5 tips for in-person experiential language learning during COVID

Have you looked for experiences to practice conversational Chinese in an immersive setting without traveling to China? Are you a language educator looking for opportunities to extend students’ learning beyond classroom settings? Are you nervous about the impact of COVID on in-person events? 

You are not alone! You can make it happen now in 2021 safely while having a fun time. I too wanted to create an immersion day for Chinese learners in the Boston community to help them practice their language skills while enjoying delicious food. Let me take you quickly through the key steps I took to make my very first in-person experiential learning event XploreDimSum happen.

Our very first immersion-style learning experience XploreDimSum in Boston’s historic Chinatown in July 2021

Step 1: set learning objectives

If you are a learner, keep an open mind and be realistic. You may simply want to brush up on your conversational skills, or you may want to learn a few new things. Identify what’s realistic for you and seek opportunities to practice for a satisfying result.

If you are a teacher, identify just a couple of learning outcomes and backward design your activities.

Let me share my learning outcomes. During XploreDimSum, people will:

1. Practice introducing themselves in Chinese when meeting others for the first time

2. Learn to Identify dim sum items in Chinese

3. Talk about likes and dislikes in the context of having dim sum

4. Order familiar dim sum items in Chinese by asking yes-no questions

Other topics came up naturally including schools, jobs, Chinese learning background, and etc. Intermediate to advanced-level learners have found opportunities to develop language proficiency by going beyond reaching my basic learning outcomes.

Step 2: follow safety protocols and be accommodating

Follow CDC protocols and guidelines for events. Allow mask-wearing and certain flexibility for indoor/outdoor participation if appropriate and manageable.

I was very happy to meet my student and her mother in-person for the first time! They decided to join the group after dim sum for the outdoor part of the experience. I’m grateful for how they were willing to participate prioritizing safety and wellness based on their comfort level.

Step 3: build personal connections

I made an intentional effort to connect with all the participants. Time flew by and there were a lot of things going on and honestly, I didn’t get to have conversations with everyone in-depth. However, with the intention to introduce myself and ask relevant questions in Chinese, I felt connected with everyone. 

Honored to have met the owner

Before everyone arrived, I introduced myself to the owner of Hei La Moon, Albert, who was super kind and supportive to XploreDimSum. He made sure that I know where to find some innovative Sichuan ma la dim sum dishes on the menu and I’m dying to try them next time!

Step 4: keep things simple and stick with what you love and are familiar with

I limited the event to just dim sum and a walking tour. During the walking tour, I started with a small group Scavenger Hunt that allowed some free time and bonding exploration among the participants.

If you are learning Chinese, the same rule applies to simply being present and participating in the activities. You’ll get the most out of it if you choose to do something like XploreDimSum and you simply love learning the language.

Step 5: cheat sheets, surveys and a plan for future learning

No matter if you are a language learner or an educator, utilize the opportunity to learn and walk away with some concrete notes. Give and ask for feedback.

I created bookmarks for people to use as cheat sheets during dim sum and as keepsakes for XploreDimSum. I also prepared a five-question survey to get feedback for my future events. Before handing out the surveys, I made sure to announce to the participants that their feedback is valuable and I’ll offer a virtual online learning program for adults starting this fall. More details to come!

keepsake bookmarks that served as cheat sheets

My friend Rayna helped me create some DIY bookmark cheat sheets that participants could take home. I loved the process of creating them which also helped me simplify my initial language learning objectives.

I have truly enjoyed the entire process of making this event happen. My friends and ACE has been incredibly supportive and helpful throughout. It wouldn’t be the same without them. I also have learned a lot and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to try out ideas and grow.

My favorite photo from the walking tour of a new mural created by Asian Community Development Corporation’s youth program A-VOYCE.

Boston’s Chinatown holds such a special place in my life and if you want to read more about the story behind XploreDimSum, find it in this blog post.

Are you interested in participating in future XploreDimSum? Do you have other tips and ideas for safe and fun in-person learning? Please share with me and I’d love to know what you think!