Pedagogic Practices, Student Engagement and Equity in Chinese as a Foreign Language Education: In Australia and Beyond

This book explores Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) pedagogic practices and learning experiences within a cohort of low socio-economic status students in an Australian primary classroom. It demonstrates that CFL education is a fragile undertaking in Australian schooling, exacerbated by the politicization of CFL education in the post COVID-19 era. Wen Xu suggests that pedagogic interventions in the name of social justice can make a difference in disadvantaged students' life trajectories, and CFL education can be envisioned as an avenue towards socioeconomic mobility.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the realm of Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) pedagogy and learning experiences within a cohort of low socio-economic status students within an Australian primary classroom. It emerges as a compelling exploration that unveils the fragility of Chinese teaching and learning within the Australian education system, despite the policy and educational discourses that underpin 'Asian literacies.' The politicization of CFL education, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, has further exacerbated public stereotypes concerning racism and multiculturalism in Australia today.

To address these challenges, author Wen Xu employs the theoretical framework of Bernstein to conceptualize CFL education as a democratic space where power and control relations can be deliberately orchestrated to foster engaging learning experiences. She argues that pedagogical interventions aimed at promoting social justice have the potential to make significant differences in the life trajectories of disadvantaged students, positioning CFL education as a vehicle for socioeconomic mobility rather than being criticized as a platform that opposes liberal ideals.

Furthermore, Wen Xu offers valuable insights into teaching younger age CFL learners in the global context, particularly in terms of structuring pedagogy and curriculum. Her research holds significance for students and scholars engaged in the sociology of education, student engagement, pedagogy, curriculum, CFL education, languages education, as well as pre-service teachers and practitioners who teach Chinese as a Foreign Language.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032155852