Written by:Cathy Yang, Primary Chinese Coordinator
In YCIS primary, while we are committed to cultivating language ability, we are also helping students develop from the primary cognitive thinking of “memory, understanding and application” to the high-level thinking of “analysis, evaluation and creation.” Through debate competitions, language activities and project-based learning, students improve their critical thinking skills. We have made significant progresses in terms of how we teach and the emphaisis we place on the individual needs of our students. We keep trying our best to create more and more chances for collaboration.
What would life be like without animals? Why do animals need our help and protection nowadays? And also, what should I do to protect animals? Recently, CFL-5 students have been doing a project, “People and Animals”, in which students raise their voices for endangered animals in our community.
After launching the project, students worked in small groups, each group chose an animal which they wanted to help with. In group discussions, they talked about things like: why the animals were endangered, the problems these animals are facing and how we can help them. The students wrote the description of the animals and studied facts about them. They then included pictures and videos. Finally, the students presented their projects in different forms, such as poster, presentation, and interviews.
Through such a project, students not only had the opportunity to do anin-depth exploration of the relationship between people and animals, but also developed a range of learning skills such as researching, writing and editing, planning and reflecting. Concepts such as thinking, enquiry and research happen in both CAL and CFL as well as in Chinese Studies. We also provide students with opportunities to enhance their teamwork skills and collaboration which are core requirements for their future.