‘CURRENT AFFAIRS IN MANDARIN’ – A STUDENT-LED TV TALK-SHOW AT LSE

This presentation aims to introduce and discuss an on-going video project at the London School of Economics, namely ‘Current Affairs in Mandarin’. This is a jointly funded project by the LSE Learning Technology and Innovation team and the LSE Language Centre in order to explore innovative approaches to language learning for social science purposes. The project supports LSE students in researching and conducting TV talk-show style interviews in Mandarin around a variety of current affairs topics. Since the project started in academic year 2011/2012, over twenty video clips have been produced. The project has also been successfully incorporated into the Undergraduate Degree Option syllabus.

Each video clip focuses on a global event or a piece of news at the heart of the media. The students have the freedom to choose any current affair topics that they are interested in. The project encourages language learning outside the classroom and the up to date feature of the language involved goes beyond what traditional textbooks can ever offer. During the 15 minutes talk show, the audience will be introduced to key words related to the chosen topic and how to use them in a meaningful context. This is followed by a lively discussion, in Mandarin, by LSE students. The recorded talk shows are broadcasted on Moodle as well as the LSE YouTube Channel.

Two key parts will be discussed in the presentation. Firstly, the presentation will focus on the design and pedagogical implications of the project. The student’s perception has been explored via an online survey and interviews. The findings demonstrate positive impact on students’ linguistic skills as well as overall learning experience. Secondly, the talk will discuss the technological issues of the production of the videos. It will share the challenges and complications for both the filming and editing process. Recommendations will be provided for colleagues who wish to consider similar projects for their own students.