Heather Clydesdale

Dr. Heather Clydesdale writes about art, history, and contemporary issues in Asia. Her works include K–12 multimedia offerings as well as articles on language acquisition and enhancing learning through technology and international partnerships. She recently received her Ph.D. in art history and archaeology from Columbia University and completed her dissertation on third-century tombs on China’s western frontier. From 2000–2002 she served as Assistant Director of Curriculum Development at Asia Society, where she developed projects including Visible Traces and Asia Society Kids.

Recent publications on AsiaSociety.org

World Language Teachers Find Familiar Ground with the Common Core

Heather Clydesdale on how the pedagogical approaches that world language teachers have been using for years bear striking similarities to the Common Core.
A Focus on Fun Spurs Language Learning

Heather Clydesdale examines how the Chinese International School in Hong Kong focuses on fun with great results in their students’ language learning.
Exploring Islam in China

Dr. Cyndy Ning traveled to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in western China and discovered imaginative ways to adapt authentic materials to all levels of Chinese language learning.
Students Experience the Breadth of China

Chinese American International School in San Francisco has a commitment to providing its students diverse learning experiences in China. The school organizes trips for its students to Taipei, Beijing, and Qinghai over three years.
Virtual Exchanges Strengthen Skills and Forge Friendships

How can Chinese language teachers establish connections between their own students and English-learning peers in China?
Robust Support for Teachers Pays Rich Dividends to Schools and Students

A strong teacher support system is critical, but how is it established?
Weeding Out Errors Helps Language Bloom

Cultivating high achievement in Chinese depends on the patient efforts of teachers who are willing to get down in the weeds.
What's in Your Toolbox?

Teaching requires both innovation and adaptation, meaning educators must continually curate their collection of implements, honing familiar devices and adding new ones.
Flagship Participants Find Their Voice (and Future) in Chinese

Graduates of the Chinese Language Flagship Program at Arizona State University are proof that attaining a superior level of Chinese in four years is feasible.
Upriver at Qingming

Zhang Zeduan’s masterpiece handscroll transforms viewers into participants, engaging them in a historic, and excellent, adventure.