AP Chinese Workshop 1/12/06

Today at the College Board building in New York, Prof. Richard Chi from University of Utah conducted this whole day workshop. Participants got the instructor's manual (draft) for the first time. The focus of this workshop was mainly on 5 C standards (communication, culture, connection, comparison, and community) with four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) of three modes (interpersonal, interpretation, and presentation). Some sample questions were presented for discussion and content material was also introduced in workshop.

In the manual, it is emphasized that the AP course should "immerse language learning in the Chinese language and culture ……" (Page 11, Manual) and "develop an awareness of and appreciation for the elements of Chinese culture, including geography, history, philosophical thoughts, as well as ethnic and regional diversity and linguistic variations." (Page 12, Manual) In one example, one answer of the multiple choices is "公车站". Obviously this term is not used in Mainland (汽车站). Now should we teach this kind of term used in specific linguistic region in the course and will this term be found in exam? If we follow the above standards, the answer must be yes. Then it poses a bigger challenge to Chinese language teachers. Do we have to know all the variations of a term in different regions? I remember when I first read "房事" in a local Chinese newspaper here in New York long time ago, I was very surprised. After I read the article, I realized that it meant “real estate”. Its connotation is quite different between Chinese in Mainland and Chinese in Taiwan. If we don't teach this, how do we expose students to "authentic language"? Another example in the manual still uses "同志" which could offend some teachers and students from outside of Mainland. However that was the term people used in China during the Cultural Revolution and even after. I don't think we doubt its authenticity in that historic context.

We had a great discussion on AP Chinese course. One minor observation is that not many teachers from New York City public schools among 35 participants. Ying/yang was not quite balanced in the workshop either. I was the only male school teacher attended. I am a brave one. I hope that more can participate. AP Chinese will stir the pot of language learning in US. It is the opportunity for all of us.

AP Chinese Exam

"The AP Chinese Language and Culture Exam will be an Internet-based exam. The entire exam, including directions, exam questions/prompts, and student responses, will be delivered and captured on computers via the Internet.
All written directions and questions will appear on screen, and all spoken directions and questions will be delivered through individual headphones. Students' written responses will be typed in Chinese at the keyboard, and their spoken responses will be digitally recorded through a microphone directly into the exam's software.
This exam will require a Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP operating system as well as individual headsets with microphones. For detailed specifications, visit the Curriculum and Exam Resources section of the AP Chinese Course Home Page, and share these requirements with your school's IT professional to ensure your readiness for the first exam administration in May 2007."---College Board

What is AP course?

Based on their performance on the rigorous end-ofcourse
AP Examinations, students earn credit or
advanced placement for college, or both, and
demonstrate their ability to succeed in college-level
studies. The tremendous growth in AP participation
attests to a strong commitment from educators and
students to elevating the standards in America’s
classrooms. AP Chinese will be offered beginning in
the 2006-07 school year. --- College Board