Teaching Tips within and beyond the Language Classroom (with Dr. Licheng Gu)

Join hosts Bridget Colacchio and Polina Pine as they explore the world of language education with Professor Licheng Gu from Northwestern University! Professor Gu shares his wealth of experience and insights, shining a light on the transformative power of student-centered teaching methods. He also explains how interactive and engaging classroom activities can revolutionize language education, making learning a truly enjoyable experience. 

In this episode, Professor Gu unveils the magical impact of humor in language classrooms, along with the invaluable lessons we glean from our mistakes. From practical tips on fostering a culture of participation to the art of delivering timely feedback, Professor Gu equips us with the tools to create vibrant and thriving learning environments. 

Join us for an enlightening conversation that will reignite your passion for language education and inspire new ideas for the classroom! 

Guest biography 

Dr. Licheng Gu, Professor of Instruction at Northwestern University, has 30 years of experience teaching the Chinese language in America. His research interest focuses on pedagogy and curriculum development. 

In addition to publishing numerous articles, he is the author of four published books:  Picture Characters: Learning Chinese Characters through Pictographs in San Francisco in 2006, Chinese with Lulu and Maomao in Chicago in 2008,《美国汉语教学动态研究》Chinese Teaching in America: An Analysis of Its Past, Present, and Future in Beijing in 2019,  and Language Hacking Mandarin: A Conversation Course for Beginners (co-authored) in London in 2021. 

Professor Gu also serves as East Asia Liaison in the Office of Vice President for International Relations. Professor Gu is the current Director of Northwestern’s Summer in Beijing Program and served ten years as Director for Northwestern’s former Program of African and Asian Languages. 

Host biographies 

Dr. Bridget Colacchio is the former Co-Director of Loyola University Chicago’s Faculty Center for Ignatian Pedagogy (FCIP) and a clinical assistant professor in the School of Education. Bridget joined the FCIP team in January 2019, but she has been a Loyola staff member since 2007. Bridget’s commitment to and passion for Jesuit education began as a student at Boston College, grew as a teacher at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School on Chicago’s Southwest Side, and has been the guiding force in her work with students and colleagues since then. 

Dr. Polina Pine is an esteemed educator and researcher renowned for her expertise in chemistry and pedagogy. With a diverse background spanning General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry, she is known for her dynamic teaching style that engages and inspires students. Dr. Pine is actively involved in shaping the future of education by mentoring undergraduate research and consulting for textbooks and teaching platforms. Her passion for inclusive teaching methods, multicultural education, and making education accessible for everyone underscores her commitment to student success. Her groundbreaking work has been recognized with various awards such as the Ignatian Pedagogy Research Grant, showcasing her dedication to advancing teaching methodologies. She is a recipient of the St. Ignatius Teaching and a Sujack Teaching Master Teacher Awards for her excellence in teaching. Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Pine holds Teaching Certificates from prestigious institutions such as the Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching at Northwestern University and Ignatian Pedagogy Certificate from Loyola University Chicago.

Credits

Produced and edited in coordination with Digital Media Services at Loyola University Chicago.

Intro and outro music provided by Yinon Gankin.