Summer Chinese StarTalk Program

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STARTALK 2017 Summer Chinese Teacher Training Program at North Central College: The Blended Model (June 17- August 8 2017)

North Central College STARTALK Teacher Program: “Integrating Authentic Materials, Effective Teaching Strategies and Technology” will provide professional development opportunities for pre- service, novice, and continuing K-16 teachers of Mandarin. This training program combines online and face-to-face workshops conducted by nationally known teacher trainers, experienced high school teachers, and college professors. 

In the three years preceding 2016, North Central College successfully hosted STARTALK student summer camps. These camps drew over one hundred students from all over the Midwest, and as far as California. Feedback from the camps and increasing demand of Chinese language study prompted North Central to apply for a STARTALK teacher-training program this year. We hope this year’s teacher program encourages current and future language teachers to venture into adapting STARTALK principles to achieve robust classroom dynamics.

Program Highlights

  • The program is to equip Chinese teachers with strategies and hands-on activities that will reflect the STARTALK-endorsed Principles for Effective Teaching and Learning.
  • The training will allow participants to focus on the key issues in selecting and using authentic materials, and work with experts to create and receive feedback on their own lesson plans.
  • All participants will receive a stipend of $900 and a certificate of 90 professional development hours upon successful completion of the program.
  • Network, collaborate, and be in contact with like-minded colleagues.

Program Schedule

Program starts on June 17, 2017, with a two-day initial workshop followed by a four-week online training module. A second and final workshop concludes the program on August 7 & 8, 2017. Both on-site trainings will be held at North Central College campus, located in the heart of Naperville downtown.

Program Location (Campus Map)

Smith Hall, Old Main
North Central College
30 N. Brainard Street
Naperville, IL 60540

Application and Enrollment

Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is required. Commitment to fully attending the program is required. Please email the following application materials to startalk@noctrl.edu.

For inquiries, please contact:

Dr. Jinai Sun
Assistant Professor of Chinese
Modern and Classic Languages
North Central College
30 North Brainard Street, Naperville, IL 60540
Email: jsun@noctrl.edu
Phone: 6306375263