COLLABORATIVE MANDARIN TEACHING ENHANCES LANGUAGE LEARNING AT CML
PEKAN, 22 December 2025 – From 10 to 22 December 2025, two selected Mandarin language classes (ULM1312) at Centre for Modern Languages (CML), Pekan Campus, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) experienced a refreshing learning environment through a collaborative teaching session involving a Volunteer Language Teacher (VLT) from China under the Confucius Institute (CI).
The initiative brought together Mandarin language teachers from CML and the VLT, Mr. Jiang Hanshi. This collaboration enriched classroom interaction and provided students with exposure to pronunciation, communication and cultural perspectives.
Across four collaborative sessions, creative approaches to language learning were introduced. Students engaged in language games while learning time expressions, explored the origins of Chinese characters through storytelling and practiced reading dialogues together. These activities helped students connect meaning with form, making learning language more lively.
According to the Director of Confucius Institute UMPSA, Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Lee Khai Loon, the programme added a new dimension to language learning at the university. He emphasized that language should be viewed as a living medium of communication and culture.
For Mr. Jiang Hanshi, the collaborative teaching experience was both rewarding and confidence-building. He shared that the students demonstrated strong enthusiasm and a willingness to communicate in Mandarin, creating an encouraging classroom atmosphere. The experience also contributed positively to his professional growth as an educator.
Students described the experience as empowering.
Ahmad Najmi Azuan shared that learning from two language teachers with different strengths helped him and his coursemates gain confidence in speaking and develop a deeper understanding of written Chinese characters.
Ammar Haiqal Azhar highlighted how storytelling transformed his perception of learning Mandarin. What once seemed like a challenging language became enjoyable through engaging explanations.
One of the most memorable moments took place during the final class, held in conjunction with the Dongzhi Festival (Winter Solstice). Students were introduced to the cultural significance of the festival and tangyuan (a glutinous rice ball). The session was complemented by insights into seasonal changes and cultural traditions, offering students a meaningful learning experience beyond the classroom.
The Head of Programme, CML, Dr. Nor Yazi Khamis noted that the collaborative teaching session benefited both students and educators through pedagogical exchange and enhanced intercultural understanding.
In Chinese tradition, tangyuan symbolizes togetherness and harmony. In the same spirit, this collaborative initiative successfully united language, culture and people.
To watch highlights from the class: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS5jTYyR4/
Prepared by: Leong Hui Theng