Recently, to meet the "Chinese + Vocational Skills" learning needs of in-service teachers at vocational colleges in Indonesia, the 2022 "Chinese + Vocational Skills" Training for Local Teachers was held online, co-organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, the ASEAN-China Center and the Indonesian Embassy in China.
The training lasted for 9 days and offered 3 types of professional courses: "Chinese + Logistics Management", "Chinese + E-commerce" and "Chinese + Computer Network". The training team of over 20 Chinese lecturers was led by Xie Yonghua, President of one of the organizing institutions, Nanjing Vocational University of Industry Technology. 887 participants from more than 100 Indonesian vocational colleges participated, and the Ministry of Education and Culture in Indonesia awarded credits to those who completed the training.
The participants said that they not only experienced traditional Chinese culture, such as Chinese calligraphy and paper-cutting, but also learned an overview of the development of vocational education in China and the current conditions of the logistics, e-commerce and computer network industries in China. They expect to study in China in the future.
Stereoscopic textbooks facilitate online teaching
Since childhood, the phrase "Made in China" has been deeply imprinted in the mind of Junaidi, who loves Chinese movies. As an adult, she also commonly uses products made in China and is a faithful fan of Chinese sports. "I admire China's achievements in sports very much, and the accomplishments Chinese athletes have achieved in Olympic Games make us proud to be fellow Asians," Junaidi said.
This "Chinese + Vocational Skills" training was the first time that she had studied Chinese in relation to logistics. During the training, the lecturers showed professional concepts of logistics, such as electric forklifts and stacker cranes, with dynamic diagrams. At the same time, its functions and interrelated applications in production scenarios were shown in animated form, so that learners could visualize both what they look like and how they work, helping them to acquire knowledge of both Chinese and related vocational skills.
It is worth mentioning that all the operational skills involved in the textbooks were matched with corresponding 3D videos, just as if the learners were operating in the warehouse themselves.
Junaidi said that although the training was distance learning online, this three-dimensional material enhanced the learning experience and benefited her greatly. "Today, I am able to speak using the vocabulary and basic processes of the logistics industry in Chinese," Junaidi said.
Teaching both Chinese and vocational skills
Siti Aisah felt "very fortunate" to be able to attend the training, as he had a long-standing desire to learn Chinese. However, during the training period, the network signal in Aisah's area became extremely unstable due to days of heavy rain in central Indonesia. In order to successfully complete his online studies, he had to travel long distances to areas with better internet signals. "Through this training, I learned about Chinese culture, language and etiquette, as well as vocational skills, and I hope to become a professional teacher in the future, just like the teachers who taught me," Aisah said.
The training was also "particularly exciting" for Niniek Marginti. "I was so happy to be chosen as one of the participants of this training because it is related to my profession. I wanted to learn about both the current development of vocational education in China and the level of development of China's manufacturing industry," Marginti said.
Writing Chinese characters and making videos of presentations in Chinese are things that intimidated Marginti most during his training. At first, he could only write the characters horizontally and vertically with the help of a straightedge, and it took him a long time. After a period of training, Marginti could soon enough write neatly in square characters relatively quickly. "I also learned a lot of other aspects and skills, such as the art of calligraphy and the state of vocational education in China."
Deepen your understanding of contemporary China
Eva Sofiah almost jumped for joy when she received the notification that she could participate in this online training. As a teacher of logistics engineering courses in Indonesia, she is always looking forward to learning more about logistics management. Although language was not a small barrier, the Chinese teachers' friendliness and patience helped Sofiah learn quickly and carefully. Through a period of study, Sofiah feels that she has gained insight, broadened her mind, and deepened her understanding of China. "I am grateful for this opportunity to learn from Chinese teachers and hope to one day visit China to experience its profoundness and beauty firsthand," Sofiah said.
As the training was in online mode, in order to enhance the interactivity of the teaching, the Chinese teacher team enhanced the participants' Chinese language skills through short videos, virtual work scenarios, vocabulary stereoscopy, games and other teaching methods.
The participants said the training made them "fall in love with China". According to Indonesian educators, the "Chinese + Vocational Skills" training program was well received in terms of both course participation and teaching effectiveness. During the course of study, the participants were able to appreciate the charm of Chinese culture, expand their international horizons and enhance their understanding of China's rapid development. (cited from Center for Language Education and Cooperation, source from People's Daily Overseas Edition)
