Larry Joseph Billinger II
Expectations for Student Engagement

Because I have taught in China for five years, I have a strong grasp of what Chinese University students are capable of. One problem I see is keeping them engaged in classroom activities and discussion because of a culture that promotes lectures and their preferred style of student engagement. My experience has given me a good grasp on my Chinese students’ entry knowledge on the first day of class. Of course, language remains the biggest hurdle for students to overcome. Keeping them engaged despite this hurdle will always be an element of teaching overseas. 

What helps second language students learn is using vocabulary most of them will know. If they still don’t understand, I help them using different media to bridge the gap. My background in the IT industry greatly benefits the students. My ability to use any technology available to engage students in a more modern and efficient way remains one of my greatest strengths. Some examples of this are using QR codes in class for giving quizzes via their smartphones (which all the students have), translating difficult English vocabulary so the definition is in Chinese and relates to the correct field of study, or sending announcements, providing Wi-Fi in the classroom.

With an understanding of the language barrier, the next barrier would be relating the subject material to their current and future life. Something I have recently been introduced to is having students engage by relating a course subject matter to the U.N. Millennium Development Goals throughout class projects. This not only has the students relate to their own culture but also the world around them. Keeping students motivated through the course and making sure they understand the material, through assessment is necessary. Providing prompt and clear feedback of assessments to the students is the last step to keeping students engaged.