Help! My Daughter Claims Her Chinese Tutor is a Chinese Native Speaker And Can’t Teach Chinese as Second Language
Dear Agony Aunt,
I am writing to seek your advice regarding my daughter’s struggles with Chinese enrichment classes. My daughter is currently enrolled in a primary school where Mandarin is a compulsory subject, and I have enrolled her in additional Chinese enrichment classes in the hope of enhancing her language skills.
However, despite attending these classes and putting in a lot of effort, she hasn’t shown much improvement.
When I asked her about the issue, she mentioned that her tutors are Chinese native speakers and often teach in a way that assumes the students already have a strong foundation in the language.
As a result, she feels like the classes are not catered to someone learning Chinese as a second language, making it difficult for her to keep up with the pace and understand the materials being taught. I am at a loss as to how I can support her and help her overcome these challenges.
I would truly appreciate any advice or guidance you can offer to help me understand how I can better support my daughter in her Chinese language learning journey.
Sincerely,
Worried Mother
Dear Worried Mother,
It’s evident that you are deeply concerned about your daughter’s struggles with Chinese enrichment classes, and I can understand how disheartening it must be to see her face these challenges. Firstly, it’s great that you are proactive in seeking solutions to support her education.
It sounds like the issue lies in the teaching approach of the Chinese enrichment classes. It’s common for native speakers to unintentionally overlook the specific needs of second language learners, assuming that the students have an inherent understanding of the language that may not necessarily be the case. I suggest communicating your concerns with the enrichment class tutors and expressing the need for them to be more mindful of the diverse language backgrounds of their students. Additionally, you may want to explore other enrichment programs that specifically cater to students learning Chinese as a second language, where the teaching methods are more attuned to their needs.
Furthermore, it might be beneficial to provide your daughter with additional support outside of the enrichment classes. Engaging her in activities such as Chinese language games, cultural immersion experiences, or finding a language exchange partner or tutor who understands the challenges of learning Mandarin as a second language can also aid in reinforcing her learning.
Lastly, it’s important to reassure your daughter that it’s okay to face difficulties in learning a language and to emphasize the value of consistency and perseverance in her efforts. Encouraging her to practice regularly and find enjoyment in the process of learning Mandarin can help alleviate some of the stress and frustration she may be experiencing.
Remember, every child learns at their own pace, and with the right support and resources, your daughter can overcome these challenges and flourish in her Chinese language studies. Best of luck to you both!
Warm regards,
Agony Aunt