china group

[clay dube]

Members of the China group should use this area to discuss their lesson.

[Anonymous]

Hi China group!

I was thinking about what Clay said about the format of the articles in The Economist. He said that an author will state explicitly what he or she is trying to prove, and then will give anecdotes to back up his or her point.

That being said, I reread the article and the author stated 2 times "This survey will argue..." Given Clay's advice, I think maybe these are the two points we should focus on, and then look for evidence in the article to illustrate or "teach" these.

The first is "As this survey will argue, China needs another ownership revolution, this time in the countryside."

The second is "This survey will argue that such fears are sometimes exaggerated by a party that until 15 years ago controlled almost every aspect of its citizens' lives. The party is finding it hard to adjust to what many developing countries would regard as normal teething troubles." ("Such fears" refers to "fears of instability caused by today's inequalities at home.")

What do you guys think? If you agree these two points should be the focus, let me know and I can start finding facts to back these up.

Also, we can talk about how we are going to teach the lesson. Clay suggested starting with a question, having our "students" brainstorm and then respond or having students start volunteering adjectives they think of when they think of China. Other ideas are obviously welcome as well. Of these two, I think the first would lend itself to focusing on one of the two points I mentioned above. (i.e. ask students to brainstorm why China might need an ownership revolution then discuss).

Kate

[Anonymous]

Hi, I think you may be on to something. I am re-reading the article now and will consider this and focus on it while reading. Thanks for taking the first step.

Barb

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone, Happy New Year to all of you! Let's try to keep our 5 minute lesson simple and informational for the time will pass very quickly. After once again reading the article, I think that the picture of the Panda balancing between the two branches is a key to opening the lesson. This picture can be presented to the class at the beginning of the lesson. We can ask the class just exactly what the picture means to them. It can be placed on a power point presentation. After their comments, we proceed to what exactly the Panda picture implies making an analogy between this balancing act and the challenges that China faces. These challenges include the surging economy, the political leadership, and the social and economic turbulence. Under each one of these catagories, examples can be given to the group. Talk to everyone soon. Jewell Toombs

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone,

I am really struggling with the idea of the "5 minute lesson". It just doesn't seem to fit with the article. There is a ton of information. Realistically I don't think any of us would teach this to our students in 5 minutes. I teach high school, and even for them, there would be steps before this article, and then we'd work with the article in depth. Let me think on this a little more and then I'll get back to you. I know we are running out of time.

Christina

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone,

The only thing that keeps coming to me is what I would do with this article realistically.

I would take some of the key statements - "China hopes to use the 2008 Olympics...it still has plenty of things to fix at home." or "China matters far more than it did seven years ago." and ask the kids to find evidence from the reading to support the statement.

Another idea is the possibilities for China mentioned on page 1, they could do the same as the above for one or all of the three, or I would great a graphic organizer to help them work through the three points.

As for a 5 minute lesson I am stuck...

Christina

[Anonymous]

Hi group,

There is a statement in the article that I think can make a focal point. The point being: hosting the Olympic Games is more than sport, it is a "coming-out party of huge symbolic importance." China is putting itself on the map so to speak right now, and all eyes are on her.

Let me know what you think.

Barb

[Anonymous]

While preparing for my lesson plan presentation, I came across an article about the current physical conditions of Chinese juveniles. The president of the Chinese Medical Association, Zhone Nanshan, states that "A person going without illness doesn't necessarily mean that he/she is healthy and strong." After conducting 4 physical checks among its juveniles since 1985, the fitness situation has been worsening. Their vital capacity and stamina are much lower than juveniles years ago and their weight is much heavier. Statistics show that 24% of boys are over-weight. Maunutrition is another problem, despite the fact the the living conditions have been greatly improved. Still, in present day China, juveniles are taller and heavier which does not necessarily mean that they are fit.
Jewell

[Anonymous]

In my search for lesson plan ideas, I visited our school library at PVIS. I was amazed that our library has over 100 books relating to China. The books range from early Chinese civilization, fiction, biographies, folktales, and other related topics. My goal is to now check to see if any of this information will help to supplement my search for lesson plan ideas.
Jewell

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