The 2nd Annual Conference for the Chinese Language Association of Michigan, sponsored by the Confucius Institute of Wayne State University, was successfully held in McGregor Memorial Conference Center in Detroit on Dec. 14.
The Chinese Language Association of Michigan was established in 2008 with the joint efforts of HUST and Wayne State University. The association is aimed at offering a stage of communication between Chinese teaching staff and Chinese culture enthusiasts, dedicating to Michigan s Chinese education as well as professional improvement of Chinese teaching staff. In the past two years, the association is constantly growing, with more than 300 registered members till now. Additionally, the association has set up a special website as a platform for instant online exchanges of information, teaching resources and teaching experience.
The association holds a conference on Chinese teaching every year, and this year s conference attracted about 80 participants from around Michigan, including experts, scholars, elementary and secondary school teachers, and Chinese language enthusiasts. 23 invited lectures were delivered at the meeting. Participants held heated discussions about Chinese learning and teaching. Jackie Moase-Burke, from the International Language Association gave a theme speech. She said that Chinese economy, language and culture are inviting increasing attention in Michigan these years. With more business learners joining in the Chinese-learning team, the teaching method should be varied as well as practical. The Chinese Language Association of Michigan undoubtedly plays an important role in promoting and backing up the teaching of Chinese language within the state.
At the conference Professor Robert Thomas was awarded the honor of Special Contribution for his outstanding contribution to promoting Chinese language and culture. He is the dean of College of Arts and Science and the founder of Chinese program and Confucius Institute of Wayne State University.
After the meeting, delegates visited the exhibition of Chinese teaching resources organized by the university s Confucius institute. Almost 4000 kinds of Chinese books were displayed, all of which were donated by NOCFL. Delegates showed fancy for the great profusion of resources, and expressed their wish to use the resources in their Chinese language teaching as soon as possible. As the dean announced, all the resources on show would be free to borrow for the members of the Chinese association and Chinese teaching staff. Some would be donated to those schools that are in shortage of Chinese teaching materials, helping them offer Chinese language courses.
