Project Based Learning (July 30)

Students worked very hard during the final week to prepare power point shows for the whole program. The presentations were excellent, running smoothly and fully memorized. There were additions to the power points such as music, skits, and dancing. The topics that students had to discuss were the ones that they had learned during the four weeks of class, but they were required to use their own words in definitions.

Diligently working the three days before the PBL.

The backdrop for the presentation, a giant mural with pirctures from the last month.

Featuring the students and teachers. 

Teachers and TA's pictured on the backdrop for the presentation.

And the presentations begin!

In the larger classes, there were 3-4 grupes from each class.

The audience was sometimes asked to participate.

All about movies.

And music.

TA's Mita and Pam providing the emcee role.

All about dance.

This group performed and also had interactive discourse.

A demonstration of Latin dance.

Students could relax afterwards.

And time for posing with teachers.

Here were the final results. Congrats to all!

Field trip to San Ti Men and Mei Nong (July 26th)

On Sunday, July 26th, the teachers, along with their local host families, plus Helen, Mr. Shih, Jerry and Ellie, took an out of town trip to see San Ti Men, a fascinating aboriginal park. After a clear blue morning an afternoon rain front cancelled the visit to the actual aboriginal village, but they did get to do bead making and They also visited the Hakka Center of Mei Nong, which featured crafts from the Hakka Tribe, another aboriginal tribe of Taiwan.

The beautiful aboriginal area

At the beadmaking center.

The teachers and their families tried their hands at the beadmaking.

The aboriginal dancing show was magnificent, with bright colors, and upbeat music. The writing on the screen in both Chinese and English explained the dances. 

 Then it was time to participate!

And then pose with the performers.

Because of the rain at San Ti Men, we went on to peaceful Mei Non for a little afternoon shopping visit. It has pleasant water features and a nice walking mall.