Action Language Learning: Promoting Chinese Language Through Creative Teaching Methods

Testimonials

Comment from the Startalk-DePaul University workshop for Chinese language teachers, February 2010

“Lisa Li did a wonderful job presenting at the workshop ‘Active Methods for Teaching Chinese.’ I learned a great deal and plan to use what I learned in my classroom. I feel that I have much more to offer my students after taking this workshop. In addition, I plan to purchase the Tang Dynasty Poetry CD. I cannot wait until the other songs are published. I feel very lucky to have come across these teaching methods."
Wang Wei Fang, Chinese Language Instructor, Highland Park High School, Highland Park, Illinois

Comments from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Critical Language Fellows K-12 Chinese language teacher training institute

“It was fantastic. I have not seen anyone else as creative as Lisa Li. I especially enjoyed the songs she composed that combined the language and culture together…If you have not found an effective way in teaching Chinese, if you wonder how you can stay in the target language from the beginning during class instruction, if you are puzzled how to teach culture through language, you must come to an Action Language Learning presentation.”
Lu Hai Yun, Chinese Language and Culture Instructor, University School of Milwaukee

“I’ve always believed in learning language through music. This is just further evidence of the power of learning unconsciously and learning with fun activities. I support your presentations and musical education teaching method. It works for you and me and will work for everyone who wants to learn a second language.”
Xu Chen Special Education Teacher/ Weekend School Chinese Language Teacher. Washington Park High, Racine, Wisconsin

Comments about "Active Methods for Language Teachers" course presented to Ho-Chunk language instructors

“The explanation and practical use of methods made learning this technique exciting and stimulating. I look forward to employing what I learned here in my own classes and can’t wait to see the reaction of my students. Excellent class!”
Henning Garvin, Program Administrator, Ho-Chunk Language Program

Comments about "Differentiation of Instruction for Language Learners" workshop

"Lisa was very respectful of our needs as a department and spontaneously modified the emphasis of the workshop to optimize our time spent. She demonstrated excellent knowledge of her content as a language instructor and as a master of differentiated curriculum."
Laurie, K-12 world language instructor

"Learning how to differentiate a world language to my students was very hands-on as we learned some of the Chinese language. I was put into the shoes of a beginning world language student again! Lisa was very thorough and flexible."
Janet Bull, Spanish teacher, West Bend, Wisconsin

Comment about workshops for ESL Instructors

"My teacher-trainees were excited to learn fun, interactive techniques that they can use when teaching kids English all over the world."
Renee Lajcak, Program Director, Midwest Teacher Training Program

Comments from two-day “Chinese Language Activities in the Classroom” workshop

“I really learned a great deal from this class. This was the first time I have been exposed to the Chinese language and it was an extremely positive experience. The music and movement made learning fun.”
Kelly Frodel, Middle School Teacher, Janesville, Wisconsin.

“Li Laoshi provides very practical activities that I can use in my Chinese classroom! These activities can help students learn the language in a fun way!”
Yiyi Gallant, Chinese Teacher, School District of Janesville, Wisconsin

“The songs we learned in class were awesome. There is currently nothing comparable out on the market. I will absolutely buy them when they become published and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.”
Aaron Bray, President of Wisconsin Association of Chinese Language Teachers, Chinese Language Instructor, Sheybogan Falls School District

Comments about the Action Language Learning method

“Singing the songs made it easy to review the words over and over. The songs nicely embody the rhythm of Chinese, so that by the time we sung the songs many times, we could produce basic grammatical structures and build on them. Having the recitations of the words helped tremendously in learning the tones. The songs are so much fun-they also teach a variety of musical genres and grammatical constructions."
Dr. Nora Cate Schaeffer, Professor of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

"I had a great experience with my first Chinese language session with Lisa Urbonya. She made it fun and easy to learn. The activities, including singing and moving, made it fun and easy to remember the new words and phrases. The session gave me confidence that learning Chinese is easier than I previously thought."
Gisso Welsh, Service Account Manger, CDW Berbee

“Li Laoshi has a great integrative approach to language. Actually using the language is the best way to achieve comfort and fluency. Through music, drawings, movement and games, I had a real feeling for which words I need in everyday life.”
Joann, International Hospitality Student

Comments about Consulting Services and/or the workshop “What Americans Can Learn from the Chinese Educational System”

"I encourage administrators of all levels to consider participation in this professional development opportunity for their continual growth.  For me, it provided a deeper root system for the direction that I believe for my school, while at the same time provided wider wings for me to grow and expand upon the goals, support and belief that I have to move my students and staff forward in years to come." 
Karen Jones, Principal, Park Elementary School, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, Middleton, Wisconsin

“Lisa Li Urbonya is a celebrated professional with real experience working as an educator in China. She is adept at helping educators create strong linkages between the American and Chinese education system. Her experiences bring practical possibilities for American schools to consider. I attended Lisa's presentation and it sparked the creation of an International Education Study Team. Lisa has served as a consultant to our study team and has led our learning in powerful ways. Formal recommendations have been made to form a team to investigate the feasibility of a full-immersion K-12 world language program, to expand the 6-12 world language program to include Mandarin Chinese, and to investigate the feasibility of an International Education Academy at the high school. Tanya Kotlowski, Director of Instructional Services, Kettle Moraine School District, Wales, Wisconsin

American educators have so much to learn from the rest of the world. Lisa Urbonya will give you some insight into the Chinese Educational System from a personal perspective that will keep your interest and get you thinking about what changes your school will need to make. There are many aspects of our educational system that help our students become well rounded students. Learning from around the world will help you enhance your offerings and your insights. Ms. Urbonya will challenge your notions, add to your insights, and push you towards excellence. I have personally attended her workshops and come away with new information each time. In addition, I have had her work with our World Language instructors to push them towards meeting multiple needs in a classroom. Lisa Urbonya involves her learners and pushes you to open your minds.
Maryjane Burdge, Retired Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, West Bend School District, West Bend, Wisconsin