Plenary Sessions

The conference team is shaping up an exciting program for NCLC 2020. Please stay tuned for more updates. Meanwhile, you are most welcome to learn more about the plenary sessions at the past 2019 National Chinese Language Conference!

Opening Dinner Reception and Networking Night

Thursday, May 9, 2019, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Join us for the first ever outdoor opening dinner reception at the 12th Annual National Chinese Language Conference. Please enjoy the beautiful harbor view on the lawn and the networking opportunity with more than 1,000 participants from across the globe. The opening reception will be kicked off by the lovely lion dance brought to you by the Abboud Family from San Diego.

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Plenary One

Pathways and Trends for Global Education

Friday, May 10, 2019, 8:15–9:45 a.m.

This plenary will discuss the growing field of global education, including the preparation of American students for the global academic and professional marketplace as well as the growing trend of international students exploring opportunities beyond their home countries. The conversation will discuss innovations in cross-border education and the increased professional demand to attract future-ready graduates, including both linguistic and cultural fluency.

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Luncheon Plenary Two

Student Study Abroad Experience: Impact and Best Practices

Friday, May 10, 2019, 12:30–2:15 p.m.

In the past three decades there has been a dramatic increase in opportunities for U.S. students to study, live, and work in Chinese- speaking countries. This plenary will discuss the impact on linguistic skill and cultural familiarity that study abroad experiences have on students, as well as the opportunities such experiences afford participating students. Panelists will discuss the evolution of study abroad programs and participant profiles as the larger field of Chinese language education has grown. They will also explore how participating in study abroad programs creates not only academic, but also professional and personal growth opportunities for students.

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Plenary Three

The Social Media Path to Chinese

Saturday, May 11, 2019, 8:30–9:30 a.m.

The Chinese language is all over the Internet and some of the most vibrant social media platforms are great teachers’ aids for new students of the language. This plenary will guide teachers and administrators to some of the best Chinese social media out there today. Being sure to include the NCLC audience in the discussion, Veteran journalist and former ChinaFile editor Jonathan Landreth will engage New York-based Chinese-language YouTuber Xiao Ma (Arieh Smith), award-winning Chinese language teacher Ying Jin from Silicon Valley, and Houston-based high school student Negest Tsegaye in a lively conversation. The father of a 14-year-old American girl, Landreth will bring a parent’s concerns into the session. The plenary will also poll NCLC attendees after the session and tabulate the results to offer everybody a Top 10 Chinese Social Media list.

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