JOIN USThe board has lined up an interesting set of activities like language games, riddles, puzzles and jokes for teaching Mandarin Chinese from next April for class VI students, to begin with.
According to CBSE officials, the objective of these activities is to build proficiency in various skills like listening, reading, writing and speaking the language of the neighbouring country.
At present, the CBSE offers 32 languages at the secondary and senior secondary levels, out of which 12 are foreign languages. The board has justified the move to introduce Chinese since China is “emerging as one of the major global economies”.
The board has designed learning modules which include activities like role playing, simulating real-life situations, dramatising and miming, interpreting pictures, cartoons, etc. The majority of the activities are interactive and group work aimed at increasing the confidence levels among the young learners.
Methodology
Officials claim that the methodology is based on a ‘multi-skill, activity-based and learner-centred approach’.
“We want to build greater confidence among learners to use Mandarin Chinese in oral and written forms. This move will also build sensitivity and awareness regarding the culture and traditions of Mandarin Chinese,” said a CBSE official.
Further, the schools would also use print and electronic media to teach students the language. Schools are advised to use newspaper clippings and computer, television, video cassette, tapes and software packages to teach Mandarin.
The curriculum and textbooks for the subject will be designed by scholars. Further, the board will conduct a training programme for teachers to train them in the fundamentals of pedagogy and teaching methods soon.