Teaching Chinese Intangible Heritage in English-- An Interdisciplinary Pedagogical Design for Paper-cutting at Primary and Secondary Levels
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Abstract
Background and Aim: In 2022, the Ministry of Education of China revised the guidelines for its 9-year compulsory education, and comprehensive social practice training, such as paper-cutting, cooking, and housekeeping, was integrated into the curriculum for primary and secondary schools. Comprehensive practice schools were established in each district to make full use of the potential resources to realize this educational objective. This study reports a novel approach in the emerging area of teaching paper-cutting to Chinese kids through English.
Materials and Methods: This study reported a preliminary attempt to teach students the intangible cultural heritage – Chinese paper-cutting through English. 20 students recommended by the students from 12 classes received the semi-structured interview.
Results: The result of the interview showcased the increase in students’ awareness of cultural learning and English use, and their motivation to get involved in the creative process of producing works. It also suggests a new challenge to enhance the training outcome by implementing the training program with more interactions and presentation chances.
Conclusion: This pioneering interdisciplinary approach lays a foundation for future curriculum innovation, contributes new insights to this issue, and combines language learning with cultural preservation. Elaborate research is needed on how to get the class better organized with more efficiency.
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