utensil and paper with you to
class every day, as well as your textbook and workbook.
Book covers are required for both textbook and workbook
(Take good care of your book—the first one is free, but you
have to pay for replacement copies!)
3. A headphone and a flash drive.
Class Format and Expectations:
There are five lessons in each unit and each lesson will take two
weeks to complete. Quizzes and oral presentations will be given on a
weekly basis. A comprehensive test will be given at the end of each
lesson and long and short-term projects will be assigned throughout
the semester.
The key to learning a foreign language is practice! This
includes listening to others, participating in class, completing class and
homework, completing group tasks and projects, and studying/
preparing for assessments. The best ways to practice are to use the
language as much as possible in class and to study for a short period
each day. A successful language learning experience in this class is
comprised of the completion of the following:
1. Homework: The primary purpose of homework in this class is
for practice and skill development. There will be both shortand long-term assignments. The homework may consist of
studying, practicing vocabulary, completing a worksheet or
assignment, writing, preparing for an oral evaluation, or
working on a long-term project. The more practice you get by
completing homework, the better prepared you will be for
assessments (oral presentations, projects, quizzes and tests).
Each homework assignment will be recorded and reported in
the online grading program with a completion grade and will
serve as materials to be covered in quizzes and tests.
2. Participation: Participation in class plays a vital role in your
success in this class. Obviously, the more you participate in
class, the more likely you are to develop your four language
skills. The more skills you develop, the better you will be able
to complete the required oral presentations and demonstrate
your learning on quizzes and tests. Your voluntary
contribution to the class will all be part of the participation
grade. Participation means coming to class prepared,
following instructions in Chinese, maximizing your ability to
speak Chinese, taking an active and appropriate role in
discussion and in-class exercises and working collobratetivelly
with partners and small groups.
Note: PG = 5 points (Come to class prepared = 1 pts; Speak the target language=
1 pts; Limit English to the minimum=1 pts; Play the role of an active learner=1
pts; Display no disruptive or distracting role=1 pts.)
Assessment Types: The semester grades will be based on tests,
quizzes, oral presentations, participation, homework assignments, and
projects:
20% Class Participation
20% Homework assignment.
20% Oral Presentations and Projects
25% quizzes, lesson tests and unit tests
15% Final exams, both oral and written
Ask for Help: I encourage you to seek me out for help as soon as you
need it. Since I teach at both Wydown and Clayton and travel back and
forth on a daily basis, the best way is to write me an email and make
an appointment with me. I am generally available to work with you
after school.
Policy on Late Work, Absences and Test Retake
Lateness – 10% or a letter grade will be deducted for every day the
assignment is late.
Absences: If you miss school due to an excused absence, you will
have the same amount of days to make up for your homework,
quizzes and tests. After that, the late work policy will apply to you.
Retake: You can retake the quizzes and tests for 90% of the full
credits if your scores are below D+.
I have read and understand Mrs. Zhang’s Class Expectation.
Student
Signature________________________________________________
Parent
Signature________________________________________________