Embarking on a teaching career in China can be an exciting and rewarding journey. With the right resources, you can enhance your teaching skills, understand the Chinese education system better, and make a significant impact on your students’ lives. This article will introduce you to five essential resources that every Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) teacher should have in their toolkit when teaching in China.
1. Chinese Language Learning Resources
Why Learn Chinese?
While English is the medium of instruction in many Chinese schools, learning the local language can significantly enhance your teaching experience. It can help you communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues, understand the local culture better, and navigate everyday life in China with ease.
Recommended Resources
There are several online platforms that offer Chinese language courses. Websites like Coursera and Duolingo offer free courses that can help you learn the basics. For more advanced learning, you might consider paid courses on platforms like iTalki or Rosetta Stone.
2. Understanding Chinese Culture
The Importance of Cultural Understanding
Understanding Chinese culture can help you connect with your students on a deeper level. It can also help you understand their behaviour, attitudes, and expectations, which can be quite different from those in Western countries.
Recommended Resources
Books like ‘Understanding China: A Guide to China’s Culture, Economy, and Political Structure’ by John Bryan Starr and ‘China in Ten Words’ by Yu Hua provide a comprehensive overview of Chinese culture. Websites like ChinaCulture.org and ChinaHighlights.com also offer a wealth of information on various aspects of Chinese culture.
3. Teaching Resources
Why Use Teaching Resources?
Teaching resources can help you plan your lessons effectively, engage your students, and make your classes more interactive. They can also save you a lot of time and effort in lesson planning.
Recommended Resources
Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers and Edutopia offer a wide range of teaching resources, from lesson plans to classroom activities. You can also find resources specifically designed for teaching English in China on websites like TEFL.net and ESLBase.com.
4. Networking with Other Teachers
The Benefits of Networking
Networking with other teachers can provide you with valuable insights, advice, and support. You can learn from their experiences, share your challenges, and get tips on how to handle various situations in the classroom.
Recommended Resources
Online forums like the TES Community and Dave’s ESL Cafe are great places to connect with other teachers. You can also join local teaching associations or attend teaching conferences in China to meet other teachers in person.
5. Professional Development
Why Invest in Professional Development?
Professional development can help you keep up with the latest teaching methodologies, improve your teaching skills, and enhance your career prospects. It can also help you meet the requirements for teacher certification in China.
Recommended Resources
Organisations like the British Council and Cambridge Assessment English offer a variety of professional development courses for teachers. You can also find online courses on platforms like FutureLearn and Coursera.
In conclusion, these resources can help you make the most of your teaching career in China. By investing in language learning, cultural understanding, teaching resources, networking, and professional development, you can enhance your teaching skills, connect with your students, and make a positive impact on their lives.
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