Rhythm of Life

Full Moon -Full Steam Ahead

2011-03-30T17:11:00.000-05:00

I have made some positive changes to my schedule---actually making myself free enough to complete my studies. It's been a battle physically & spiritually, but think we all know how this will end.
On the 19th, some members of my small group and I went out instead of meeting at my place. We visited Austin's popular Mt. Bonnell! I had never been there. It's lovely! It offers a great view of the city and it's FREE!! Perfect for your grad student-- or any other non-so-rich folks you know. This night was special because it was the night of the 'super' full moon rising. We climbed to a lookout spot and watched the sun go down with about 50 other people. It was gorgeous to see the light dancing on the water, to kinda spy on the houses along the waterfront, and just chat with strangers. (You know, my favorite hobby.)
As we walked up one path, it was strewn with rose petals. I said aloud, "Why would anyone put rose petals on the dusty ground? I like roses. Do roses grow up here? Why would someone throw the petals on the ground for people to walk all over?"
A handsome guy next to me said, "To lead her to me." I looked at him and realized that he was dressed in a jacket and very nice shoes--not hiking-up-Mt-Bonnell shoes. And then, my enthusiasm overtook me.
"Oh! You're...! Oh! That's so wonderful! Congratulations!"
(Yes, you might think I don't need so many exclamations points, but that really is how weird I am.)
I winked at a couple of ladies who were standing behind him. I asked them if they were going to photograph the event for him. They said they didn't know the guy, but that they'd stick around, just in case.
I noticed he had placed two glasses and a bottle of red on a flat rock nearby, and that he was waiting for his lady love. Nearer the sunset, the ladies came over to me with their cameras and explained that the handsome guy didn't have any people with him to take photographs--so they did it for him! The girlfriend said, "Yes." Very sweet.

My friends and I had international food that night. Korean sushi, and Kenyan chipattis with stew. We drove out west to a park on 2222 past 620--Cypress Creek Park. We tried out best to picnic out there, but it was very dark and windy, and our silly table was like a see-saw. Still fun! We watched the moon rise behind us and stood around sharing. It's a wonderful thing to know that God answers prayer. I asked for sisters---and boy does my cup overflow!

Right now I'm finishing up my MA report. This is the final detail to complete before I am eligible to graduate this May. I'm bound and determined to get all this squared away. The next couple of weeks will be very stressful, but I think that I can handle it. I have a couple of things on my plate, but I feel sure that I can complete my work on time. I have been having a better time of composing lately. I can't thank everyone enough for their prayers. I get discouraged so easily. But, I'm on a mission now!

So, I'm getting ready to go bowling to take my mind off things. In the morning, I have a job interview. Wish me luck! Tonight I'll continue writing. I want to have my first draft done as soon as possible.

Someone's Confused

2010-09-25T20:41:00.000-05:00

This past two weeks have been a complete derailment from my plans to stay the course spiritually and academically. I'm learning new ways to guard my heart and mind.
Today I got up early to discover the running trail at Walnut Creek Metro Park. As it turns out, it's not so much a place for runners as it is a place for families with dogs. Not that that's a bad thing-- it's just that I want to run in absolute peace without having to dodge children or canines. It's nice to be someplace where everyone around you is running or biking or walking--more like Town Lake. I just can't stand the crowd.
I like to run outdoors because it helps me clear my head & heart. I like to review my to-do list and then just cast it aside to enjoy the feel of the wind against my face and listen to the morning insects sing to one another. I love that free feeling.
I finally checked out some valuable books from the PCL on UT campus. I'm reading and outlining like a madwoman. I have to get my proposals finished but I don't have the blocks of time I need to really concentrate. There's always something distracting me, it seems.
This past couple of weeks, I've been debating whether or not I should date. I really don't have the time, but I'm such a pushover that I actually agreed to go out during the week (against my better judgment). Nice guy, but definitely not right for me. It's really unfortunate because he seems to like me a lot. But at this stage in my life, I know what I'm looking for in a companion. I'm not looking to have fun or to just pass the time. I'm only willing to befriend people who have the same values and spiritual foundation/outlook that I have. That may seem narrow-minded to some people, but I like things around me to be organized. And since I've been strengthening my walk, I have no desire to experiment further. I have read all the books and heard all the philosophies. I've been all over the world and seen the way people of other faiths believe and live.
I have decided to follow Jesus. I am a Christian. I can respect that other people believe differently without being in bed with their ideas. My mind is made up and my course is set. I was surprised to actually have someone say to me, "I'm a Christian. I believe there are many paths to God." In one breath! What on earth have they been learning?! They aren't sure whether or not Jesus is the Son of the Living God. Huh?! I just had to correct my new acquaintance. You may be interested in Christianity, but you're not a Christian yet. You have to give up that self-preservist, worldly thinking if you want to know God. Jesus saves, without your help. Jesus has already paid, without your works. Jesus has already conquered, without your ideas. His Love is real, unearned, unchangeable, unstoppable, unfathomable, unmeasurable-- and yet true and tangible, overwhelming and consuming, perfect and protective. Only God can do that.
So, while I have been distracted, I am settled my roots down a little deeper. I am studying through the Book of Job right now. I love the way there's a Word just for me. There's one just for you, too.
I'm getting back to my homework.

You Want Power?

2010-09-12T22:43:00.000-05:00

I made to early service at Shorline today. I can't believe it. I spent my afternoon doing research for my MA report. These days I can barely keep my head on straight, but I have learned to savour the profound moments and appreciate their memory once they've passed.

During service today I smelled the Presence. If you know what I'm talking about, then you know exactly what I mean. I couldn't help smiling and hugging myself. (I didn't want to freak out the lady next to me.) So, I closed my eyes and just enjoyed the moment. Pure Power.

I am overwhelmed by the depth of God's love for us. And knowing that keeps me grounded.
I was lucky enough to serve yesterday at Shoreline East. It's an amazing outdoor ministry. We have church and then serve lunch to our guests, most of whom are homeless. It's a blessing to help people. And, if you're like me, you're only a few paychecks away from homeless yourself. Power to His people.

Yesterday I joined Gold's Gym in an effort to take back my sleepless nights. When I'm thinking about too much, I don't sleep. That makes me cranky, makes me want to eat horrible food, makes me want to cocoon myself. I slept part of the afternoon. I cleaned my apartment. I read for class. I have been wearing myself out with the three-job + grad school schedule.

I did Body Pump. Fun, fun! I know I'll be kicking myself tomorrow--if I can get my leg to bend. This evening I did Body Combat. Let's just say that right now all of my muscles are aching. I can barely lift my arms. But I'm so excited because I did push ups today (!!) and I feel great. Clear thinking, deep breathing. Finally, I know I'm gonna sleep like a baby. (No more getting up every two hours. I'm determined.) Empowered!

Luckily, I'll find some relief this week. I don't have to work up at the law office on Wednesdays, which means I can spend that time doing what I actually moved to Austin for-- my research. Come October, I'll finally be free on Monday and Wednesday nights. Though I will miss my ESL class dearly, I really need to focus my attention and energy on my graduate work.

Right now, I'm heading off to study the Word & go to bed. I want to get an early start on the day. I'm going straight to the gym around 6am, and then to work. After that, I'm going to teach for a few hours. Then, I hope to be in bed by 9:30pm. We'll see how that works out.

Power? You might know that song, "Real" from the 2000 or so WOW Gospel. Anyway, the hook is:
I can feel Him in my hands, I can feel Him in my feet.
I can feel Him in my heart, I feel Him all over me.
Now I've got power, you've got power,
Holy Ghost Power, Holy Ghost Power.
He's real, real. Real, real.

Matters of the Heart

2010-05-27T10:22:00.002-05:00

I got up around 6:30 this morning. This seems to be the general trend lately. I got up to enjoy my quiet time and then I got on the elliptical machine for a workout. While I was in the exercise room, I saw some beautiful things. I saw the pool area wake up. A blue bird landed on the sidewalk just outside the door and then a red bird with white-tipped feathers played in the tree outside the window. I hadn't imagined such lovely creatures were here at this apartment complex. Maybe there is more that "The early bird gets the worm" than I thought.
Nearly a full moon last night. Gorgeous and quiet.

I had so much fun in Lafayette last weekend. There's nothing like spending time with your family the friends who've known you for years. (Don't get me wrong. New friends are great too.) They already know how tempermental you are, and they have already forgiven you for whatever dumb thing proceeds from your mouth. lol. But best of all, you know they love the heart of you. And that takes time.

This morning I was reading the 16 chapter of Judges where Samson meets Delilah. A couple of things struck me. First, he loved her, but not the other women. Second, he shared his heart with her (after she pressured and manipulated him, but nonetheless...) Unfortunately, Delilah preferred money to loyalty to her husband. How differently his life may have been had Samson only married someone who understood that he was set apart for the Lord.

Anyway... that's the heart I'm talking about. Your family, your best friends--they know and support that part of you that's striving for excellence, and you know they would never use that information to hurt you or make fun of you. And they certainly wouldn't sell it!

So, thanks for making it safe for me to share my heart with you. It's rejuvenating for me to see your face and hear your voice and just spend time with you.

I got to hear the Iguanas at Downtown Alive. If you're not from Lafayette, you gotta go see the (free) fun for yourself. I danced with lots of strangers who were trying to hold in their happiness. I could see them tapping their feet and squirming, but too shy to dance. So, I plucked them from the edges of the crowd and invited them to let loose. (The band likes that too!) I know it's hot outside. It's hot whether you dance or not... so .. DANCE! lol

Becoming a Salsera

2010-01-26T20:31:00.000-06:00

Since school let out last semester, I've been taking salsa dance classes. It's my new addiction. Good exercise, fun new social life, and a new way to look at the order of things.
When I think about dancing, the hardest thing for me is to follow. I'm having to learn what someone else's cues mean. It's not as easy as they make it look on 'Dancing with the Stars.' Maybe it's because I wouldn't dare wear any of those skimpy outfits-- I dunno.
I don't know how everyone else feels about music, but there's something powerful for me in the beat of a drum, in the warmth of a bass guitar, in the melody of a song. I know that I should dance. I'm only just learning the opposite of solo. At first, when the guys tried to spin me, I felt like they were trying to break my arm. I often wasn't sure whether I should take a step back or go forward, or swing out, or do a flourish. I'm getting used to the patterns. Hopefully, soon I'll learn how to add the shines.
Anyway, what struck me is the picture of trust I've gained. When the room is crowded, your partner watches out for stray elbows and wild feet. The lady's job during the spin is to maintain contact with her partner. Crazy how I just realized that all my life, the Lord's been asking me to dance with Him. I think about the times in my life when I felt I was just spinning. It only gets scary when I don't keep contact with Him.

I have this picture in my mind of clay and hands and spinning. I just know something beautiful and unique and useful will emerge from the process. Skillful hands- strong and gentle at the same time. Eye for detail, form, line, proportion. Knowledge of the properties of the clay-how much water, how much kneading. Practice at the wheel- how to throw clay, manage the speed of the wheel. How does the potter orchestrate the symphony between hands and water and sound and clay? How does he know when it's done, or when it should be something more? I love this picture. It made me cry and I haven't figured out why.

I'm sitting here, after having read for tomorrow's evening class, knowing that I am blessed. I want to share my joy with others. I've come under Shoreline Christian Center here in Austin, and starting this Saturday, I'll host a 9:00am women's Bible study at my apartment. I don't know what surprises will come of this endeavor, but when I read the announcement that hosts were needed, I got the nudge. (You know what I'm talking about.)
I was listening to David Jeremiah on the radio last week as I drove home from work. He was relating the story of a man who had trouble tithing. Touchy subject among believers. Some food for thought.
Man: I want to give my tithe, but I don't have enough money.
Pastor: You should honor the Lord first.
Man: But, I hardly have enough to pay my bills. If I tithe, I will be even more behind.
Pastor: Well, you really should honor the Lord first. I'll tell you what. I'll help you out.
Man: Really? How?
Pastor: Give what you feel you should to the Lord. Then, bring me whatever bills you have at the end of the month, and I'll take care of them.
Man: What?! You'd really do that?
Pastor: Yes.
Man: Wow, if you could do that, I'd really appreciate it.
Pastor: So.... you'd trust me to do that, but you don't trust God to do it?

Time for a run! There's nothing better than exercise to clear my mind and prepare me for bed! When I'm not running I'm dancing. Becoming a salsera means becoming.

Bittersweet Christmas

2009-12-24T23:58:00.004-06:00

I love Christmas! But, I can't decide whether I am excited about the season this year or not. Last night I danced salsa with my classmates and couldn't help but notice how lost and lonely some people are. It's heartbreaking to think that so many people don't know how much they are loved, how unique and special they are, how precious they are. I wonder how I can do a better job of passing on what has been given to me. I didn't see peace on thoses faces. My worldview is so small and thinking of that makes me want to cry, so I can try to imagine how God feels to see His children hurting.
Right now it's so quiet and still and the air is so cold. When you take a deep breath, it feels like the icy wind is trying to find its way into your heart. Eyes wide open. I'll be home with my family soon. It's going to be wonderful to hug everyone and share a delicious dinner and catch up. But, this Christmas is hard because my grandfather died today, and my brother will go to Iraq on January 8th.
Today I'm trying to dispense of my tears and brighten my smile because I don't want to miss a moment. This is the time when we celebrate our reconciliation with our Creator. I am amazed at how much I have learned about His love this year. I'm amazed that God takes time to care about the details of our individual lives, and prepares all of these opportunities for improvement.
Oh, but bittersweet. Peace and security all around. Life can be so painful, but I know that I know that there's abundance and beauty and flourishing and stability and strength on the other side of this. I know that my family will become stronger and we will stand together, heart to heart, and hold more dearly to the reason for Christmas. I guess I'm up at this hour just being grateful. And with a grateful heart, I'm going to rest.

Battlefield of the Mind

2009-11-15T03:30:00.001-06:00

I know it's late, but that's not my fault. I took a nap and when I woke up it was Sunday. So, Friday night, instead of forcing myself to study, I decided to go to Red Box and get a couple of DVDs. I rented Nights in Rodanthe and Battlefield of the Mind. I'm a romantic at heart so my choice of Nights in Rodanthe is pretty predictable. I had seen previews for it and thought it would make me smile. I think I will enjoy the book better. Anyway, that's not what prompted my writing.
I am excited about Battlefield of the Mind. It's terrible that you can go to almost any store to fill your mind with filth. You can rest assured that you will find some self-help suggestions or some odd temptation to deter you from seeking the source of all things.
I had heard of this series by Joyce Meyers but hadn't yet read or seen it. This is just what I needed to hear (and one I'll have to purchase for my library). I give myself pressure to perform well and to do things well. Hearing this teaching reminds me that my conversation is with heaven, and that I have an audience of One.
I want to leave a legacy of godliness.
Maybe at ~30 it's unfair to say I'm looking back at my life, but I have to say that even a year ago I was a different woman. When I look at how much the Word has changed me, at how much deeper my praise runs, at how much stronger I am, I can only thank the Lord.
Here are some nuggets:
-Tragedy into Triumph
-Think less (about what's wrong) and Thank more (for what He has done)
-The devil questions our identity in Christ and tries to get us to act on our own. He tries to get us to compromise on something small, just this one time. He attacks us when our thoughts have gone astray, but also when we are righteous. So... let us have the mind of Christ. Respond immediately to those attacks with the Word--out loud! You will be strengthen by the Spirit. (Luke 4:1-15)
-Busy yourself with serving so that there is no room for the enemy to gain a foothold in your mind.
-Renew your mind daily.
-Encourage yourself in the Lord. (even when no one else seems to appreciate you)
-ENJOY YOUR LIFE! Jesus didn't die so you could be miserable. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
I'm gonna stop before I start preaching myself. That's only from the first part of four in this video. Now is the time to keep watch over our hearts, to keep watch over our families, to intercede in prayer for others, to love to the fullest. We'll never have more than right now to do what's right. Bless someone today by just being who you are. You don't need to do much. God's an expert in all things.
Oh, you should rent the video at red box if it's available in your area. I'm gonna buy Battlefield of the Mind and continue to pursue growth.

Esta noche

2009-10-30T22:57:00.005-05:00

Es una noche perfectamente tranquila. Oigo el viento corriendo entre los edificios. Las luces en la distancia brillan como estrellas. El tiempo es lo en que puedes sentir como aristócrata y existir como poeta.

Escucho un canal de radio que presenta música mundial. Las voces de África francófona son mis favoritas. Hay un grupo llamado Zap Mama. Entrelacen los sonidos de Congo, Bélgica y Malí. Me encantan los instrumentos tradicionales de África y las melodías de Europa. La música de Zap Mama me hace sentir algo profundo. Es lo mismo sentimiento que tengo cuando escucho tango o poesía como la de
Victoria Eugenia Santa Cruz Gamarra. Puedo habitar dos épocas en la historia-la que conozco porque está enfrente de mí y la que conozco porque está escondido en mi alma.

Al fin, estoy en búsqueda de mi propio instrumento que abarca la belleza y orgullo y triunfo que poseo. Sueño en viajar a otros lugares descubriendo palabras y sonidos que expresan la grandeza atrapada en este cuerpo limitado.

Esta noche. El viento y la música.

Smiling Inside and Out

2009-10-28T23:58:00.007-05:00

Wednesdays are always busy for me because of the two three hour classes. Today I went to the FLESA luncheon with Dr. Orlando Kelm who showed fantastic technologies to use in the language classroom. He teaches Spanish and Portuguese at UT. Evernote is one application he discussed that seems to be a wonderful tool for anyone who likes to organize and compile. You get to create your very own database-- a 'me' library. Best of all the information is saved on the net and not your computer.

After the lunch, I met with my professor for Methods. We talked about the presentation I did on Monday, which helped me realize just how much work I need to do to be successful as a language teacher. I learned some important things about how to overcome my weakness and strategies on how to overcome the things that aren't in my lesson plans.

I decided to go foraging at the Union. As I walked, I found lots of interesting things. A guy with Greenpeace made an excellent sales pitch but I just couldn't commit. I asked to take a picture of me and the lady bug that landed right on my hand. I found pumpkin carvers. Of course, those jack-o-lanterns were longhorns. Then I saw that George Washington had already nabbed a pumpkin of his own. Then an honor society sold me cookies. I videoed that!

Then I found a stone carver inside the union. Evidently, if you donate $2500 you get your name carved into the slate. Sweet.

Both of my classes were awesome and inspiring. I tell myself that I'm going to use all this knowledge because I know that I will. One day at a time though. Once I get my homework schedule organized around my social schedule, I'll be straight. I'm going to bed, but enjoy the pictures.

On the Shuttle

2009-10-21T22:53:00.003-05:00

Today was a dreary, rainy day. I don't have an umbrella. I don't have a raincoat. It sounds like I should go shopping, I know. Wednesdays are always busy. I have six hours of class and usually try to get a workout in there someplace.
But I did a lot of indoor things because of the rain. I take the shuttle to school each day. It's about 15-20 minutes to get to campus (because of the stops), 10-15 minutes to get back from campus (because I get off at the second stop). Each shuttle bus driver is a little different.
The one I had today is the one I call 'The German.' He drives like a madman. If you don't wave your arms wildly at his approach, he will not stop to pick you up. Sometimes, he'll drive past people who think he's stopped for them. (Funny from the inside of the bus. Probably not so much from the outside.) I've seen him gesture at car drivers, tailgate big rigs, and whip around curves as if he weren't transporting precious cargo--ehem, me.
Today, the road was wet and I felt sure that as we were flying up Hwy 35, we were going to crash into some other vehicle or possible skid off the road. There are two stops within 500 feet of each other; mine is the second. He had to slam on the brakes to let me and this other guy off. You could feel the whole bus lurch forward. I think he managed to get up to 40mph in that 5 seconds. Amazing! If I ever make connections with Indy 500 sponsors, I'll tell them to hunt down this guy. As for letting him shuttle me to and from school, sometimes, I'd rather just wait for the next driver. Sheesh!

Festival Dancers Photo, Oman Picture National Geographic Photo of the Day

2009-10-15T00:19:00.005-05:00

I've never been to Oman, but at this time of night I wonder how I would feel in the midst of the culture there. How do people spend their days? Why do American dancers "smile"? These dancers don't seem to have to.
I wonder what the music is like. What does everyone eat after an event like this?
Every time I see a picture like this, it makes me want to get on a plane. Our world is so diverse, and our lives are so short. Did you dance today?

The Book Review

2009-10-13T09:29:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I bought a book for a class entitled Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language: Theories and Applications by Michael E. Everson and Yun Xiao. One of my professors has encouraged us to write a book review, which is something I suppose I should do at some point. The writer in me sees this as a wonderful opportunity to be published. The procrastinator in me doesn't see why such torture is necessary.

Today I'm finishing my submission. I'll, of course share it once it's finished.

Finalized at 2:53pm (because it's due at 3pm) Oct 14, 2009

Review of Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language: Theories and Applications

Everson, M. and Xiao, Y. (2008) Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language: Theories and Applications . Boston: Cheng and Tsui Company

This book is a collection of essays intended for use by Chinese language teachers in North America, whether they are teachers in training or experienced mentors. It is both a pedagogical guide and a short survey of second language acquisition theories. This collection of essays intends to give studied advice to other professionals as Chinese language teaching becomes more prominent in American schools. It is especially suitable for teachers who wish to connect philosophically and methodologically with their colleagues. The contributors share the expertise of decades of practice, directorship, mentoring, and research. The publisher notes that this volume could be adopted as a course book. It may serve well as an introductory survey text as it covers a broad range of themes.

The book is divided into three sections: 1)Teaching Chinese in Context, 2) Teacher Knowledge and Pedagogical Decisions, and 3) Challenges and Strategies for the American Classroom. The essays share a genuinely warm tone and solid advice to Chinese language teachers. The contributors appear united in supporting standards-based instruction and assessment, which is consistent with the current trend in foreign language education. The discussion questions at the end of each chapter can be used to review concepts or to initiate research. This collection of essays offers Chinese teachers practical insight on learners, teaching materials, and the Chinese language teaching field.

The collaborators have touched upon a number of learner factors including--but not limited to—learner beliefs, culture and first language transfer. Leslie Schrier’s chapter outlines six important ideas which guide American education. Among those presented, the idea of productive versus receptive education is one Chinese language teachers should note, especially if they hail from a more teacher-centered background. Brown (2009) notes that “although students’ and teachers’ personal beliefs about teaching may not be corroborated by or correlate perfectly with empirical evidence, there appears to be a strong relationship between previous experience and the development of ideas about teaching and learning”(p.47). As teachers assess their own beliefs, they will be better equipped to adjust their instructional design. This volume also addresses learner culture and how that affects target language cultural competence. Whether through the use of authentic materials or error correction, teachers guide students to a new awareness of behavioral culture differences as they are tied to language. In the sixth chapter Everson covers some complications English speakers face in acquiring literacy in Chinese. Chinese language learners require a variety of support structures to assist them with sound-symbol correspondence and character writing and recognition in addition to pronunciation and grammar training.

Another theme this text visits is teacher access to appropriate materials. Working with a less commonly taught language, Chinese teachers in the United States face a relative scarcity of quality instructional resources, Internet tools, and assessment instruments. The authors have reviewed a number of textbooks and graded readers which may be suitable for classrooms. The careful use of authentic materials is also addressed. Similarly, Hadley(2001) comments that, “although for the lowest levels of proficiency one needs to select texts that deal with familiar, interesting topics or present cultural information (including realia) in a fairly straightforward fashion, a wide variety of text types can be used, as long as the tasks are geared to the students’ capabilities…” (p. 206). Xiao’s entry on the presentation of materials to heritage learners is especially informative and addresses the unique interests and abilities of these learners. The eighth chapter is a brief, yet thorough survey of electronic resources for creating instructional materials, accessing authentic materials, disseminating learning tools, and generating assessments. In the tenth chapter, Spring notes the inception of a framework designed to evaluate language proficiency across multiple assessments. As teaching plans take cues from national guidelines, assessment instruments will become more streamlined and valid for American learner groups.

Thirdly, this compilation of essays offers teachers commentary on the theories and methodologies behind current teaching prescriptions. Central to current language teaching trends is the focusing strength of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Teachers who wish to garner support for Chinese language programs should use these standards to their advantage. Across chapters there is swift discussion of prevailing theories surrounding language acquisition, information processing, and pedagogy. Additionally, the writers have furnished inclusive examples of teaching plans and activities. “A teacher who wants to use a particular technique will benefit by knowing what it implies in terms of language learning and language processing, thy type of student for whom it is most appropriate, and the ways in which it fits into the classroom situation” (Cook, 2008,p.9). This text provides a balance between how teachers can think about their instructions plans and how best to carry them out.

In just a couple hundred pages, this text spans topics which are important to Chinese language teachers at all levels. There is information about language theory, teaching materials, learning tools, and language acquisition research. This compilation presents a thorough treatment of a number of topics, encompassing both theoretical and practical information. Cultural sensitivity, on the part of both the learners and the teachers, is also accentuated. Most impressively, this text is interspersed with invaluable resources for teachers. The 2006 inauguration of the Advance Placement Chinese course (Everson and Xiao, p. 61) will compel the industry to train highly-qualified instructors and publish better teaching texts and materials. Teachers now have a current, functional starting point for improving instruction with voices from general language acquisition and educational to the specific Chinese teaching context.

References

Brown, A. V. (2009). Students’ and teachers’ perceptions of effective foreign language teaching: A comparison of ideals. The Modern Language Journal, 93, 46-60.

Cook, V. (2008) Second Language Learning and Language Teaching (4^th Ed.). Malta: Hodder Education

Felder, R. M. (1995). Learning and teaching styles in foreign and second language education. Foreign Language Annals, 28, 21-31.

Hadley, A. O. (2001). Teaching language in context (3rd ed.). Boston: Heinle and Heinle.

Horwitz, E. K. (2005). Classroom management for teachers of Japanese and other foreign languages. Foreign Language Annals, 38, 56-64.

Lightbown, P. M. (2000). Anniversary article: Classroom SLA research and second language teaching. Applied Linguistics, 21, 431-462.

Rivera-Mills, S. V. & Plonsky, L. (2007). Empowering students with language learning strategies: A critical review of current issues. Foreign Language Annals, 40, 535-548.