Three day lesson planChinese immigration and the Transcontinental Railroad Objective- Students will develop an understanding of both the challenges and importance of Chinese immigration during the period of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad Standard- CA SS 4.4.3 Day 1 -Read “Dragon’s Gate” by Lawrence Yep.-Discuss readings in whole groups-Divide students into small groups to discuss the challenges the Chinese immigrants faced-Small groups share reactions to the literature-Other students and teacher give feedback to presenting groups Day 2 Objective- groups will write a skit that develops a realistic narrative of a situation that may have occurred during the building of the Transcontinental RailroadStandard- CA W 4.3 -Small groups convene to develop characters for each of the group members-Students collaborate to write a skit describing a situation that may have occurred during the building of the railroad. Day 3 Objective- groups perform a skit to describe a realistic event that could have taken place.Standard- Theater Arts 4TH Cr1 -students take turns performing their skits-students and teachers provide feedback after each performance.
Contemporary china 2024 was a great learning experience. First of all, the lectures were interesting and enlightening. The reading and videos were very effective in providing an eclectic viewpoint on the pathway China has chosen for the present and future. The background information provided was integral in supporting the explanation of the mindset and motivation for current PRC policy. Perhaps the best thing about the class is the motivation it provided in motivating teachers to implement new ideas and supplement current academic curriculum.
The lectures presented by Clay Dube were not only informative, but inspirational in their delivery. He provided a unique view point of the past, and present geo political landscape of China and its motivation for past and current policy. I felt privileged to be a part of the vigorous discussion that resulted from each presentation.
The readings and videos complemented the lecture perfectly and expanded on ideas touched on in the lectures. I especially enjoyed reading and watching content on China because I have not been exposed to much Asian history or past and current policy. I admit, I had many preconceived notions about China based on hearsay an rhetoric that I have come to dismiss with exposure to good teaching.
This class had the effect of motivating me to further integrate my newfound knowledge of China into my existing academic curriculum. I now look specifically for Chinese literature and media that can be tied into existing units and lessons in social studies, history, science and art.
I am happy to have had the oppportunity to take this class and look forward to applying my experience to spruce up my academic program with ideas and concepts learned in this class. Thank you!