Abstract
This study draws on the results of a study of students at the Australian National University (ANU) who were learning Mandarin Chinese at second year level and above in 2012. Through analysis of 85 questionnaires and 11 follow-up interviews, we look at the year level at which students enter the ANU program, their language and cultural backgrounds and the diversity of proficiency levels and language skills within Mandarin classes. Our study then explores what students say about their language learning experiences and the range of proficiency levels in Mandarin they have encountered in their classes. Finally, we consider the value of this type of data and how it can be used in program planning to engage students, maximise learning outcomes and improve retention rates.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Practices and Policies: Current Research in Languages and Cultures Education |
| Editors | C Travis, J Hajek, C Nettelbeck, E Beckmann and A Lloyd-Smith |
| Place of Publication | Australia |
| Publisher | LCNAU |
| Pages | 157-168 |
| Edition | Peer Reviewed |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781921944918 |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
| Event | Languages & Cultures Network for Australian Universities Colloquium (LCNAU 2013) - The Second National LCNAU Colloquium - Canberra, Australia, Canberra, Australia Duration: 3 Jul 2013 → 5 Jul 2013 http://www.lcnau.org/ |
Conference
| Conference | Languages & Cultures Network for Australian Universities Colloquium (LCNAU 2013) - The Second National LCNAU Colloquium |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Canberra |
| Period | 3/07/13 → 5/07/13 |
| Other | July 3-5 2013 |
| Internet address |