| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
u24tc
Joined: 14 May 2007
Posts: 125
Location: Dalian, China
|
 Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 1:33 pm Post subject: Topic Suggestion |
 |
|
I have to give a lecture in the next couple weeks.. 2 hour lecture but the topic can be on anything.
Last term I did one about my country, to do, etc... however this time I am not sure what to do.
Any suggestions would be most welcome. Am trying to think of topics that won't put them chinese students to sleep.
Thanks in advance |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
jwbhomer
Joined: 14 Dec 2003
Posts: 876
Location: CANADA
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 2:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| How about comments on the differences between Western and Chinese educational systems? You could throw in the phrase "duck stuffing method", referring to the Chinese system, and your audience will both understand and smile. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Wonderful Yunqi!!
Joined: 06 Jan 2008
Posts: 111
Location: With the Lord.
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
How about your country's educational system? I once gave a lecture about the US system and it went over well. The student's here seem to be interested in the topic. I'd also go into the requirements for admission to a graduate degree program in your native land. GRE, TOEFL, IELTS etc..
Most students here were amazed that the test score wasn't the only criteria used to make the decision. In the US, extracurricular activities may boost you over the top. C+ and activities is better than a B and no activities, assuming the test score is the same; in my opinion.
I also pointed out that a boarding school for kindergarten kids was nonexistent and that the normal elementary school day was 9am to 3pm, not 7am to 5pm.
Depending on the age of the students, a lecture about basic Christian beliefs seems to be popular with the students. If the boss doesn't mind and the attendees are adults, I think a lecture about Christianity is the best bet, especially since I will be celebrating Easter on Sunday.
I spent the past week discussing St. Patrick's Day and Easter. I pointed out the religious and secular aspects of each holiday celebration. For example, Christmas. Needless to say, I got them talking as well, which is my job. Luck & Karma.
Besides that, understanding western political systems is popular with adults, even some college students. It may be considered taboo, but the people are interested.
Good Luck! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Wonderful Yunqi!!
Joined: 06 Jan 2008
Posts: 111
Location: With the Lord.
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
That's beautiful. JBhomer and I must be on the same page!
Great minds think alike. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Anda
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Posts: 2199
Location: Jiangsu Province
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:16 pm Post subject: Um |
|
|
Results 1 - 10 of about 684,000 for how to cheat exams. (0.22 seconds)
How to Cheat: Techniques Used by CheatersThe better prepared person creates a cheat sheet for the lesser-prepared person during the exam, then finds a way to deliver it to them (e.g., dropped, ...
teachopolis.org/justice/cheating/cheating_how_to.htm - 37k - Cached - Similar pages
How to Cheat on a Test - wikiHowThe Dictionary Cheat: Some tests allow you to bring a dictionary or thesaurus inside the exam room. Thus, do bring your dictionary which has been scribbled ...
www.wikihow.com/Cheat-on-a-Test - 64k - Cached - Similar pages
How to Cheat a Polygraph Test (Lie Detector) - wikiHowwikiHow article about How to Cheat a Polygraph Test (Lie Detector).
www.wikihow.com/Cheat-a-Polygraph-Test-(Lie-Detector) - 50k - Cached - Similar pages
How to cheat in exams : cramming : tests : school : Education ...Cheating in exams seems to be big business today and a quick tour of Internet sites will not only give you some ideas about how to cheat, but will give you ...
www.webwombat.com.au/careers_ed/education/how-to-cheat-exams.htm - 44k - Cached - Similar pages
How To Cheat A Test ! Video - MetacafeThis video is for educational purposes only! Cheating is bad and i do not recommend it, if you get caught you support the consequences!
www.metacafe.com/watch/871512/how_to_cheat_a_test/ - 147k - Cached - Similar pages
How To Cheat Examslearn some really cool ways to cheat on tests and exams! watch this video...you never know when you may need it!
www.metacafe.com/watch/583603/how_to_cheat_exams/ - 68k - Cached - Similar pages
More results from www.metacafe.com �
YouTube - Summer - How to cheat in examsI started my exams today and finishing tommorow. one of my tests im taking in 2 days. we hade to turn in our study guids today. i made a copy to cheat at ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=slL9WkjZt-g - 78k - Cached - Similar pages
YouTube - How to Cheat on an Exam (BluebookProject)How to Cheathttp://strong-bluebook-project.blogspot.com/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmfEhPXaNZM - 77k - Cached - Similar pages
More results from www.youtube.com �
Latest Method to Cheat in Exam | Ah Boon.Net 阿文wow..it�s really good method and idea to cheat in the exam o..I really never think of cheating when I was in school time..haha ...
ahboon.net/2007/05/08/latest-method-to-cheat-in-exam/ - 109k - Cached - Similar pages
Cheat In ExamsSure, you came here to learn how to cheat in exams, but you also need to know how NOT to cheat in exams. Below are a few examples of what NOT to do: ...
www.cheatinexams.com/ - 18k - Cached - Similar pages |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Teatime of Soul
Joined: 12 Apr 2007
Posts: 905
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| How about what western universities look for when admitting candidates? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Loop
Joined: 07 Sep 2005
Posts: 178
Location: NE China
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I agree with the above posters. Students are always asking about the differences between China's and our country's ed system. They want to know about "university life in your country."
Another topic that always interests them is holidays/festivals in the lawowai's country. You could kill two hours on this topic. Let them ask questions.
And Anda, very funny!  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Lobster
Joined: 20 Jun 2006
Posts: 2040
Location: Somewhere under the Sea
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 6:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
How about:
Effective Study Strategies
Employment Search Techniques
Dealing With Depression
RED |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jwbhomer
Joined: 14 Dec 2003
Posts: 876
Location: CANADA
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 10:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Wonderful Yunqi!! wrote: |
That's beautiful. JBhomer and I must be on the same page!
Great minds think alike. |
Only on the point of talking about educational systems in our home countries vs the Chinese system. I wouldn't dream of talking about religion to a Chinese audience, even if it weren't forbidden in my contract. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lf_aristotle69
Joined: 06 May 2006
Posts: 546
Location: HangZhou, China
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 1:51 am Post subject: Essay writing? |
|
|
| jwbhomer wrote: |
| Wonderful Yunqi!! wrote: |
That's beautiful. JBhomer and I must be on the same page!
Great minds think alike. |
Only on the point of talking about educational systems in our home countries vs the Chinese system. I wouldn't dream of talking about religion to a Chinese audience, even if it weren't forbidden in my contract. |
Some ideas for the OP below my religious opinions...
Isn't it illegal to proselytize in China? Even an extended factual explanation of history and rituals of Christianity would be construed as being inappropriate. The only exception might be for some special class specifically arranged by a university for some high level cultural studies class, not a general 'any one can come' lecture...
One reason I choose to come to China is because of the basically secular society. Of course, they still use the rhetoric of socialism (which some religious folks like to call a 'religion'), but it's hot air really. I am disappointed by that somewhat, as I'm a bit of a lefty. I think France and Canada are more 'socialist' than China these days.
BTW, No, I don't support the (still rampant) persecution. But, it's good not to have to see the god botherers (of any religious persuasion) evangelising on TV.
Most Chinese seem to be attracted to Christianity, in particular, simply because it was banned so strictly before and they have come to believe that because it was banned (by powers they distrusted), therefore it must be good.
It's like the way they automatically think (because China is a developing country) that Chinese cities are still a poor cousin to western cities, in terms of modern construction. They don't realise that many, many Chinese cities have been undergoing rates of urban renewal rarely seen in the West. It's just their assumption that outside things MUST be better (quality etc.) than Chinese things.
Besides, China has the best native faith in any case. Buddhism.
For the OP.
I agree with Lobster. If the students aren't doing a Uni Prep or EAP course, where they're probably already learning about it, then it might be good to discuss western university (or school...) study skills and why some Chinese methods are inefficient.
Or, what about the process of researching and writing a referenced essay? Of course, it would be something that needs a practical component to be useful for them in the long term though. Perhaps a few activity handouts:
1. Jumbled steps in the Writing process - from being given the topic to submitting the completed final essay;
2. reported speech and in text referencing;
3. using figures/data, graphical data and tables effectively;
4. notetaking, maintaining reference details and producing a references list
A bit dry perhaps, but if they have any wish to study overseas (or get published in an international journal) it would be beneficial, as long as you could keep their attention...
Oh, and they might need to know that 'plagiarism' is a bad thing overseas...
Good luck,
LFA |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
u24tc
Joined: 14 May 2007
Posts: 125
Location: Dalian, China
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 5:13 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Thanks for all your help people. I think I will do the educational differences. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mei Sheng
Joined: 15 Oct 2007
Posts: 177
Location: With Yunqi!!
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
According to my contract, certain topics are sensitive, but, may be spoken about as long as the speaker doesn't try to convert the attendees.
I think religion is a great topic for discussion. It has been my experience in China that a good number of people are interested in knowing more about different western beliefs, such as Christianity.
American politics are intriguing as well to some college and adult Chinese students. To be honest, I 'm not quite sure what a caucus is. But, they like it!
http://bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Bible.show/sVerseID/26823/eVerseID/26823
Hopefully you have a peaceful Good Friday and a wonderful Easter, if you believe.
+ |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Beyond1984
Joined: 13 Dec 2007
Posts: 462
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:08 am Post subject: No droning away for two hours! |
|
|
"I have to give a lecture in the next couple weeks.. 2 hour lecture." -u24tc
I assume that you are a "Foreign Expert," and so am astonished that you have acquiesced to the ridiculous imperative that you must lecture for two solid hours. 
You don't mention the demographics of your victims -er, audience ... how old? How good is their English?
You might patiently explain to your (Chinese?) supervisor that the two-hour lecture, formerly read by old tired tenured professors from yellowing ancient pages, is no longer in vogue. This style led to the student riots in Paris in May of 1968 and, now that Fidel has retired, is obsolete.
If you must entertain for two hours, I recommend a lively 10-minute introduction to an interesting 90-minute movie. Open the floor for questions/comments during the remaining 20 minutes. 
-HDT
"How does it become a man to behave toward this American government today? I answer that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it."
-Henry David Thoreau, "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience," 1849 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jwbhomer
Joined: 14 Dec 2003
Posts: 876
Location: CANADA
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| 90-minute lectures open to the general public were part of the deal at the second university I taught at in Guangdong. The announced reason was to give people the chance to practise listening to a native English speaker. The arguments suggested above were made and -- surprise, surprise -- listened to. The lecture series was quietly dropped in the second semester. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mcl sonya
Joined: 12 Dec 2007
Posts: 179
Location: Qingdao
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:32 am Post subject: |
|
|
| so, they expect foreigners to do lectures a lot! wow. my family is coming to visit me, and I mentioned it to another teacher; next thing I know, they want my mom to come and talk to my classes; today, they mentioned that they have an auditorium set aside on the afternoon everyone doesn't have class. I thought she was just going to do a quick ten minute talk in front of a couple of my classes, but now they're advertising that my mom, as a huaren immigrant to the US, will be coming to give a lecture about being Chinese-American and realizing the American dream. They expect her to talk for an hour. I think the ads are already up. I was flabbergasted. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
