A Teacher's Path: Mr Qunhu Lee

``And if I had to do it all again, I would follow the exact same path," said Lee, who is the founder of the New Century Language School in Tianjin.

Lee majored in Chinese language at the Tianjin Normal College and after graduating in 1987, went on to do his postgraduate studies in philosophy at the People University in Beijing.

After he completed his studies, he taught Chinese to local students for several years.
In 1993 however, Lee was granted a special accolade, to take part in an academic exchange with Princeton University in the United States where he taught Chinese to students.

``That experience (in the States) really altered my perception of language studies and the area of linguistics,ÕÕ said Lee.

He said he was impressed at the method of teaching language, which was more efficient, and effective and which resulted in students picking up Chinese quicker.

``I had to admit the others were better at teaching Chinese to the students than I was even though I was a native speaker,ÕÕ he said.

Lee said he came to the conclusion that teaching methods were more important than the ability of the teacher to teach well.

However although he understood what was needed to change, he wasn't prepared to put that into practice. His next position, nonetheless thrust him in the right direction to acquire the know-how and expertise in effective teaching methods.

After Lee returned to China, he took on the post of educational administration chief of two projects, PIB and ACC. Both projects are international-standard Chinese teaching schemes which were implemented in Beijing.

``It was a very valuable time for me as it gave me the skills and experiences I needed to teach the language well," he said.

Although Lee was happy financially and had an enviable working environment, he was still not content.

``I thought that the knowledge I gained could be put to even better use," said Lee, who moved back to Tianjin and established the New Century Language School in 2001 which was aimed to teach foreigners Chinese.

Presently the school has over 30 long-term students and the number increases steadily.
Last year, Mr. Lee opened the New Century Language School and now there are more than 30 long-term students. Lee said that the school was a joint collaboration with his long time foreign friend Charlie, who helped him formulate a syllabus helpful to foreigners.

Can any Chinese teach the language?

ot really. The teacher should be trained as such and know how to teach the language, said Lee.

He added that the teachersÕ English need not be excellent but adequate to communicate with the students.

``I should also add that the teacher should try to speak more Chinese and not rely on English too much.
The student will learn better that way, he said.
Lee said that teachers must be a supportive coach for their students and correct them when they are wrong.
``They should also allow the students more opportunities to practice their Chinese, he said.
Lee said that teaching foreigners was also a humorous experience.
``Once a student said Wo wen ni meaning `I kiss youÕ instead of Wo wen ni meaning `I ask you'Õ he said.
Another student, he said, complained she only ate Yuxiang Rousi for a whole month because she could not pronounce the name of any other dish.

``I am glad I chose this path. It has been very fulfilling and rewarding especially when my students thank me for helping them, he said.